On Friday, the Houston Astros announced that the Sugar Land Skeeters will become their new Triple-A affiliate beginning in 2021 and be a member of the Pacific Coast League. The Astros also acquired a majority ownership share with the Skeeters. The Skeeters have been a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball since its inception in 2012. The Skeeters are located about 40 minutes south of Houston, TX.
We're excited to announce that the @SL_Skeeters are joining the Astros organization and will become our new Triple A franchise.#ForTheH pic.twitter.com/VXjGdqYFP6 — Houston Astros (@astros) November 20, 2020
Sugar Land Skeeters owner Kevin Zlotnik released a statement saying, “This is a monumental day for our organization and the city of Sugar Land. We are thrilled to partner with the Houston Astros and are proud to be affiliated with their organization. Becoming the first independent league team to make this transition is a testament to our fans, the city of Sugar Land, and to the experience the Skeeters organization has created.”
Sugar Land Skeeters President Christopher Hill also released a statement saying, “This is a historic day for our city and community, being able to bring Triple-A baseball to Sugar Land and Fort Bend County. To be part of the Astros family and get the chance to continue to showcase our beautiful ballpark and provide our fans with a first-class baseball experience is something we cherish.”
The Skeeters are now the second team in the Atlantic League to become a minor league affiliate of an MLB. The Somerset Patriots became the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate last week. The Atlantic League is now down to six teams.
The President of the Atlantic League, Rick White, released a statement on the Skeeter’s departure, “The Sugar Land Skeeters have competed in the Atlantic League for the past eight Championship Seasons, and we will miss them. We wish the Zlotnik family and Skeeters staff good luck in the future and thank the community of Sugar Land for its years of hospitality.”
The Skeeters will announce the 2021 PCL season schedule at a later date. The Skeeters will have two in-state rivalries that fans can look forward to, the Round Rock Express and the San Antonio Missions, which are part of the PCL American Conference in the Southern division.
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