Royals sign four-year agreement with the Lexington Legends of the South Atlantic League

Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Royals have signed a four-year player development contract (PDC) through the 2016 season with the Lexington Legends of the Class A South Atlantic League.  The Royals spent the 2011-2012 campaigns with the Kane County Cougars of the Midwest League. 

“The Kansas City Royals are extremely pleased to announce that we have partnered with the Lexington Legends on a Player Development Contract,” said Royals Director of Minor League Operations Scott Sharp.  “We have long coveted the South Atlantic League as one of the best leagues in baseball for developing young players.  The fact that we get the chance to join the league in one of the finest facilities with a strong ownership group and front office staff is a tremendous bonus.  We look forward to the new relationship and making new Royals fans in the great state of Kentucky.”

“I have had the fortunate experience of getting to work with the Kansas City Royals the past five seasons through our ownership stake in the Omaha club,” said Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea.  “Every single occasion has been the ultimate professional encounter.  This is a fantastic fit for Lexington, Whitaker Bank Ballpark, and the Lexington Legends.  We look forward to being a part of the Royals continued dedication to the minor league system and the growth of both clubs.”

The Lexington Legends are located in Lexington, Kentucky.  Lexington had been affiliated with the Houston Astros since their inaugural 2001 season.  The Legends play their home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark (capacity 6,006).

Lexington won their first and only South Atlantic League Championship in their first season of 2001, named co-champs after the season was ended due to the tragic events of September 11.  The club has been in the top four in attendance in the South Atlantic League in each of its 12 seasons.

Lexington marks a return to the South Atlantic League for Kansas City, who had an affiliate in Charleston (SC) from 1980-1984 and in Charleston (WV) from 1999-2000.

For more information, members of the media may contact the Royals Media Relations Department at (816) 921-8000.