Barons & White Sox Announce Two-Year PDC Extension
Birmingham, AL - Building off the success of three consecutive attendance record setting seasons, the Birmingham Barons and the Chicago White Sox have jointly agreed to terms on a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract, which was previously extended through 2018. The new agreement will run through the 2020 season which ensures the Barons will continue to operate as the Double-A affiliate of the White Sox for 34-consecutive seasons.
The 2016 season will mark the team's 30th year as the Double-A Affiliate of the White Sox, the longest tenured partnership in the Southern League and one of the longest in all of Minor League Baseball. Over the first 29 years of the affiliation, the Barons have won five Southern League Championships (1987, 1989, 1993, 2002, 2013) and made the playoffs 15 times, including a franchise record and Southern League record tying six-straight appearances from 2000-05. In addition, the White Sox captured the 2005 World Series Championship with a roster featuring eight former Barons.
"The White Sox and Barons have enjoyed an excellent relationship for nearly 30 years, bringing multiple championships to the city of Birmingham, and we're excited to extend our partnership through the 2020 season," said Rick Hahn, White Sox Senior Vice President/General Manager. "Regions Field has earned a well-deserved reputation as the one of the top ballparks in the minor leagues, and the fans have responded by helping the Barons lead the Southern League in attendance three straight years."
Since moving to Regions Field in 2013, the list of Barons to make their Major League debut with the White Sox includes Erik Johnson, Daniel Webb, Frankie Montas, Chris Bassitt, Chris Beck, Jake Petricka, Micah Johnson, Tyler Saladino, Marcus Semien, Andy Wilkins and Trayce Thompson. Previously names such as Frank Thomas, Mike Cameron, Mark Buehrle, and Bobby Jenks have donned the Barons uniform before making it directly to Chicago.
"The Barons are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with the Chicago White Sox," said Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson. "This agreement will carry us through 34 seasons as an affiliate of the White Sox, which speaks to the incredible relationship between the two clubs. We look forward to a prosperous partnership for many years to come," Nelson added.
The 2016 home opener at Regions Field is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12th against the Tennessee Smokies, Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The Barons open the 2016 regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Suns on April 7th. For ticket information, game schedule, promotions calendar or for additional information about Regions Field, call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.