Lexington KY – For the first time in its existence the Lexington Legends Minor League Baseball team will have a new parent club.
It will be announced at a press conference this morning at Whitaker Bank Ballpark that the Legends will be an affiliate of the Kansas City Royals beginning with the 2013 season. The two organizations came to an agreement on a player development contract earlier this week that will run through the 2016 season. Lexington will continue to play in the low Class A South Atlanta League.
“We greatly appreciate the Astros organization, all of their hard work and support during the first 12 years of our organization,” said Legends general manager Seth Poteat. “But in every life cycle change is inevitable. We just felt it was time for a change and we’re thrilled to be part of the Kansas City Royals organization and are really looking forward to the next four years and beyond.”
The Astros and Legends decided earlier this month to not renew their deal, ending a relationship that had Houston serving as the only parent club Lexington had known. The Astros recently extended their deals with their Triple-A team in Oklahoma City, Okla., as well as their advanced Class A affiliate in Lancaster, Calif. The Astros and Legends opted to go separate ways, however, when it came time to extend their annual agreement for a 13th year.
“It looks like they've decided to explore other options,” Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow told MLB.com. “That's fine with us. We're going to explore our options as well.”
Since joining the South Atlantic League 11 years ago, the Legends have won a co-championship (during its inaugural season of 2001) and finished with at least 80 wins three times while making three playoff appearances. They finished 69-69 last season.
Poteat indicated that along with the change in a parent club, other initiatives are on the horizon such as a possible rebranding. He said the team name would remain constant, however, and declined to give other details pending later announcements.
“We’re still the Lexington Legends, we’re still playing at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. We’re still committed the community and affordable family fun. But like any other business we’re always looking for ways to evolve and improve.”