Late last year, Major League Baseball eliminated 40 minor league teams, leaving them without a league to play in. The Atlantic League lost both Somerset and Sugar Land, leaving them with only six teams. On Thursday, the league announced it had added the Lexington Legends, bringing the league to seven teams. The Legends join the Lancaster Barnstormers, Long Island Ducks, Gastonia Honey Hunters, High Point Rockers, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, and the York Revolution.
You've been patient. The wait is over. The new league we are so proud to be apart of is…. pic.twitter.com/LgjXqgPmsR — Lexington Legends (@LexingtonLegend) February 18, 2021
The Legends were a member of the Class-A South Atlantic League. They were the minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Legends were among the 40 clubs eliminated by MLB. During their time in the South Atlantic League or Sally, the Legends won three division championships in 2001, 2018, and 2019. They are also three-time league champions in 2001 and back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019.
Legends Owner and CEO Andy Shea was excited to be bringing his team to the Atlantic League, said, “We are excited and honored to join the Atlantic League. During the 2020 season we created, I had multiple players and fans tell me you pretty much have an Atlantic League roster on the field.’ From that point forward, we realized very clearly that the Atlantic League is the premier MLB Partner League and that our community, ballpark, and fanbase are a perfect match. We are also very thankful for the support and partnership with Major League Baseball during this process. Together, we will all be able to continue growing the game of baseball in our local communities and across the globe.”
The Legends have inducted eleven members into the Legends Hall of Fame. They are former Phillies pitcher David Coggin, former Astros outfield Josh Anderson, John Buck, Joe Cannon, Felix Escalona, Mike Gallo, Kirk Saarloos, Alan Stein, Charley Taylor, Jon Topolski, and Tommy Whiteman.
Rick White, the President of the Atlantic League on the Legends addition, said, “We are very excited to add such a high-caliber ballclub to our league. We congratulate Andy Shea and the entire Legends organization. The Legends bring a tradition of outstanding baseball, operating excellence, and dedication to their community that make them a perfect fit for the ALPB.”
White also added that the Atlantic League will be making more announcements soon regarding the upcoming 2021 season.
Comments