Red Sox Extend Affiliation with Sea Dogs through 2014

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  1. truebluefan

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    The Boston Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs have agreed to extend their Player Development Contract (PDC) for an additional two years. The extension keeps the Red Sox Double-A affiliation in Portland through the 2014 season. Red Sox Director of Player Development Mike Hazen and Sea Dogs' President Charlie Eshbach made the announcement.

    "We are delighted to extend our relationship with the Portland Sea Dogs for an additional two seasons," said Hazen. "We are extremely fortunate to work with some of the best people in minor league baseball in Portland. The Burke family, Charlie Eshbach, and the entire Sea Dogs organization always go above and beyond to provide support to our players and staff. With the Sea Dogs, our minor leaguers experience the ideal environment to succeed and grow." The PDC was last extended with a four-year extension through 2012 in July 2007. The extension was announced at the 18th Annual Sea Dogs Hot Stove Dinner which featured Red Sox outfielder and former Sea Dog Ryan Kalish. The dinner benefits the Maine Children's Cancer Program.

    "We are thrilled with the extension of the PDC with the Boston Red Sox," stated Eshbach. The caliber of the people we work with is for us the most important part of the affiliation. Working with the Red Sox ownership, Mike Hazen, the coaching staffs, and the entire Red Sox organization has been a wonderful experience."

    "We are grateful that our fans will continue to see exceptional talent in Portland as the players develop their skills on their way to Fenway Park," added Eshbach.

    The Sea Dogs began their relationship with the Boston Red Sox on September 18, 2002 after nine years with the Florida Marlins. Upon changing affiliations in 2003, the Sea Dogs changed colors from teal to Red and Blue. Additionally, the Sea Dogs erected a likeness of Fenway Park's famed Green Monster in left field. The skyboxes at Hadlock Field were also renamed in honor of former Red Sox legendary hitters.

    Since the Sea Dogs became a Red Sox affiliate in 2003, the Sea Dogs have advanced to post-season play four times including capturing their first Eastern League Championship in 2006. More than 50 Sea Dogs players have gone on to play for the Boston Red Sox including current stars; Daniel Bard, Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Jonathan Papelbon, Dustin Pedroia, & Kevin Youkilis. Several Red Sox stars have also appeared with the Sea Dogs on Major League rehabilitation stints including Mike Cameron, Ellsbury, & David Ortiz.

    The Sea Dogs have been nationally recognized by winning the 1999 Bob Freitas award and in 2000 with the John H. Johnson Award. The Freitas award honors the top Double-A Franchise each year based upon success at the gate, on the field, and the high caliber of front office personnel. The John H. Johnson award is Minor League Baseball's top honor; it is awarded to the complete franchise in all of Minor League Baseball based upon stability, contributions to the league, contributions to baseball in the community, and promotion of the baseball industry. In addition, Eshbach has twice been named Eastern League Executive of the Year, winning the award in 1994 and 2002.

    The Sea Dogs will open the 2011 season at home on Thursday, April 7th at 6:00 PM at Hadlock Field against the Reading Phillies. Tickets for the 2011 season are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at [http://www.seadogs.com/] www.seadogs.com.
     

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