Loons, Dodgers Agree to Partnership Extension

MIDLAND, Mich. - The Great Lakes Loons and Los Angeles Dodgers today announced an extension of their player development contract for an additional two seasons, making the Loons the Single-A Midwest League partner of the Dodgers through 2018.

"Through the first 10 years of Loons baseball the Dodgers have sent 43 future Major League players to the Great Lakes Bay Region and helped to build many lasting memories for our fans," Loons General Manager Scott Litle said. "We value our long-term relationship and are looking forward to the next two seasons of developing the Dodgers next great players."

Since 2007, the Loons have been affiliated with the Dodgers when the franchise began playing. Since that inaugural season, the Loons have made the playoffs four times, including in 2015 when the team qualified via the wild card spot during the first half.

The club has won over 600 games since its inception, highlighted by the team in 2010 that won 90 games, the most in all of minor league baseball that season. The Loons have also had over 2.5 million fans come through the gates at Dow Diamond.

"Our relationship with the Great Lakes Loons and the Great Lakes Bay Region has blossomed beautifully in 2016," Dodgers Director of Player Development Gabe Kapler said. "We feel lucky to be in a partnership with the Michigan Baseball Foundation, Bill Stavropoulos, Paul Barbeau and Scott Litle. We're thrilled to continue our relationship with the organization for two more years." 

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, who started the inaugural game in franchise history, also became the first former Loons player to debut in the Major Leagues on May 25, 2008. Since then, 42 other Loons alumni have gone on to play in an MLB game including All-Stars Kenley Jansen, Dee Gordon, Joc Pederson and Corey Seager. Of all the former Loons to make their debuts in the majors, 29 made them with the Dodgers, including three in 2016: Julio Urias, Ross Stripling, Brock Stewart.

The Great Lakes Loons, hosts of the 2017 Midwest League All-Star Game, have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007 and are in their 10th season. For tickets and more information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.