Oct 25, 2018 -

EAST MEETS WEST IN GRIZZLIES AND NATIONALS PARTNERSHIP

FRESNO — There will be a new group of baseball players playing in Downtown Fresno next season.

The Fresno Grizzlies have partnered with the Washington Nationals for a two-year player development contract, also known as a PDC.

The PDC agreement between both teams runs through the end of the 2020 season.

Fresno Grizzlies President Derek Franks is eager to show the East Coast MLB franchise what Fresno has to offer.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Franks said. “We’re excited to get the Nationals in Fresno. Get to show them around, show them the ballpark. …Today felt like the symbolic official day that we start our partnership. It’s exciting to have a new partnership in Fresno.”

For fans, they aren’t upset to see the Houston Astros leave Fresno. The Grizzlies former parent club signed a PDC with the Round Rock Express in Texas.

“I’m a Dodgers fan so I’m glad to see them leave,” John Elizondo said. “But nonetheless, I’m happy the Nationals are here to see what the organization can bring to our club.”

For season-ticket holder Rosa Alvarado, it does not matter who the parent MLB team is. It is about supporting the community’s team.

“I like to come out anyway,” Alvarado said. “Just because it is Fresno and it is something to do. Promote downtown and all that stuff.”

Franks also announced that the Grizzlies will rebrand the colors and logo of the team. The announcement even caught him by surprise.

“In fact, we were keeping it under our hat that we were going to rebrand and evolve our look,” Franks said. “But I decided tonight in an intimate setting with our fans to let everyone know we will have a new look.”

The Grizzlies expect to unveil the new look in late November.

 

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