FRESNO - The Fresno Grizzlies announced this morning that they have officially accepted an invitation to become the Colorado Rockies’ Low-A affiliate. This agreement formalizes a 10-year partnership between the two organizations which will last through the 2030 season. The change in affiliation and classification comes on the heels of Minor League’s Baseball realignment which will feature 4 levels of affiliated baseball and a close relationship with Major League Baseball.
Fresno has a rich history in Single-A having first been a member as the St. Louis Cardinals’ affiliate (1941-1956) as well as playing both independently (1957, 1988) and as the San Francisco Giants’ affiliate (1958-1987). Members of Fresno’s Single-A teams include Garry Maddox (8x Gold Glove Winner), Will Clark (6x All-Star), and George Foster (1977 NL MVP). Within Low-A, the Grizzlies will play in the West’s North Division. Other Low-A teams include valley opponents in the Visalia Rawhide, Stockton Ports, and Modesto Nuts, along with San Francisco’s affiliate, the San Jose Giants.
Joining the Grizzlies as affiliates of the Colorado Rockies will be the Albuquerque Isotopes (Triple-A), Hartford Yard Goats (Double-A), and the Spokane Indians (High-A). The Grizzlies and Rockies will come together in the coming weeks for a virtual Press Conference. During this event, fans will have the opportunity to hear Grizzlies President Derek Franks and Rockies Farm Director Zach Wilson discuss the new partnership.
“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to introduce the Colorado Rockies to our community and are looking forward to this new chapter in our organization’s history,” said Grizzlies President Derek Franks. “I know that the Rockies will not only be a great partner for us, but for the Central Valley as a whole, and I can’t wait to welcome them to the electric atmosphere that our fans bring to Chukchansi Park.”
Under the partnership with Major League Baseball, the Grizzlies will have the opportunity to take advantage of new tools, technology, partnerships, and content to help drive fan engagement and ballpark experience. The new, modern, player development system looks to build on the history of the minor leagues while benefiting everyone from the fans to the players to the community at large.
“We look forward to demonstrating the best of our game throughout local communities, supporting all those who are working hard to grow the sport, and sharing unrivaled technology and resources with minor league teams and players,” said Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr.
The Fresno Grizzlies have been in Downtown Fresno since Chukchansi Park first opened its gates in 2002. The Colorado Rockies will be the team’s fourth affiliate in that time, joining the San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, and Washington Nationals. The Grizzlies pride themselves on being a place where players are Farm Grown with the likes of Buster Posey, Matt Cain, and Carter Kieboom putting on the jersey. Fresno’s affiliates have won the World Series five times while the Grizzlies won the AAA National Championship in 2015.
Currently, the Grizzlies are working hard to prepare for the 2021 season and look forward to continuing to provide the top-tier experience that their fans have come to expect. More information about the team’s schedule will be available in the coming weeks.
