Frederick Keys continue affiliation with Major League Baseball in new MLB Draft League
FREDERICK, MD – Major League Baseball in conjunction with Prep Baseball Report (PBR) have announced the formation of the all-new MLB Draft League set to launch in 2021. The league, which will include the Frederick Keys, becomes the first in the country focused on top prospects eligible to be drafted
FREDERICK, MD – Major League Baseball in conjunction with Prep Baseball Report (PBR) have announced the formation of the all-new MLB Draft League set to launch in 2021. The league, which will include the Frederick Keys, becomes the first in the country focused on top prospects eligible to be drafted by MLB Clubs that summer.
“We are ecstatic to have Frederick continue to be a gateway to the Majors in the all-new MLB Draft League and cannot wait for another season of Keys baseball,” said Keys President and Owner Ken Young. “Frederick is such a wonderful community with tremendous fans and support. Over the years the Keys have been one of the best drawing franchises in the Carolina League and we very much appreciate that commitment from the greater Frederick area.”
The Frederick Keys will be joined in the MLB Draft League by the Trenton Thunder (formerly of the Double-A Eastern League), Mahoning Valley Scrappers, State College Spikes, West Virginia Black Bears and Williamsport Crosscutters (all formerly of the New York-Penn League). With the MLB Draft now being held as part of MLB All-Star Week in mid-July, draft-eligible players will have a unique opportunity to showcase their abilities and gain exposure to MLB Clubs and fans each year.
“Ask anyone from Frederick, and they will tell you that the Keys are more than just a baseball team. They are a cornerstone of our community, providing affordable family entertainment for our region and the City values this relationship,” said Michael O’Connor, Mayor of The City of Frederick. “We are thrilled to hear that MLB shares in our commitment and are looking forward to the Keys return as part of this new MLB affiliated league.”
The MLB Draft League will feature a 68-game regular season that is scheduled to run from late May to mid-August with an annual All-Star Break centered around the MLB Draft. Players will receive unprecedented visibility to MLB Club scouts through in-person observation and state-of-the-art scouting technology, as well as instruction from former MLB players and educational programming designed to prepare them for careers as professional athletes. MLB and Prep Baseball Report will assign players and coaching staffs for each team as well as provide league administrative functions.
The Frederick Keys have proven to be a fun, affordable, family entertainment staple in Frederick since 1989. The Keys played that first season at McCurdy Field in downtown Frederick before moving into their current home of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium for the 1990 season. From 1989-2020 the Keys were the Advanced-A Carolina League affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. During this time, over 160 former Keys players have reached the Major Leagues. The Keys have routinely finished in the top two in the Carolina League in attendance and have entertained more than 9 million fans since the organization was founded in 1989. The Keys are estimated to generate over $15 million of annual economic impact while providing 25 fulltime and 250 part time staff. The Keys have won four Carolina League Championships, hosted three Carolina League All Star Games, and have won many national awards over the years including having been recognized by the Carolina League over the last two seasons with the Matt Minker Award for Community Service and John H. Johnson’s Presidents Award.
For more information about the Frederick Keys please contact Maci Hill by phone at (301)-815-9902 or by emailing [email protected]