MLB News: Indians and Clippers Extend Affiliation Agreement

The Columbus Clippers and the Cleveland Indians announced, per press release, a two year extension of their player development contract which will now extend through the 2016 season.

Ken Schnacke, President & GM, had these comments:  “These first four seasons of being affiliated with the Cleveland Indians in our new ballpark has exceeded all of our expectations. The awards we have won together are a testament to how well we work together, how much our fans appreciate not only Huntington Park but also our relationship with the Tribe. We are very proud to be a part of the Cleveland Indians player development system and we take pride and pleasure in following our players who have “graduated” from Columbus to Cleveland…there are currently 15 players (on the 25 active roster) who have come through Columbus….pitchers Cody Allen, Jeanmar Gomez, Corey Kluber, Zach McAllister, Vinnie Pestano, Chris Seddon, Tony Sipp & Joe Smith; and position players Michael Brantley, Ezequiel Carrera, Jason Donald, Jason Kipnis, Matt LaPorta,  Lou Marson & Carlos Santana”.

Cleveland Indians GM Chris Antonetti added: “We are pleased to extend our relationship with the Columbus Clippers, taking us through the 2016 season.  The Clippers are a first-class organization that provides our players and staff with a Major League-caliber operation and facility. We look forward to continuing this unique opportunity of developing our upper-level prospects in the heart of our regional fan base”.

The player development contract between the Clippers and the Indians began in 2009, coinciding with the opening of Huntington Park.  The first contract was for four years through 2012 and was extended for an additional two seasons at the end of the 2010 season.

In the first four years with the Indians, the Clippers became the first team in history to win back-to-back Governors’ Cups and Triple-A National Championships.

[Related: Looking for Leaders in the Cleveland Indians Clubhouse]