Cleveland Indians Extend Deal With Columbus Clippers Through 2016

The Cleveland Indians have extended their relationship with their Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers, through the 2016 season. Jim Massie of the Columbus Dispatch has more:

The association between the Indians and Clippers began in 2009 and coincided with the opening of Huntington Park.

Four seasons later, more than 2.4 million fans have come to the Arena District ballpark to watch the triple-A Clippers play and follow the rise of many of the players to the Indians.

(Clippers president and general manager Ken) Schnacke can point to the record-breaking attendance, two International League Governors’ Cups and two triple-A national championships and say that the affiliation "has exceeded all of our expectations."

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti noted in the news release that the relationship is not only important to develop future Indians players, but also to help cultivate Indians fans in Ohio.

For more on the Indians, head over to Let's Go Tribe or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around MLB, visit Baseball Nation.