TORTUGAS RECEIVE INVITATION TO CONTINUE LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP WITH THE REDS

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas are pleased to announce the club has received an invitation to remain affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds.

The partnership between the Reds and the Tortugas began in 2015 and was built on a long and successful history of professional baseball in Daytona. Affiliated professional baseball has been played at the ballpark for a century, following Daytona’s Florida State League debut in 1920. “The Tortugas are ecstatic this proud tradition is well positioned to continue for many years to come,” said Tortugas General Manager Jim Jaworski.

“We could not be happier that affiliated professional baseball is poised to continue to be played at Jackie Robinson Ballpark,” co-owner Bob Fregolle said. “This invitation from the Reds positions us well to continue to showcase Major League Baseball stars of tomorrow.”

Fregolle, along with Reese Smith and Rick French who together co-own the Tortugas, went on to thank the Volusia and Flagler Counties and Daytona Beach communities and current and previous staff for their support and passionate defense of the team.

The trio also thanks Reds ownership, led by Bob Castellini and the team’s front office, for standing with the organization in recognizing the importance of affiliated baseball to Daytona and its historical significance to all of professional baseball, given the city and ballpark is where the legendary Jackie Robinson first broke baseball’s color barrier.

“We are very proud to be a part of the storied history of professional baseball in Daytona and its connection to progress,” said Reds Vice President, General Manager Nick Krall. “We appreciate the team and city’s financial investments and commitment to preserving Jackie Robinson Ballpark, because it reminds our players and fans of his courage, sacrifice and hard work. The level of dedication and care shown to our younger players by the Tortugas’ front office is key to what has been a wonderful relationship.”

Smith emphasized the invitation would not have been possible without the commitment of City Manager Jim Chisholm, Mayor Derrick Henry, and the City of Daytona Beach as well as the support of many other government and civic leaders to invest in the necessary facility upgrades to ensure ‘The Jack’ meets new standards required of all affiliated minor league teams.

“We have the greatest fans in the world, and we know they will be delighted to see the Tortugas return to this historic ballpark in 2021 and beyond,” said Smith.

“While a lot of details about the affiliation have to be worked out in the coming weeks, from what the actual agreement and the facilities plan looks like to the 2021 schedule, it’s exciting to think that we are being given the opportunity to create the second 100-year history of baseball in Daytona Beach,” said French.

The City of Daytona Beach is committed to continuing its long history of affiliated professional baseball, said City Manager Jim Chisholm. “We look forward to working in partnership with the Daytona Tortugas and Cincinnati Reds to ensure Jackie Robinson Ballpark remains a jewel for the city and the sport for many years to come.”

Mayor Derrick Henry said he appreciates all the Tortugas do to enhance the community and is proud to Stand With The Jack. “Jackie Robinson Ballpark is a landmark of the Civil Rights Movement and a cherished part of our city’s history, and the Tortugas are essential assets for our community,” he said. “We could not be prouder to Stand With The Jack and with the Tortugas.”

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS

The Daytona Tortugas are a Class A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.