Twins revamp farm system with new St. Paul, Wichita affiliates | Ballpark Digest (original) (raw)

As we’ve been reporting for months, the Minnesota Twins are revamping their farm system with the addition of the St. Paul Saints and the Wichita Wind Surge as their top two affiliates while retaining Fort Myers and Cedar Rapids.

The St. Paul Saints will be moving from the independent American Association to a Class AAA team, presumably in the Pacific Coast League.

“Our ownership group has enjoyed a special relationship with the Twins, dating back more than 25 years when we owned their High A affiliate in Ft. Myers and helped operate Spring Training for the Major League club,” said Saints Chairman Marv Goldklang in a press statement. “During my conversations with Jim Pohlad and Dave St. Peter leading up to the decision to move forward with our partnership, they emphasized their respect for what the Saints have accomplished and made clear that, with the exception of the players on the field, they don’t expect much, if anything, to change in terms of the experience of attending a Saints’ game. The opportunity to combine two iconic brands in promoting the game, both on and off the field, was something that was impossible to turn down. I look forward to a special and long-lasting relationship with one of the top organizations in all of Major League Baseball.”

“The Minnesota Twins are ecstatic about the opportunity to form this partnership with the Saint Paul Saints,” Twins President & CEO Dave St. Peter said in a press statement. “We have long admired the creative excellence of Marv Goldklang, Mike Veeck and their team in making the Saints one of America’s most successful minor league brands. We are incredibly excited for Minnesota baseball fans who can now watch some of their favorite Twins prospects wearing the Saints uniform while playing at gorgeous CHS Field. Simply put, this historic Twins-Saints partnership is great for baseball in the Twin Cities and beyond.”

The Twins will become a minority investor in the Saints franchise.

In Wichita, the Wind Surge will move from the Class AAA Pacific Coast League to the Class AA Texas League.

“The Wind Surge are excited to receive an invitation to partner with the Minnesota Twins organization, which is recognized in baseball circles for having a great Minor League system,” said Jordan Kobritz, Wind Surge Partner and CEO in a press statement. “We have among the best player development facilities in all of MiLB and look forward to watching MLB ‘s soon-to-be stars showing off their skills in Riverfront Stadium.

“Our state-of-the-art stadium will provide one of the best fan experiences anywhere in Minor League Baseball,” Kobritz continued. “The ballpark features spacious seats, wide concourses, a variety of food and beverage options and multiple seating choices. Fans will be treated to many amenities at the ballpark, including the Emprise Bank Pavilion, Coors Light Party Porch, Fidelity Bank Bravely Onward Club, Dillon’s Picnic Patio and the Left Field Bar. In addition to great baseball, we’re looking forward to hosting a range of non-baseball events that will keep Wichitans and visitors coming to the ballpark year ‘round.”

Here’s the most up-to-date information about the current affiliation status.