For Immediate Release

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

MARINERS ANNOUNCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT WITH AA ARKANSAS

Mariners return to Texas League for first time since 2006.
SEATTLE, Wash. -- The Seattle Mariners today announced a new player development contract with the Arkansas Travelers
of the Double-A Texas League. The agreement is for two years, covering the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Travelers President Russ Meeks commented, The Travelers are excited to have this opportunity to start a new relationship
with the Seattle Mariners. This also brings an opportunity to again work with Jerry Dipoto and his staff. We have a mutual
understanding of our goals and objectives in the development of players at the Double-A level. We believe this is a great
opportunity for our loyal Travelers fans.
Mariners Director of Player Development Andy McKay said, The Mariners have a commitment to a strong minor league
system, and value the best possible environment for our prospects to develop. We will have that environment with the
Arkansas Travelers.
In 2016, the Mariners seven minor league affiliates combined for a 451-314 record (.590), the best winning percentage in
baseball. All seven teams had winning records and qualified for their league playoffs. The Mariners AA affiliate claimed the
Southern League championship, and the AZL Mariners won the rookie Arizona League title.
The Mariners look forward to working closely with our new partner, the Arkansas Travelers, said Mariners Executive Vice
President & General Manager Jerry Dipoto. It is a franchise with great fans, a great staff and a great ballpark, as well as
a long and storied history in professional baseball, dating back to 1901. Both organizations are committed to the community,
good baseball and an entertaining ballpark experience.
The 2016 season marked the Travelers 51st consecutive season in the Texas League, the longest continuously running
club in the league.
For more information, please contact the Seattle Mariners baseball information department at (206) 346-4000. More
information on Seattles roster is also available online at www.mariners.com. All Mariners news releases, game notes,
statistics and multimedia files are also available by visiting the Mariners Virtual Press Box at www.MarinersMedia.com.

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