The Boston Red Sox and their A Full Season affiliate, the Greenville Drive, have extended their player development contract through the 2020 season.
The cooperation between the two clubs stated in 2005, when the South Atlantic League club moved from Columbia SC to Greenville to become the Drive (eventually). The last time that the Red Sox extended the PDC was in 2012. That extension will end at the end of the upcoming season. In total the PDC between both clubs has been extended three times.
The Greenville Drive play in Fluor Field, which is modeled after Fenway Park. There is even a mini me of the Green Monster in left field.
When the Red Sox farm team moved from Columbia to Greenville, the team was called Greenville Bombers. But in the following season (2006) the club would rename itself and adopted the name Drive. The name was chosen because there is a BMW plant in the area and a Michelin tire factory as well.
The franchise won the Sally League title in 1986, 1991 and 1998, way before the club joined the Red Sox organization. In those years the club played in Columbia and was a Mets affiliate.
Drive Owner Team President Craig Brown made the announcement during the team’s Hot Stove Event,with Red Sox General Manager Mike Hazen and Drive ManagerDarren Fenster
in attendance.
As usual both clubs exchanged courtesies. Drive owner stated that it is a great honor to announce that the dynamic partnership with the Boston Red Sox will continue for many years to come. “The Red Sox are truly a first-class organization from top to bottom, and they set an extremely high standard that is an inspiration to us on a daily basis. We aim to provide the Upstate and our fans with an affordable, entertaining experience at Fluor Field for everyone to enjoy, and the Red Sox play an integral role in allowing us to accomplish that objective. We look forward to our partnership with Boston growing even further as we begin our next decade of baseball at Fluor Field.”
The Red Sox GM explained that Greenville is a very valuable affiliate for the Red Sox because the Drive ownership and front office, the facility, the city and the fans are all a major part in that. “As the parent club, it’s critical for us to have trust in our affiliates, and the Drive continually go above and beyond to provide our young players with a great place to continue their professional careers. We’ve been here in Greenville for a long time, and we’re committed to staying here for even longer.”
Famous Red Sox players that once played for the Drive are Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Clay Buchholz, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Henry Owens.
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