Baseball: Naturals, Royals extend contract to 2020

Third baseman Hunter Dozier (24) of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals during batting practice Monday, April 4, 2016 at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.
Third baseman Hunter Dozier (24) of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals during batting practice Monday, April 4, 2016 at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

SPRINGDALE -- Professional baseball continues to gain a foothold in Northwest Arkansas.

That was evident Monday when the Kansas City Royals announced a four-year extension to keep the team's Double-A affiliate in Northwest Arkansas. The agreement through the 2020 season is a continuation that began in 2008 when the Naturals made their debut at Arvest Ballpark.

Prior to 2008, the Royals' Double-A farm club was located in Wichita, Kan.

"We are extremely proud to continue our player development contract with the Kansas City Royals," Northwest Arkansas General Manager Justin Cole said. "Kansas City is a first class organization in all aspects, and we look forward to furthering that partnership."

The Naturals have won one Texas League championship and three North Division titles in eight years at Springdale.

"A lot of these players probably don't know how lucky they are," Northwest Arkansas Manager Vance Wilson said of playing home games at Arvest Ballpark. "But being around, I do. It's a great relationship (with Kansas City) and to have four more years here, obviously, is awesome. I hope the fan base can continue to change from (St. Louis) Cardinal country to Royals country."

NEW FACES, SAME PLACES

The player roster isn't the only area where fans will see some new faces.

Manager Vance Wilson will be joined this season by a new pitching coach and batting coach. Brian Buchanan replaces Brandon Moore as the Naturals hitting coach while Steve Luebber takes over for Jim Brower as pitching coach. Luebber is from Joplin, Mo, and both he and Buchanan are former major league players.

"Steve Luebber and I were together for two years in 'A' ball, so we know each other very well," Wilson said. "Brian and I mirrored our (professional) careers. We came in together and played against each other not only in the minor leagues, but the major leagues as well. It's very special to be part of a staff to, hopefully, have an impact on those guys."

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

Bigger, better, brighter.

Those are the qualities fans at Arvest Ballpark can expect from a new scoreboard in right-center field.

A new LED 13HD videoboard was constructed in March. The previous SD videoboard had an active display area of 15.75 feet by 29 feet, and the new videoboard provides an active display area of approximately 16.8 feet tall by 66 feet wide. In addition to the larger display area, fans will enjoy the better resolution on the new LED 13HD videoboard. The changes will offer fans a crisp, clear image from seats throughout the ballpark.

"Having the new scoreboard changes the whole complexion of the ballpark," Wilson said. "Our players can see the difference already."

Sports on 04/05/2016

Upcoming Events