Hens and Tigers extend affiliation through 2020
The Toledo Mud Hens and the Detroit Tigers have extended their player development agreement through the 2020 season, cementing a relationship between these two historic franchises that dates back more than 30 years. Toledo has served as Detroit's top minor league affiliate since 1987.
The Toledo Mud Hens and the Detroit Tigers have extended their player development agreement through the 2020 season, cementing a relationship between these two historic franchises that dates back more than 30 years. Toledo has served as Detroit's top minor league affiliate since 1987.
The Toledo Mud Hens and the Detroit Tigers have extended their player development agreement through the 2020 season, cementing a relationship between these two historic franchises that dates back more than 30 years. Toledo has served as Detroit's top minor league affiliate since 1987.
"We have always had a great working relationship with the Tigers and look forward to continuing it," said Erik Ibsen, Toledo Mud Hens general manager and executive vice president. "We're excited for this upcoming season with the influx of minor league talent the Tigers have added to their system, that our fans have the potential of seeing more prospects coming through Toledo before heading to Detroit."
In 2017, a total of 32 players saw action in both a Detroit and Toledo uniform--- 11 position players and 21 pitchers (full list below).
Detroit Tigers Vice President of Player Development Dave Littlefield, "We are excited to be continuing our partnership with the Toledo Mud Hens through the 2019 season. The relationship between the Tigers and Mud Hens dates back to 1987, making it the fourth-longest active Triple-A affiliate across baseball. The Mud Hens play a significant role in developing our prospects for the Major League level and we're thrilled that Mud Hens' fans will continue to have the opportunity to watch Tigers' stars of tomorrow for the years to come."
Toledo has made the post-season four times (2002, 2005, 2006, and 2007) and has won the International League's Governors' Cup twice (2005 & 2006) while at Fifth Third Field. The Toledo Mud Hens recently completed their 16th season at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo with a 70-71 record.
The team has drawn over a half a million fans each season to Fifth Third Field since moving downtown in 2002. The Mud Hens drew 533,014 fans in 70 games this past season for an average of 7,614 per game.
Toledo opens its 17th season at Fifth Third Field on Thursday, April 12 against the Pawtucket Red Sox, with new skipper Doug Mientkiewicz at the helm, joined by Pitching Coach Jeff Pico, Hitting Coach Brian Harper, Third Base Coach Basilio Cabrera, Strength and Conditioning Coach Jeff Mathers, and Athletic Trainer
Thirty-two players wore both a Toledo and Detroit uniform this season:
Toledo Affiliation History
- 1987-Current - Detroit
- 1978-1986 - Minnesota
- 1976-1977 - Cleveland
- 1974-1975 - Philadelphia
- 1967-1973 - Detroit
- 1965-1966 - New York
- 1956-1964 - No baseball in Toledo
- 1953-1955 - Milwaukee
- 1949-1952 - Detroit
- 1940-1948 - St. Louis
- 1936-1939 - Detroit
- 1883-1935 - No affiliation
Game Plans and group tickets for the 2018 season are on sale now. Single game tickets for Opening Day and the entire season go on sale at a later date. For more information go to www.mudhens.com or call 419-725-4367.