Storm, Padres renew affiliation
LAKE ELSINORE - The Lake Elsinore Storm and the San Diego Padres announced the renewal of their Player Development Contract on Friday, inking a two-year deal that will last through the 2018 season. Lake Elsinore has been San Diego's Advanced-A affiliate since 2001, a year the Storm was named Baseball America's Minor League Team of the Year.
"We welcome the opportunity to extend our 16 year affiliation with the San Diego Padres and look forward to creating more relationships within the Padres front office and fan base," said Storm General Manager Raj Narayanan. "It's truly a great partnership that ultimately benefits our fans - some of the best in baseball - as they get an opportunity to watch future Padres play just an hour away from where their Major League dreams can take them."
The Padres have had an affiliate in the California League for all but three years since 1970, including stops in Lodi (2 seasons), Reno (13), Riverside (3), High Desert (2) and Rancho Cucamonga (8) prior to their arrival in Lake Elsinore. At 16 seasons and counting, the Storm/Padres affiliation is the second-longest in the league.
"Continuing our relationship with Lake Elsinore was a top priority for myself and my staff," said Padres Executive Vice President/General Manager A.J. Preller. "Having our High-A affiliate so close to San Diego allows players unparalleled exposure, not only to our front office and player development staff but also to Padres fans who have the opportunity to visit our prospects at The Diamond."
Since becoming a Padres affiliate, the Storm have made the playoffs in 12 out of 15 seasons, including a stretch of eight-consecutive postseason appearances from 2005 to 2012. The team has won two California League championships, first in 2001 (co-champions) and again in 2011. Lake Elsinore has made five trips to the championship series in that span.
The 2017 campaign begins on Thursday, April 6, when the Storm will take the field for their 24th season in Lake Elsinore. Next year's roster will likely feature a number of San Diego's top prospects as part of one of Major League Baseball's best farm systems.
More information about the Lake Elsinore Storm can be found by visiting stormbaseball.com or calling 951-245-HITS.