Another summer-collegiate shift for a team not invited to the new 120-team MiLB, as the Clinton LumberKings will play in the Prospect League in 2021 and beyond.
“We are looking forward to playing baseball in the Prospect League,” said LumberKings General Manager Ted Tornow,] via press release.. “LumberKings’ fans will see players who could be drafted by any of the 30 MLB clubs, instead of only prospects in one MLB organization. We will still have that connectivity to MLB as changes are being made by MLB in how baseball is being structured through their One Baseball Plan.”
“As we have previously said, baseball will be played here at NelsonCorp Field in 2021. Today’s announcement is proof of that promise. We have a great ballpark and fans that have been supportive of the club since its inception in 1937,” Tornow added.
There were a few potential landing sites for the LumberKings, including the summer-collegiate Northwoods League or even the independent Frontier League, which features several teams in the Chicago area. Currently the Prospect League is at 15 teams, though there is already talk of a 16th team to be announced soon.
“The Prospect League welcomes the LumberKings as our newest member for the 2021 season and beyond! Fans of the LumberKings can look forward to Opening Day. Having known Ted Tornow for over 30 years, I personally know they will present one of the highest quality operations in our league. The iconic ballpark there is one to cherish and we look forward to visiting Clinton. It is a proud and great day for the Prospect League,” said Dennis Bastien, Commissioner of the Prospect League, via press release.
Here’s the most up-to-date information about the current affiliation status.
RELATED STORIES: Sad ends to MiLB teams dumped by MLB; ValleyCats join Frontier League; Fresno guaranteed MiLB team through 2030; Mapping a baseball future outside of MiLB; Detroit retains Erie as affiliate: here’s why; Red Sox: We’ll fight to keep baseball in Lowell; Fresno agrees to Cal League move; 120-team MiLB lineup complete; No changes in Cardinals affiliates for 2021; Giants add Eugene to existing affiliates for 2021; Rangers return to Round Rock for 2021; Oakland adds Lansing to 2021 affiliate lineup; Pirates to bring back top affiliates; Mets confirm 2021 affiliate lineup; White Sox maintain farm system for 2021 and beyond; Cleveland returns top four affiliates for 2021; Cubs to return four affiliates for 2021; Dodgers: No change in 2021 team affiliates; Padres add San Antonio as new affiliate; Blue Jays choose Vancouver over Lansing; Astros add Asheville Tourists to three existing affiliates; Mariners see no affiliate changes in 2021; Brewers invite Nashville as new Class AAA affiliate; Nationals invite Rochester, Wilmington as new affiliates; Royals add Quad Cities, Columbia as affiliates; No changes in Boston Red Sox affiliates; No changes in Philadelphia Phillies farm system; Angels add Tri-City as affiliate, keep rest of system; Rays revamp farm system, adding Charleston and promoting Bowling Green; Twins revamp farm system with new St. Paul, Wichita affiliates; Braves add Augusta to affiliate lineup; D-Backs unveil 2021 affiliates; AA to Amarillo; Tigers announce 2021 affiliates: No change