Nationals Renew Affiliation with Hagerstown Suns of the Single-A South Atlantic League

The Washington Nationals today announced the signing of a two-year Player Development Contract with the Hagerstown Suns of the Single-A South Atlantic League. Nationals President Stan Kasten, Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo, Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Development Bob Boone and Director of Player Development Doug Harris made the joint announcement. "Our partnership between the Nationals and Hagerstown has fit well," said Kasten. "We very much appreciate the proximity and hospitality that Hagerstown and the Suns provide our players. We are pleased to have both town and team as members of our affiliate family." "We are very fortunate to have another two years with the Washington Nationals," said Suns Majority Owner Bruce Quinn. "Through the Lerners, Stan Kasten and Mike Rizzo, the Nationals truly are an up-and-coming team in the National League." Among the familiar names to have played for the Suns since the Nationals began their affiliation with Hagerstown in 2007 are right-handed pitcher Drew Storen, catcher Derek Norris and outfielder Justin Maxwell. Hagerstown is located almost equidistant from Nationals Park (73 miles), Double-A Harrisburg (77 miles) and Single-A Potomac (85 miles). More than half of the 16 South Atlantic League clubs reside within a six-hour drive of the nation's capital.