The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp announced Dec. 9 they are moving up in the minor league baseball ranks to become the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins in 2021.
The Jumbo Shrimp announced the move by the Marlins in a Dec. 9 news release.
Jacksonville has not been home to a Triple-A team since 1968 when the Jacksonville Suns was an affiliate of the New York Mets.
According to the news release, 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.
“Our organization has appreciated the successful partnership with Jacksonville dating back to 2009,” said Gary Denbo, Marlins vice president of player development and scouting said in the news release.
“We look forward to our elite players and Player Development staff having the opportunity to take their final steps toward their MLB career in Jacksonville while engaging with the great Jumbo Shrimp fans.”
Jumbo Shrimp owner and CEO Ken Babby said that bringing minor league baseball’s top level to Jacksonville will be a benefit for franchise fans in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
“This is a direct reflection of Jacksonville’s positive and expansive growth and allows the Jumbo Shrimp to continue our long-term commitment to provide the most affordable family entertainment option on the First Coast,” he said.
“We are also so grateful to continue our long-standing partnership with the Marlins, whose players, coaches and staff have embraced our community for the last 12 years.”
While the Jumbo Shrimp did not play in the 2019 season because of the pandemic, they have been making moves.
The Jacksonville City Council approved a 13-year naming rights agreement in February between the Jump Shrimp and 121 Financial Credit Union for primary sponsorship at the publicly owned ballfield.
Babby said Feb. 25 that revenue from the deal will be used for improvements to the facility and to keep tickets and concession costs low.
In August, the city awarded the parent company of the Jumbo Shrimp $2.16 million in COVID-19 relief.
“It is an honor and endorsement of Jacksonville’s future to be selected as the new Triple-A home of the Miami Marlins,” Mayor Lenny Curry said in the news release.
“I am thankful to the Marlins for their commitment to Jacksonville and applaud Ken Babby and the Jumbo Shrimp staff for all they have done to earn this promotion,” Curry said. “Working with Ken and his team, we will continue to provide a top-notch experience for families at the ballpark for many years to come.”
The Jumbo Shrimp said the 2021 Triple-A schedule will be released soon, but did not give a specific date in the news release. Tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available.