On Wednesday, Sept 19, the Los Angeles Angels have announced a renewal of their Player Development Contract: it will extend the club’s relationship with the 66ers through 2022.
During the last 8 seasons, the Angels have maintained a developmental relationship with the 66ers. This cooperation has brought a championship to the Inland Empire in 2013. According to the terms of the contact, the clubs will continue their partnership for the next four years.
The partnership between the LA Angels and the Inland Empire 66er has been seen as extremely effective and beneficial. Many former 66ers have naturally moved up into the Angels. According to statistics, 26 players of LA Angels roster have been part of the 66ers before (including 60-day DL).
The Angels Class A Advanced organization has helped many players progress faster and get removed from the Minor League to the Angels. Some of the really good examples that have also made their debut this season include David Fetcher, Justin Anderson, Taylor Ward, Jaime Barria. About one third of the Angels roster (both 40-man and current) is comprised of former 66ers.
When coupled with players that have spent time with Inland Empire on MLB injury rehab assignments, 26 players on the Angels roster (including 60-day DL) have donned a Sixers uniform.
Quoted in an official press release, the Inland Empire General Manager Joe Hudson said,
“We are so thankful to work with all the great people in the Angels front office and player development departments beginning with General Manager Billy Eppler and his entire staff. The job that he, Mike LaCassa, Mike Gallego and Chad Tracy, among many others, do is appreciated by the 66ers and our fans. The 66ers are proud that the Angels have their future ballplayers come through San Manuel Stadium. We are also very pleased the Angels feel our operation is worthy of sending big league rehabbers to us consistently, including in 2017 when we welcomed their greatest player ever in Mike Trout.”
Mike LaCassa, Director of Minor League Operations also expressed his excitement about the extended contract. He said
“The Los Angeles Angels are excited to extend our relationship with the Inland Empire 66ers for at least the next four seasons. This is a strong partnership and we’re grateful to Dave Elmore, Joe Hudson and the rest of the 66ers staff for their continued support.”
The successful implementation of the contract will result in the longest tenure MLB affiliate partnership in San Bernardino professional baseball history.
