A’s extend player development contract with Short Season-A Vermont
A’s and Lake Monsters Agree on Two-Year Extension Through 2014
The Oakland Athletics have announced the club has extended its player development contract with the Short Season-A Vermont of the New York-Penn League through the 2014 season. The Vermont Lake Monsters have had a minor league affiliation with the A’s since 2011.
“We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Lake Monsters,” said A’s Vice President and General Manager Billy Beane. “The baseball history and community support in Burlington makes it a very special place. We look forward to this partnership growing for many years to come.”
In their first season as an A’s affiliate, the Lake Monsters posted a winning record (39-35) last season, playing their home games at venerable 4,000-seat Centennial Field, located on the University of Vermont campus. Centennial Field is one of the oldest ballparks still in use in professional baseball, dating back to 1906. Such future major league standouts as Ken Griffey, Jr., Barry Larkin, Omar Vizquel, Orlando Cabrera, Milton Bradley and Jason Bay have played for Vermont over the years.
"From day one, our organization has been nothing but impressed with the Oakland Athletics,” said Nate Cloutier, the Lake Monsters’ general manager. “The A's organization embodies everything an affiliate should be. Their player development, level of professionalism, and sense of family and community are unparalleled. The Lake Monsters organization is thrilled to extend our affiliation with the Oakland Athletics and continue to grow our relationship."
Besides Vermont, the other Oakland A’s minor league affiliates are Triple-A Sacramento (Pacific Coast League), Double-A Midland (Texas League), Single-A Stockton (California League), Single-A Burlington, Iowa (Midwest League) and Rookie League Arizona (Arizona League).