For the past 12 years, the Atlanta Braves have housed their advanced class A affiliate in Myrtle Beach, but that relationship is over.
The Braves have announced that they will moving their team to Lynchburg, Virginia beginning in 2011.
The Lynchburg Hillcats will remain in the Carolina League and house all of the Braves prospects. The Pelicans have announced a 1:30 pm press conference for Friday, where owner Chuck Greenburg will be on hand to announce the new affiliation for the Pelicans.
MLB.com reports that the Texas Rangers, according to a source, are planning to move their High A affiliation from Bakersfield in the California League to Myrtle Beach, S.C., in the Carolina League. Greenberg, the Rangers' CEO, is one of the owners of the Myrtle Beach franchise, and Texas has wanted to leave Bakersfield because of its antiquated ballpark.
The Dallas Morning News also reports about the Rangers moving their affiliate from Bakersfield to Myrtle Beach. In addition, the blog reports that Greenburg is working on bringing a major league exhibition game between Texas and Atlanta to BB&T Coastal Field prior to Opening Day.
We want to thank Chuck Greenburg and the fans in Myrtle Beach for 12 years there, but we are excited to enter into a new relationship in Lynchburg," said Braves Executive Vice President and General Manager, Frank Wren in a press release. "We have a great respect for Calvin Falwell and Paul Sunwall and the baseball operation in Lynchburg. We think it will be a great new affiliation to add to our system and the close proximity to Danville is ideal for our player development."
The Pelicans will remain in Myrtle Beach, but what this announcement means is that a new major league team will bring their prospects to the Grand Strand.
Over the years, current Braves like Brian McCann, Tommy Hanson and Jason Heyward have spent time in Myrtle Beach on their way to the big leagues.
