The Tucson Sidewinders’ offseason is continuing where their successful playing season left off.
Tuesday, the Sidewinders, who were Pacific Coast League and unofficial Triple-A champs this year, agreed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a two-year agreement.
The announcement came as the team displayed its championship awards, as well as Chip Hale’s PCL manager of the year trophy.
“Extending this agreement was in the best interest of the Sidewinders organization,” Tucson owner Jay Zucker said.
“You don’t win these (championships) without a great partner,” said Sidewinders vice president and general manager Rick Parr. “Finally, it has paid off. I remember in the early years, it was lean and mean.
“Everyone was saying that once you get in your sixth and seventh (year with a team), you have a chance to possibly win some championships. That wait has finally come true. It has been wonderful working with the Diamondbacks. That is who you want to go to war with again.”
Tucson has been the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate since 1998, the D’backs’ first year.
“It’s a high priority to get your minor league system squared away as early as possible,” said Diamondbacks general partner Jeff Moorad. “There is no more natural home for Triple-A baseball as it exists today than in Tucson.”
D’backs president Derrick Hall also attended the presentation.
“We are thrilled and we have certainly enjoyed our affiliation here in Tucson,” Hall said. “We are the Arizona Diamondbacks, so Tucson is a very important part of who we are, not only from a spring training standpoint, but a Triple-A standpoint.
“What a successful season. Our players have been tremendous and we’ve been excited about the future because we do have so much young talent.”
Sidewinders trophies
Sidewinders trophies
Jay Zucker, owner of the Tucson Sidewinders, and other members of the club received their trophies during a ceremony Tuesday afternoon. The Sidewinders won the Triple-A national championship, after defeating Toledo, 5-2, on September 19.
Producer: Val Canez
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Tucson affiliations
1969-72 – Chicago White Sox
1973-76 – Oakland Athletics
1977-79 – Texas Rangers
1980-96 – Houston Astros
1997 – Milwaukee Brewers
1998-present – Arizona D’backs