List of Boston Red Sox minor league affiliates explained

The Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB) maintain a farm system consisting of four Minor League Baseball affiliates across the United States. Additionally, the Red Sox own and operate complex-based rookie level squads playing in the Florida Complex League in Florida and the Dominican Summer League in the Dominican Republic.

Of the non-complex based teams, the Portland Sea Dogs have been a Red Sox affiliate since 2003, the Greenville Drive have been an affiliate since 2005, the Salem Red Sox have been an affiliate since 2009, and the Worcester Red Sox entered their debut season in 2021. The Worcester Red Sox succeeded the Pawtucket Red Sox, who were a Red Sox affiliate from 1970 through 2020. The Salem Red Sox are owned by Fenway Sports Group, who also own the major league club, while the other three affiliates are independently owned.

Geographically, Worcester is Boston's closest domestic affiliate, located approximately 45miles from Fenway Park. Boston's furthest domestic affiliate is the Fenway South-based FCL Red Sox, located some 1247miles away.

List of affiliates by season

The below tables list Red Sox affiliates for each season since the team established its first such relationship. Sections are grouped by era, based on changes in minor league classifications. Instances of the Red Sox sharing an affiliate with other MLB teams are independently counted in parentheses, with the partner team(s) listed in an endnote.

1928–1945

Major league teams had affiliate relationships with minor league teams as early as 1920, when the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals each had a farm team in the Texas League. The first team that had an affiliate relationship with the Red Sox was the Salem Witches of the New England League in 1928.[1]

Prior to 1946, Double-A was the highest level of play in the minor leagues. Additional classifications were A through D, each of which was used by the Red Sox. Class A1 was created in 1936 and existed through 1945, and was also used by the Red Sox for several seasons. One Class E league existed in 1943, but was not used by the Red Sox.

YearDouble-AClass A1Class AClass BClass CClass DNo./Ref.
1928bgcolor=lightgreySalem Witches1
1929bgcolor=lightgrey0
1930bgcolor=lightgrey0
1931bgcolor=lightgrey0
1932bgcolor=lightgreyHazleton Mountaineers
Wilmington Pirates
2
1933bgcolor=lightgreyReading Red Sox1
1934Kansas City Bluesbgcolor=lightgreyReading Red SoxColumbia Sandlappers /
Asheville Tourists
Joplin Miners4
1935bgcolor=lightgreyCharlotte HornetsShreveport Sports /
Gladewater Bears
Danville-Schoolfield Leafs3
1936San Diego Padres
Syracuse Chiefs
Little Rock TravelersElmira ColonelsRocky Mount Red SoxHelena Seaporters
Canton Terriers
Danville-Schoolfield Leafs
Eau Claire Bears
9
1937Little Rock TravelersHazleton Red SoxRocky Mount Red SoxBrockville Blues
Clarksdale Red Sox
Canton Terriers
Elizabethton Betsy Red Sox
Danville-Schoolfield Leafs
Opelousas Indians
Moultrie Packers
Mansfield Red Sox
11
1938Minneapolis MillersLittle Rock TravelersHazleton Red SoxRocky Mount Red SoxClarksdale Red Sox
Canton Terriers
Elizabethton Betsy Red Sox
Danville-Schoolfield Leafs
Moultrie Packers
Crookston Pirates
10
1939Louisville ColonelsLittle Rock TravelersScranton Red SoxRocky Mount Red SoxClarksdale Red Sox
Canton Terriers
Elizabethton Betsy Red Sox
Danville-Schoolfield Leafs
Centreville Colts
9
1940Louisville ColonelsScranton Red SoxRocky Mount Red SoxCanton TerriersElizabethton Betsy Red Sox
Danville-Schoolfield Leafs
Centreville Red Sox
7
1941Louisville ColonelsScranton Red SoxGreensboro Red SoxCanton TerriersDanville-Schoolfield Leafs
Centreville Red Sox
Owensboro Oilers
7
1942Louisville ColonelsScranton Red SoxGreensboro Red SoxOneonta Indians
Canton Terriers
Danville-Schoolfield Leafs
Owensboro Oilers
7
1943Louisville ColonelsScranton Red SoxRoanoke Red Sox3
1944Louisville ColonelsScranton Red SoxRoanoke Red SoxMiddletown Red Sox4
1945Louisville ColonelsScranton Red SoxRoanoke Red SoxDurham Bulls4

1946–1962

The minors operated with six classes (Triple-A, Double-A, and Classes A, B, C, and D) from 1946 to 1962. The Pacific Coast League (PCL) was reclassified from Triple-A to Open in 1952 due to the possibility of becoming a third major league. This arrangement ended following the 1957 season when the relocation of the National League's Dodgers and Giants to the West Coast ended any chance of the PCL being promoted.

YearDouble-AClass AClass BClass CClass DNo./Ref.
1946Louisville ColonelsNew Orleans PelicansScranton Red SoxLynn Red Sox
Roanoke Red Sox
Durham Bulls
Oneonta Red Sox
Geneva Red Birds
Milford Red Sox
New Iberia Cardinals
Tarboro Tars
11
1947Louisville Colonels
Toronto Maple Leafs
New Orleans PelicansScranton Red SoxLynn Red Sox
Roanoke Red Sox
Oneonta Red Sox
San Jose Red Sox
Milford Red Sox
Wellsville Nitros
10
1948Louisville ColonelsBirmingham BaronsScranton Red SoxLynn Red Sox
Roanoke Red Sox
Auburn Cayugas
El Paso Texans
Oneonta Red Sox
San Jose Red Sox
Milford Red Sox
Oroville Red Sox
Valley Rebels
Wellsville Nitros
13
1949Louisville ColonelsBirmingham BaronsScranton Red SoxRoanoke Red SoxOneonta Red Sox
San Jose Red Sox
Hornell Maple Leafs
Marion Red Sox
Valley Rebels
9
1950Louisville ColonelsBirmingham BaronsScranton Red SoxRoanoke Red SoxOneonta Red Sox
San Jose Red Sox
Kinston Eagles
Marion Red Sox
8
1951Louisville ColonelsBirmingham BaronsScranton Red SoxRoanoke Ro-SoxOneonta Red Sox
San Jose Red Sox
High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms
Marion Red Sox
8
1952Louisville ColonelsBirmingham BaronsAlbany SenatorsRoanoke Ro-SoxSan Jose Red SoxHigh Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms6
1953Louisville ColonelsAlbany SenatorsGreensboro Patriots
Roanoke Ro-Sox
San Jose Red SoxSalisbury Rocots6
1954Louisville ColonelsAlbany SenatorsGreensboro PatriotsSan Jose Red SoxBluefield Blue-Grays
Corning Red Sox
6
1955Louisville ColonelsMontgomery RebelsGreensboro PatriotsSan Jose Red SoxBluefield Blue-Grays
Corning Red Sox
6
1956San Francisco SealsOklahoma City IndiansAlbany SenatorsGreensboro PatriotsSan Jose JoSoxCorning Red Sox
Lafayette Red Sox
Lexington Red Sox
8
1957San Francisco SealsOklahoma City IndiansAlbany SenatorsGreensboro PatriotsCorning Red Sox
Lafayette Red Sox
Lexington Red Sox
7
1958Minneapolis MillersMemphis ChickasawsAllentown Red SoxRaleigh CapitalsCorning Red Sox
Lexington Red Sox
Waterloo Hawks
7
1959Minneapolis MillersAllentown Red SoxRaleigh CapitalsAlpine Cowboys
Corning Cor-Sox
Waterloo Hawks
6
1960Minneapolis MillersAllentown Red SoxRaleigh CapitalsAlpine Cowboys
Corning Red Sox
Waterloo Hawks
6
1961Seattle RainiersJohnstown Red SoxWinston-Salem Red SoxAlpine Cowboys
Olean Red Sox
Waterloo Hawks
6
1962Seattle RainiersYork White RosesWinston-Salem Red SoxPocatello ChiefsOlean Red Sox
Waterloo Hawks
6
Open classification (used by the PCL during 1952–1957)
Sources:[2] [3]

1963–1989

The foundation of the minors' current structure was the result of a reorganization initiated by Major League Baseball (MLB) before the 1963 season. The reduction from six classes to four (Triple-A, Double-AA, Class A, and Rookie) was a response to the general decline of the minors throughout the 1950s and early-1960s when leagues and teams folded due to shrinking attendance caused by baseball fans' preference for staying at home to watch MLB games on television. The 1963 reorganization resulted in the Eastern and South Atlantic Leagues being elevated from Class A to Double-A, five of seven Class D circuits plus the ones in B and C upgraded to A, and the Appalachian League reclassified from D to Rookie. The only change made within the next 27 years was some Class A teams adopting "Short Season" schedules starting in 1965.

YearTriple-ADouble-AClass AClass A Short SeasonRookie LeagueNo./Ref.
1963Seattle RainiersReading Red SoxWaterloo Hawks
Wellsville Red Sox
Winston-Salem Red Sox
bgcolor=lightgrey5
1964Seattle RainiersReading Red SoxWaterloo Hawks
Wellsville Red Sox
Winston-Salem Red Sox
Statesville Colts
bgcolor=lightgrey5(1)
1965Toronto Maple LeafsPittsfield Red SoxWaterloo Hawks
Wellsville Red Sox
Winston-Salem Red Sox
Harlan Red Sox6
1966Toronto Maple LeafsPittsfield Red SoxOneonta Red Sox
Waterloo Hawks
Winston-Salem Red Sox
Covington Red Sox6
1967Toronto Maple LeafsPittsfield Red SoxGreenville Red Sox
Waterloo Hawks
Winston-Salem Red Sox
5
1968Louisville ColonelsPittsfield Red SoxGreenville Red Sox
Waterloo Hawks
Winston-Salem Red Sox
Jamestown Falcons6
1969Louisville ColonelsPittsfield Red SoxGreenville Red Sox
Winston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Jamestown Falcons6
1970Louisville ColonelsPawtucket Red SoxGreenville Red Sox
Winston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Jamestown Falcons6
1971Louisville ColonelsPawtucket Red SoxGreenville Red Sox
Winston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Williamsport Red Sox6
1972Louisville ColonelsPawtucket Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Williamsport Red Sox5
1973Pawtucket Red SoxBristol Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Pioneers5
1974Pawtucket Red SoxBristol Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Red Sox5
1975Pawtucket Red SoxBristol Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Red Sox5
1976Pawtucket Red SoxBristol Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Red Sox5
1977Pawtucket Red SoxBristol Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Pioneer-Red Sox5
1978Pawtucket Red SoxBristol Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Red Sox5
1979Pawtucket Red SoxBristol Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Pioneers5
1980Pawtucket Red SoxBristol Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Pioneers5
1981Pawtucket Red SoxBristol Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Suns5
1982Pawtucket Red SoxBristol Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Suns5
1983Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxWinston-Salem Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Suns5
1984Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxWinston-Salem Spirits
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Pioneers5
1985Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxGreensboro Hornets
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Pioneers5
1986Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxGreensboro Hornets
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Pioneers5
1987Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxGreensboro Hornets
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira Pioneers5
1988Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxLynchburg Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira PioneersAZL Mariners/Red Sox5(1)
1989Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxLynchburg Red Sox
Winter Haven Red Sox
Elmira PioneersGCL Red Sox
DSL cooperative
6(1)
Sources:[4] [5] [6] [7]

1990–2020

Minor League Baseball operated with six classes from 1990 to 2020. The Class A level was subdivided for a second time with the creation of Class A-Advanced. The Rookie level consisted of domestic and foreign circuits.[8] During several seasons, the Red Sox fielded two teams in the Dominican Summer League (DSL).

YearTriple-ADouble-AClass A-AdvancedClass AClass A Short SeasonRookie LeagueForeign RookieNo./Ref.
1990Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxWinter Haven Red Sox
Lynchburg Red Sox
Elmira PioneersGCL Red SoxDSL cooperative6(1)
1991Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxWinter Haven Red Sox
Lynchburg Red Sox
Elmira PioneersGCL Red Sox6
1992Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxWinter Haven Red Sox
Lynchburg Red Sox
Elmira PioneersGCL Red Sox6
1993Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxFort Lauderdale Red Sox
Lynchburg Red Sox
Utica Blue SoxGCL Red Sox6
1994Pawtucket Red SoxNew Britain Red SoxSarasota Red Sox
Lynchburg Red Sox
Utica Blue SoxGCL Red Sox6
1995Pawtucket Red SoxTrenton ThunderSarasota Red SoxMichigan Battle CatsUtica Blue SoxGCL Red Sox6
1996Pawtucket Red SoxTrenton ThunderSarasota Red SoxMichigan Battle CatsLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL cooperative6(1)
1997Pawtucket Red SoxTrenton ThunderSarasota Red SoxMichigan Battle CatsLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7
1998Pawtucket Red SoxTrenton ThunderSarasota Red SoxMichigan Battle CatsLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7
1999Pawtucket Red SoxTrenton ThunderSarasota Red SoxAugusta GreenJacketsLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox
VSL cooperative
7(1)
2000Pawtucket Red SoxTrenton ThunderSarasota Red SoxAugusta GreenJacketsLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox
DSL cooperative
VSL cooperative
7(2)
2001Pawtucket Red SoxTrenton ThunderSarasota Red SoxAugusta GreenJacketsLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox
DSL cooperative
VSL cooperative
7(2)
2002Pawtucket Red SoxTrenton ThunderSarasota Red SoxAugusta GreenJacketsLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox
VSL cooperative
7(1)
2003Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSarasota Red SoxAugusta GreenJacketsLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox (2 teams)8
2004Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSarasota Red SoxAugusta GreenJacketsLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox
VSL Red Sox
8
2005Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsWilmington Blue RocksGreenville BombersLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox
VSL cooperative
7(1)
2006Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsWilmington Blue RocksGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7
2007Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsLancaster JetHawksGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7
2008Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsLancaster JetHawksGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7
2009Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7
2010Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7
2011Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7
2012Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7
2013Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7[9]
2014Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7[10]
2015Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox (2 teams)8[11]
2016Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox (2 teams)8[12]
2017Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox7[13]
2018Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox (2 teams)8[14]
2019Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox (2 teams)8[15]
2020Pawtucket Red SoxPortland Sea DogsSalem Red SoxGreenville DriveLowell SpinnersGCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox (2 teams)8[16]
Sources:[17] [18] [19] [20]

For 2020, listed teams are those announced by the Red Sox prior to cancellation of the minor-league season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[21]

2021–present

Prior to the 2021 season, Major League Baseball reorganized Minor League Baseball; changes included ending the Class A Short Season classification, and limiting each major league team to four affiliates above the Rookie level. Additionally, the composition and names of leagues above the Rookie level were changed.[22]

For the Red Sox' farm system:[23]

YearTriple-ADouble-AHigh-ASingle-ARookie LeagueForeign RookieNo./Ref.
2021Worcester Red SoxPortland Sea DogsGreenville DriveSalem Red SoxFCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox (2 teams)7[28]
2022Worcester Red SoxPortland Sea DogsGreenville DriveSalem Red SoxFCL Red SoxDSL Red Sox (2 teams)7[29]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball . Lloyd . Johnson . Miles . Wolff . Third . . 2007 . 978-1932391176.
  2. Official Baseball Guide. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1948.
  3. Official Baseball Guide. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1957.
  4. Official Baseball Record Book. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1963.
  5. Official Baseball Dope Book. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1965.
  6. Official Baseball Dope Book. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1974.
  7. Official Baseball Dope Book. St. Louis, Missouri: The Sporting News, 1979.
  8. Web site: Cronin. John. Truth in the Minor League Class Structure: The Case for the Reclassification of the Minors. The Baseball Research Journal. Society for American Baseball Research. Spring 2013. July 27, 2017.
  9. News: Red Sox announce 2013 Minor League field staffs . MLB.com . December 14, 2012 . March 10, 2021.
  10. News: Red Sox announce 2014 Minor League field staffs . MLB.com . December 18, 2013 . March 10, 2021.
  11. News: Red Sox announce 2015 minor league field staffs . MLB.com . January 8, 2015 . March 10, 2021.
  12. News: Red Sox Announce Minor League Field Staffs . MiLB.com . January 14, 2016 . March 10, 2021.
  13. Red Sox announce Minor League field staffs for 2017 . Boston Red Sox . MLB.com . January 11, 2017 . March 10, 2021.
  14. Web site: Red Sox announce minor league field staffs for 2018. January 9, 2018. Boston Red Sox. MLB.com. January 10, 2018.
  15. Web site: Red Sox Announce Personnel Moves in Player Development and Minor League Field Staffs . MiLB.com . January 10, 2019 . January 12, 2019.
  16. Red Sox announce personnel moves in player development and Minor League field staffs . mlb.com . Boston Red Sox . January 16, 2020 . January 28, 2020.
  17. Web site: Sea Dogs, Red Sox Extend PDC Through 2022. Ballpark Digest. January 16, 2019. January 16, 2019.
  18. Web site: Red Sox Extend Affiliations with PawSox, Spinners. Ballpark Digest. January 5, 2018. September 12, 2018.
  19. Web site: Reichard. Kevin. Affiliate Dance. Ballpark Digest. 26 May 2009. September 12, 2018.
  20. Web site: Drive, Red Sox extend player development contract. Ballpark Digest. January 27, 2016. September 12, 2018.
  21. News: 2020 Minor League Baseball season canceled . David . Adler . . June 30, 2020 . June 30, 2020.
  22. Web site: Mayo. Jonathan. MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues. Major League Baseball. February 12, 2021. February 12, 2021.
  23. Web site: Browne. Ian. Red Sox extend invites to 4 Minors affiliates. MLB. December 9, 2020. December 9, 2020.
  24. News: PawSox Finale, A Day That Never Came . Tanner . Rebelo . trifectanetworksports.com . September 7, 2020 . October 29, 2020.
  25. News: Pawtucket, Lowell dropped as Red Sox affiliates . Bill . Koch . . December 9, 2020 . December 9, 2020.
  26. Web site: Red Sox to reportedly keep all four full-season affiliates, leaving Lowell without affilation . Matt . Collins . overthemonster.com . December 9, 2020 . December 11, 2020.
  27. Web site: Historical League Names to Return in 2022. Minor League Baseball. March 16, 2022. March 16, 2022.
  28. Red Sox announce personnel moves in player development and Minor League field staffs . . Boston Red Sox . January 29, 2021 . February 14, 2021.
  29. Red Sox announce personnel moves in player development, set Minor League field staffs . Boston Red Sox . MLB.com . February 3, 2022 . April 4, 2022.