The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp announced Feb. 12 that the minor league baseball organization has accepted the Miami Marlins’ invitation to become its Triple-A affiliate.
The Marlins extended the Triple-A offer to the Jumbo Shrimp in December under a new professional development licenses structure which stipulates all affiliation agreements between MLB and MiLB clubs are in effect for 10 years, according to the Jumbo Shrimp’s news release.
Jumbo Shrimp owner and CEO Ken Babby said in the news release the organization likes the familiarity of working with the Marlins players, coaches and staff.
“This is a momentous day for Jumbo Shrimp fans to officially bring the top level of Minor League Baseball to 121 Financial Ballpark,” Babby said. “We look forward to growing that relationship as the Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate for many years to come.”
A Jumbo Shrimp spokesperson said in December the Marlins’ decision was reinforced by Jacksonville’s 10.9% population growth in the past 10 years along with fan attendance, city and sponsor support and 121 Financial Ballpark operator ASM Global.
Jacksonville has not been home to a Triple-A team since 1968 when the Jacksonville Suns was an affiliate of the New York Mets.
The Jacksonville baseball club has been in the Marlins’ farm system for the past 13 years and previously was the Major League Baseball team’s Double-A affiliate.
While the Jumbo Shrimp did not play the 2020 season because of the pandemic, the team made some moves.
The Jacksonville City Council approved a 13-year naming rights agreement in February between the Jumbo Shrimp and 121 Financial Credit Union for primary sponsorship at the publicly owned ballpark.
Babby said Feb. 25 that revenue from the deal will be used for improvements to the facility and to keep ticket and concession prices low.
In August, the city awarded the parent company of the Jumbo Shrimp $2.16 million in COVID-19 relief.
The 2021 Triple-A schedule will be released soon, according to the news release. The Jumbo Shrimp are selling season tickets, mini-plans and group outings.