The Hagerstown Suns will be a farm team for the Washington Nationals starting next year, the baseball team announced today.

Under terms of the agreement, the Suns will serve as the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Nationals through the 2008 season.

The Suns were an affiliate of the New York Mets for the past two seasons.

“We are absolutely thrilled to become a member of the Nationals minor league system,” said Suns President and General Manager Kurt Landes in a press release.

“It will be a treat for our fans to follow player’s careers from Hagerstown to the big league club just a short drive away. We are a great match for each other in many ways and we are looking forward to the beginning of a long relationship.”

The Nationals were previously affiliated with the Savannah Sand Gnats of the South Atlantic League. Other local Nationals affiliates include the Double-A Harrisburg (PA) Senators and the Single-A Potomac (VA) Cannons.

“We could not be happier to join forces with not only the Suns, but the town of Hagerstown, MD,” said Nationals President Stan Kasten in a press release.

“Municipal Stadium is less than 70 miles from Washington, and this partnership will provide our fans with another first-hand view as we continue with our stated commitment to player development. At the same time, Hagerstown’s proximity to Washington allows our home-grown talent to see, hear and taste what is happening with the Nationals, and realize that they are but a few steps removed from reaching the big leagues.”

The New York Mets will have the opportunity to sign a Player Development Agreement with other Minor League Clubs through September 30.

The Suns were affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles from 1981 to 1992, the Toronto Blue Jays from 1993-2000 and with the San Francisco Giants from 2001-2004 before affiliating with the Mets the past two seasons.

I think this is a good move for the Suns.

It will be fun to see the players here move over to the big league and watch them begin their fame and fortune

I agree

LAST THURSDAY THURSDAY this week

yeas, I agree also and have noticed increased attendance the last ball game of the season over 3,000 some people there, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time at a great price!