Wings, Twins extend affiliation through 2016

The Rochester Red Wings and Minnesota Twins have announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract, maintaining the two clubs' affiliation through at least the 2016 season. The announcement was made by Twins Executive Vice President and General Manager Terry Ryan, Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver and Chairman of the Board Gary Larder during the first inning of the August 25 game at Frontier Field.

"We have an ideal situation with the Red Wings organization and Rochester is an ideal baseball town. It's a fantastic community for our players to play in every summer with a knowledgeable fan base who supports the team very well," said Ryan. "The ownership is tremendous and there's a mutual respect between the Twins and Red Wings. It's a relationship we don't take for granted in Minnesota."

"In working with the minor league affiliates it's tough to find that combination of quality ownership, facility, community fan base, and team travel and we're happy to say we have that here in Rochester," Ryan continued. "We look forward to the next two seasons and hopefully many more after that."

With their win on Sunday, the Red Wings clinched their seventh winning season in the first 12 years of affiliation with the Twins and remained in the hunt for a second consecutive postseason appearance.

"We consider ourselves fortunate to be affiliated with such a high quality organization. The Twins provide us with competitive teams, high caliber players, and communicate well with us," said Silver. "Our relationship is one of mutual respect and common philosophies about upstanding, hard-working players and success. No organization is more respected than the Twins and we are lucky and grateful they are our partner."

"Ever since we first affiliated with the Twins in 2003, we have continued to be impressed with the attention they give to their minor league teams. They are indeed wonderful partners," added Chairman of the Board Gary Larder.

Rochester has proved to be an important step in the development of Twins players since the relationship began in 2003. Over the first 12 years, 155 different players have appeared in both a Twins and Red Wings uniform. This year alone, 17 different players have been promoted to Minnesota - including eight players who are currently on Minnesota's 25-man roster.

The list of standout Major League players to pass through Rochester since 2003 is extensive and includes the likes of Justin Morneau, Francisco Liriano, Denard Span and Matt Garza among others. Other stars such as Joe Mauer and Joe Nathan have worn a Red Wings uniform on Major League rehab assignments.

The future looks as promising as ever with the likes of INF Miguel Sano, OF Byron Buxton and pitchers Jose Berrios and Kohl Stewart headlining a farm system that ranks in the top three of several baseball publications. This season alone, Wings fans were treated to RHP Alex Meyer, RHP Trevor May and INF Danny Santana, who all entered the year as top 10 prospects in the Twins organization.

The Red Wings have also been affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals (1928-1960) and Baltimore Orioles (1961-2002) in their storied history.

 

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The Rochester Red Wings are in their 12th season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The Red Wings are operated by Rochester Community Baseball, Inc. and have been a community-owned pro baseball franchise since 1957. Rochester's pro baseball history dates back to 1885.