Detroit extends PDC with Connecticut

Today the Detroit Tigers and their A Short Season affiliate the Connecticut Tigers announced the extension of their Player Development Contract through the 2020 season. The current contract was about to expire after the 2018 season.

The two clubs are affiliated since 2010 when the Oneonta Tigers moved to Norwich CT and filled the void the Connecticut Defenders (San Francisco Giants, AA Eastern League) left when the Giants moved their AA team to Richmond to become the Flying Squirrels.

Connecticut Tigers General Manager Dave Schermerhorn stated: “We take great pride in our strong working relationship with the Detroit Tigers and are extremely excited to remain a part of that family,” said We are very fortunate to be affiliated with a Major League club with the history and tradition of the Tigers. From top to bottom they are a world-class organization and we are thrilled to be able to continue to provide Tigers baseball for the fans of Southeastern Connecticut for years to come.”

Last season the Connecticut Tigers were home to Dutchie Tom de Blok for one game. After he signed a contract with the Tigers, they sent him to the West Michigan WhiteCaps where he spent time as a reliever. But the Tigers decided to turn him into a starting pitcher and sent him to Norwich to make innings as a starter. After one start, in which he pitched 3.2 innings and did not allow a run, the Tigers sent him back to the WhiteCaps already.

“We’re very proud to be entering into an extension of our partnership with the Connecticut Tigers through the 2020 season,” said Detroit Tigers Vice President of Player Development Dave Littlefield. “Since our Connecticut affiliation began in 2010, the CT Tigers have been a tremendous partner in providing players with their introduction to Professional Baseball. We extend our thanks to the Connecticut ownership and staff for agreeing to this extension and look forward to many more years as a part of the Connecticut Tigers family.”