The Arkansas Travelers unveiled new uniforms and two new mascots as part of a rebranding effort before this season began, but they are sticking with their major-league affiliate.
The Los Angeles Angels and the Class AA Travelers announced Wednesday a two-year extension of their player development contract that was set to expire at the end of this season. The new deal will expire after the 2016 season, which will be the 16th since the Travelers and the Angels teamed up in 2001.
The Travelers and Angels have the longest-running affiliation in the Texas League. It's the second-longest for the Travs, who were affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1966 to 2000.
"With the talent the Angels have pushed through this organization, it was a no-brainer," Arkansas General Manager Paul Allen said. "It was an easy decision for the Angels and our executive committee and for [President] Russ Meeks."
Allen said discussions between the Angels and Travelers were conducted last week, when Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto and head of player development Scott Servais were in town for a series against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Thirteen current Angels played with the Travelers.
"We are thrilled to be able to continue our relationship with the Travelers franchise as well as the fans and the city of Little Rock," Servais said in a team release. "Arkansas has been nothing but a first-class affiliate for the Angels organization."
The announcement of the latest extension came months before previous agreements. In 2010 and 2012, the teams announced extensions after the Travs season was over, while announcements in 2006 and 2008 were made in August.
Sports on 05/22/2014