Norwich — The Connecticut Tigers and the Detroit Tigers announced Wednesday they have agreed to a two-year extension to their Player Development Contract, keeping the Connecticut Tigers as the short-season A minor league baseball affiliate of the Major League team through the 2020 season.

The current agreement had been set to expire after the 2018 season.

“We take great pride in our strong working relationship with the Detroit Tigers and are extremely excited to remain a part of that family,” said Connecticut Tigers General Manager Dave Schermerhorn in a press release. “We are very fortunate to be affiliated with a Major League club with the history and tradition of the Tigers. From top to bottom they are a world-class organization, and we are thrilled to be able to continue to provide Tigers baseball for the fans of southeastern Connecticut for years to come.”

The Detroit Tigers and Connecticut Tigers have been affiliated since the 2010 season, when the Oneonta Tigers relocated to Norwich and the Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium.

In the eight seasons since arriving in Norwich there have been 15 former Connecticut Tigers players to reach the Major Leagues. The 2018 season will mark the 20th season overall under the affiliation, which began in 1999 in Oneonta, NY.

“We’re very proud to be entering into an extension of our partnership with the Connecticut Tigers through the 2020 season,” said Detroit Tigers Vice President of Player Development Dave Littlefield in the press release. “Since our Connecticut affiliation began in 2010, the Connecticut Tigers have been a tremendous partner in providing players with their introduction to professional baseball. We extend our thanks to the Connecticut ownership and staff for agreeing to this extension and look forward to many more years as a part of the Connecticut Tigers family.”

The Connecticut Tigers play in the New York-Penn League. The 2018 season home opener will be Friday, June 15 at Dodd Stadium against the Lowell Spinners, the Boston Red Sox affiliate in the league. For tickets and information, call (860) 887-7962.