Lexington Legends join Atlantic League of Professional Baseball

After 20 years as a stop on the road to Major League Baseball, the Lexington Legends will be playing to win in 2021.

Legends officials announced last Thursday that the organization has joined the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, moving from the South Atlantic League.

As part of the Class A South Atlantic League since 2001, the Legends served as an affiliate of the Houston Astros until 2012. From 2013 until 2020 the team was affiliated with the Kansas City Royals.

“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.

The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball will feature Major League level talent.

As a partner league of Major League Baseball, the ALPB has sent more than 950 players to MLB organizations in its 24-year history.

With the Legends’ announcement, the ALPB now boasts seven teams in North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and now Kentucky.

Other teams include the Gastonia, North Carolina Honey Hunters, High Point, North Carolina Rockers, Long Island, New York Ducks, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, Lancaster, Pennsylvania Barnstormers, and York, Pennsylvania Revolution.

“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.”

The ALPB season begins May 28. More information will be available by visiting lexingtonlegends.com.