Orioles extend agreements with minor league clubs
Orioles minor league baseball will remain in Maryland and Virginia for at least the next four seasons.
Working agreements with minor league affiliates in Norfolk, Bowie and Frederick have been extended through the 2014 season, the Orioles announced Thursday.
“We are very pleased to continue our working agreements with the Norfolk, Bowie and Frederick clubs,” Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said in a news release. “We have formed great partnerships with each of these clubs and look forward to continue developing our talent in the supportive environment that these cities provide.”
The Triple-A Norfolk Tides have been affiliated with the O's for four seasons, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox and the Single-A Frederick Keys have been with Baltimore since 1993 and 1989, respectively. Those were the clubs' inaugural seasons.
“We are extremely excited to continue our partnership with the Baltimore Orioles franchise,” said Ken Young, owner of the Tides, Baysox and Keys. “The proximity of Baltimore is a natural geographical fit for Norfolk, Bowie and Frederick, and we are thrilled that our fans will continue to get the opportunity to watch their favorite Orioles prospects move up the organizational ladder. The Orioles have also served as such a valuable force in our community, and we look forward to working with them to ensure the next four years are even more successful.”
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Great! A chance to mention the Bluefield Orioles, whom I've actually seen play. There are two Bluefields, or rather one Bluefield straddling the states of Virginia and West Virginia, deep in the coalfields of Appalachia. Their rookie team has been introducing Oriole youngsters to pro ball since 1958, making it the longest MLB-minor league affiliation in America. It's unlikely anyone reading this will have the great pleasure of visiting Bluefield, but do yourself a huge favor and get out to see minor-league ball wherever you are.
Posted by: Uncle Goose | August 12, 2010 4:51 PM
After reading this I wonder what about Aberdeen and Delmarva?
Hey Uncle Goose don't go picking on Bluefield. It's only a 3 hours drive from where I live in NC and I'll be up there over the next 3 weekends including a Johnson City, TN weekend.
Also, the way things are going right now for Bowie and Frederick these two teams seemed headed for their leagues playoffs.
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Jeff Z's reply: As I told another poster, the Delmarva deal was already extended through 2014 earlier this season. I have nothing on Aberdeen, however.
Posted by: CNC Orioles Fan | August 12, 2010 5:28 PM
Any word on the Delmarva Shorebirds?
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Jeff Z's reply: Their agreement with the Orioles was extended through the 2014 season earlier this season.
Posted by: Rich | August 12, 2010 6:22 PM
The Orioles should've considered exchanging Class AA affiliates with the Nationals. Both minor league teams in question are in the Eastern League. The Bowie Baysox are based in Prince Georges County, obviously part of metro Washington. The Harrisburg Senators are from South Central Pennsylvania, where the Orioles have had a massive fanbase since 1954.
Posted by: Attila the Hon | August 12, 2010 7:20 PM