Tigers and Mud Hens Announce Two-Year Affiliation Agreement
TOLEDO, OH- The Toledo Mud Hens and Detroit Tigers today announced the extension of the player development agreement through the 2018 season, continuing the relationship between these two historic franchises that began 30 years ago. "Toledo and Detroit have had a strong partnership since 1987 and I'm looking forward to the next two years," said Toledo Mud Hens General Manager Erik Ibsen. "There is no question the goal for both the Hens and Tigers is to be successful on the field. We're dedicated to working together to help prospects reach their goal of advancing to the highest level of the game and creating championship teams." 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 15th season at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo with a 68-76 record. "We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with the Toledo Mud Hens," said Dave Littlefield, Tigers' Vice President of Player Development. "Toledo runs a first class operation and continues to play an integral role in preparing our players for the Major Leagues. Our organizational goal is to field a competitive and winning team in Toledo and we certainly would like to reward Mud Hens fans with a championship to celebrate." Thirty players wore both a Toledo and Detroit uniform this season: Matt Boyd, Tyler Collins, Buck Farmer, Michael Fulmer, Shane Greene, Anthony Gose, Blaine Hardy, John Hicks, Jose Iglesias, Logan Kensing, JaCoby Jones, Dixon Machado, Joe Mantiply, J.D. Martinez, Cameron Maybin, James McCann, Casey McGehee, Dustin Molleken, Steven Moya, Daniel Norris, Bobby Parnell, Mike Pelfrey, Alex Presley, Bruce Rondon, Kyle Ryan, Warwick Saupold, Drew VerHagen, Alex Wilson, Bobby Wilson, and Jordan Zimmermann. The Toledo Mud Hens hit a major attendance milestone this season by welcoming their 8-millionth fan. Since moving downtown in 2002, attendance has topped the half-million mark every 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 Toledo's 2017 home opener at Fifth Third Field is Thursday, April 13, against Indiana. Game Plans are on sale now for next season, and it's not too early to begin planning your group outings. Single game tickets for the 2017 season will go on sale at a later date. For more information, call 419-725-HENS or go online at www.mudhens.com.
Press Release Contact Name: Andi Roman
Press Release Contact Phone: 419-725-9252
Organization Name: The Toledo Mud Hens