Tourists Sign Player Development League License with Astros

ASHEVILLE- The Asheville Tourists have officially accepted their invitation to become the new Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Houston Astros. The Tourists signed a Player Development League License with the Astros that ensures the Tourists will be an integral part of the Houston Astros player development system through the year 2030.

“We are proud to be a part of the Houston Astros system and will continue to create a first-class fan experience, support our community, and develop Major League ballplayers, said Tourists President Brian DeWine. “I’m thankful for the Astros’ long-term commitment to professional baseball in Asheville.”

The Tourists will be part of a 12-team league known as the High-A East league; a level up in competition from the South Atlantic League the Tourists were previously a part of. The High-A East league is split into two divisions and Asheville is one of seven teams in the Southern division along with the Bowling Green Hot Rods, Greensboro Grasshoppers, Greenville Drive, Hickory Crawdads, Rome Braves and Winston-Salem Dash. The five Northern division teams include the Aberdeen IronBirds, Brooklyn Cyclones, Hudson Valley Renegades, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, and Wilmington Blue Rocks.

“The Astros are excited to officially announce the Asheville Tourists as the club’s Advanced Class A affiliate,” said Astros General Manager James Click. “We look forward to a minor league season in 2021 and a successful beginning to our relationship with the Tourists.”

Asheville and Houston have two previous affiliation stints; the 1967 season and a 12-year partnership from 1982-92. The latter saw MLB Hall of Famer Craig Biggio begin his career playing at McCormick Field.

A limited number of season tickets for the upcoming season are on currently sale. For more information call the Asheville Tourists Front Office at (828) 258-0428 or email questions to [email protected].