North Little Rock, AR-The Arkansas Travelers and Seattle Mariners have announced the extension of their Player Development Contract to have the Travs serve as the Double-A club for the Mariners. The Player Development Contract, which would have run out at the end of this season, has been extended for two years to cover the 2019-2020 seasons.

"We are extremely pleased to extend our Player Development Contract with the Seattle Mariners for two seasons through 2020," said Travelers President Russ Meeks. "The Mariners are a first class organization with wonderful leadership. Jerry Dipoto and Andy McKay have ensured we have a quality product on the field and outstanding people off the field and in the community."



This season, the Travs won the Texas League North Division First Half Division title, the first time in seven seasons for the Travs to win the opening half of the Texas League season. As the first half North Division champions, the Travs will host the opening two games of the division series at Dickey-Stephens Park on Wednesday, September 5 and Thursday, September 6. The opponent will be the second half champion or the team in the division with the next best overall record.



"The Mariners are thrilled to continue our relationship with the Arkansas Travelers," said Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager Jerry Dipoto. "Our development programs are built around people, process and community, all of which are plentiful with both the Travs and the loyal fans in Little Rock. We are thankful to have the Travelers as a member of our family and will remain committed to producing good baseball and an entertaining ballpark experience."

The Travelers have been affiliated with the Seattle Mariners for the past two seasons, with five different players being called directly to Seattle from Arkansas in that time. Additionally, the Mariners have sent 10 players to the Travs to play on Major League Rehab Assignments.

"The Mariners are excited to be able to extend our relationship with the Travelers," Mariners Director of Player Development Andy McKay said. "The Mariners have a commitment to a strong minor league system, and value the best possible environment for our prospects to develop. We have that environment with the Arkansas Travelers and look forward to making it even better."

Since joining the Texas League in 1966, the Travelers have had just three Major League affiliates. Seattle (2017-current) was preceded by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2001-2016) and the St. Louis Cardinals (1966-2000).

For all the latest information on the Travs or to purchase tickets for games, log on to travs.com.

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