As we reported earlier today that the Padres extended their PDC with the former San Antonio Missions, their A Advanced farm team, the Lake Elsinore Storm announced through Twitter both teams extended the PDC with two more years through the 2020 season. The Padres also extended the PDC with their A Short Season affiliate, the Tri-City Dust Devils.
When the new contract comes to an end in 2020, both teams will have been partners for twenty years. Since the Storm became a Padres’ affiliate, the team made the playoffs 12 times, reached the championship series five times (2001, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2011) and won the California League championship twice (2001 and 2011). The 2001 team compiled a franchise-best 91-49 record on their way to a title, earning recognition as Baseball America Minor League Team of the Year.
Of course, both teams exchanged pleasantries. “We are thrilled and thankful to extend our partnership with the Padres,” said Storm General Manager Raj Narayanan. “With San Diego’s highly acclaimed minor league system, Storm and Padres’ fans get to see firsthand many of the top prospects in baseball, and the future certainly is bright.”
The history of the Storm dates back to 1979 when the team played as Santa Clara Padres. One year later the team called Rohnert Park home as they were named the Redwood Pioneers. The Pioneers lasted six seasons and moved to Palm Springs where they adopted the Palm Spring Angels moniker. Eventually, the team moved to Lake Elsinore. Since 1979, the franchise had only two MLB parents: the Angels and the Padres.
The Padres had several future Major Leaguers on its rosters: David Freese, Darin Erstad, Chase Headley, Corey Kluber, John Lackey, Xavier Nady, and Jake Peavy.
The other A ball team, the Tri-City Dust Devils (A Short Season, Northwest League) was also signed to a two-year extension. Both teams are linked to each other since 2015.
“The Padres have been a fantastic partner for the Dust Devils, on and off the field,” stated Dust Devils President Brent Miles. “They have generously supported our local community with generous donations to the Pasco Little League, YMCA, and the Union Gospel Mission to name a few”.
Dust Devils Vice President-General Manager Derrel Ebert added, “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Padres. They have been a first class organization throughout our partnership and we look forward to many more successful years together.”
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