Washington Nationals Officially Unveiled As Grizzlies’ New Affiliate

Washington Nationals’ Vice President of player development Bob Boone

FRESNO (KMJ) — The Fresno Grizzlies have officially unveiled their newest Major League Baseball affiliate. The partnership with the Washington Nationals was revealed last month, coming days after the previous union with the Houston Astros was announced.

The cross-country union was described Wednesday morning as linking one of the biggest brands in baseball with the Central Valley.

“When you go into a PDC process you don’t know who you’re going to end up with,” said Grizzlies General Manager Derek Franks.

“I think for us, given the obvious fact that we are maybe the two furthest teams from each other in the country, I went into this process and this organization went into this process not thinking that we could get the Washington Nationals.

“Of course the way it played out, pleased to death that that’s the case.”

Dignitaries from the Washington Nationals were present for the big announcement too: Director of Player Development Mark Scialabba and Vice President of player development Bob Boone, the latter turning up to the podium in a Fresno Tacos hat.

“I’m really excited to see what kind of club we get, put on the field for you” said Boone. “I know Mark has spent a lot of time signing free agents to help those kids in the past, so we’ve had some special people play.

“But we’re hoping to put out a real good ball club for you. Put them on the field here in Fresno, and I’m personally excited to see how they develop.”

The Fresno Grizzlies’ new season starts April 4th 2019.

Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired: