Lancaster City Council to Vote on Lease Transfer and Contract Extension for Lancaster JetHawks California League Champion JetHawks Plan to Soar Even Higher Under Prospective New Ownership The Lancaster JetHawks Minor League baseball organization has been an invaluable asset to the Antelope Valley for nearly twenty years. Earning two California League Championships, while offering an exceptional community-oriented presence, the JetHawks have had an impressive run under the leadership of Hawk’s Nest, LLC, Mr. Peter Carfagna, and Senior Vice President Brad Seymour. With a transfer of ownership agreement pending, the JetHawks will soon transition to the leadership of a new ownership group, JetHawks Baseball, LP. The transfer of ownership also calls for the transfer of lease rights at Lancaster Municipal Stadium, home of the JetHawks since 1996. At tonight’s City of Lancaster City Council meeting, the Council will consider transferring the existing facility lease to JetHawks Baseball, LP, which also owns the Vancouver Canadians, the Class A affiliate of the Major League Toronto Blue Jays. The Lancaster City Council will also consider an extension of the lease contract as part of the proposed new agreement. “Since their inaugural game at Lancaster Municipal Stadium in 1996, the JetHawks have been a staple in our community,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “We’ve watched them emerge into a two-time California League Championship team, and we are elated by their growth and success. We fully expect the team’s exceptional performance to continue, and look forward to watching our new partners lead the JetHawks to even greater heights in the future.” The Lancaster JetHawks have performed for 19 seasons at Lancaster Municipal Stadium, affectionately known as “The Hangar”. The Carfagna’s of Cleveland, Ohio took the helm of the JetHawks organization from Clutch Play Baseball, LLC in 2005. With a total of 2,661 regular games played, the JetHawks have 1,352 wins under their cleats, and have served as the Advanced Class A affiliate for the Seattle Mariners (1996-2000), Arizona Diamondbacks (2001-2006), Boston Red Sox (2007-2008), and currently the Houston Astros (2009-present). In 2012, the JetHawks elevated their stature, as well as the admiration of local fans, by winning their first California League Championship. With a new title, the team’s momentum soared, setting the stage for a progressive pace of accomplishments throughout the organization. Garnering back-to-back honors with General Manager Derek Sharp being named the California League’s Executive of the Year in 2013, then rookie General Manager Will Thornhill claiming the same designation for 2014, the Lancaster JetHawks have continued to rise to the occasion. The JetHawks not only seized the California League Championship for a second time, the season was unquestionably one of their best, with a .557 winning percentage and the most sold-out games in their tenure under the Carfagna’s management team. Adding a nostalgic twist to this season’s achievements, JetHawk’s 2001 alumnus Javier Lopez won his fourth World Series ring this year with the San Francisco Giants; while former JetHawk Jose Altuve became the first American League Batting Champion in Houston Astros history. All in all, more than 100 current and former Major League baseball players have played for the JetHawks in Lancaster. Undoubtedly at the top of their game, the Lancaster JetHawks will now get an additional boost as the new ownership group brings their distinguished leadership talents to the organization’s table to write the next chapters of JetHawks history. “We are ecstatic about the continued success and new opportunities for the City and the JetHawks,” said Lancaster City Manager Mark V. Bozigian. “There is a tremendous excitement amongst local baseball enthusiasts who are anxious to see just how far our JetHawks will continue to go with their stellar performance and new leadership.” Andy Dunn, team president and part owner of the Vancouver Canadians, joined Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney in 2007 to run their newly acquired organization. The trio has shepherded the Vancouver Canadians to three Northwest League titles (2011, 2012 and 2013), as well as five consecutive attendance records. The team’s 15-season stint in the Northwest League has drawn more than 2.1 million attendees. Last year, the Canadians were named the 2013 recipient of the John H. Johnson President’s Trophy, the most prestigious award that can be given to a Minor League baseball team. This was the first time a Canadian-based franchise has won the prized award, which comes as no surprise to the more than 195,000 fans who attended the Canadians’ 2013 season. Having won 594 of their 1,139 regular games, the team boasts a .521 winning percentage as a Northwest League organization. The Vancouver Canadians organization has produced such well known players as Sammy Sosa, Rod Beck, Jose Canseco and Rickey Henderson. Previously affiliated with the Oakland Athletics Major League baseball team, the Canadians switched to become a Toronto Blue Jays affiliate in 2011, pairing Canada’s only affiliated Minor League team with the country’s only Major League team. You can feel the passion that the City of Lancaster has for baseball,” says Jake Kerr, the new JetHawks’ Managing Partner. “We want to give this community a franchise that they can be proud of both on and off the field. We intend on strengthening the relationship between the JetHawks and their fans within Lancaster immediately. This is Lancasters team, and we want to build a brand that speaks to everyone. “The Lancaster JetHawks have brought many years of community entertainment, enthusiasm, and fun to the Antelope Valley,” added Mayor Parris. “Additionally, their impact on our area’s sports tourism has greatly contributed to the local economy. With the JetHawks’ rising success, and the unique qualities our new partners have to offer, bringing these two entities together will ensure many more years of enjoyment and pride for baseball fans throughout our community.” The transaction will become final pending approvals from Minor League Baseball (MiLB), Major League Baseball, and the California League, as well as a vote by the Lancaster City Council to transfer and extend the lease to the proposed new management team.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:03:40 +0000
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