LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington Legends announced on Thursday that they've joined the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The team spent the last 20 years in the South Atlantic League as a Single-A affiliate of the Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals.
The ALPB is a professional partner league to Major League Baseball and has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations in its 24 year history.
The Legends drew the attention of the ALPB after creating the Battle of the Bourbon Trail following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Legends created their own roster with former local high school, UK and U of L players as well as seven who had MLB experience like former Reds player Brandon Phillips.
“Joining the Atlantic League is the perfect next step for this franchise. We are beyond excited and thankful for the Atlantic League and Major League Baseball for assisting in making this happen. Fans can expect to see high caliber baseball, names they recognize, and players that are from Kentucky and the incredible college baseball programs in our state. We did extensive due diligence on what our next step should be. It was clear from the beginning that our fans, community and the game of baseball will continue in Lexington as a member of the premier MLB Partner League,” said Andy Shea, Lexington Legends President & CEO.
“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with the Lexington Legends as they join the Atlantic League in 2021,” said Morgan Sword, MLB’s Executive Vice President, Baseball Operations. “We have developed an excellent working relationship with the Legends and congratulate them on this next step for the franchise.”
“We are very excited to add such a high-caliber ballclub to our league,” said Atlantic League President Rick White. “We congratulate Andy Shea and the entire Legends organization. The Legends bring a tradition of outstanding baseball, operating excellence and dedication to their community that make them a perfect fit for the ALPB.”
It was also announced that P.J. Phillips will return to manage the first Legends team to play in the ALPB.
Fans can purchase tickets by visiting lexingtonlegends.com. ALPB season begins May 28, 2021. Promotional Schedule will be released soon.
