The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees might not see eye to eye on most topics, but one matter they’ve both agreed on is that Trenton, NJ, is a suitable spot for a Double-A franchise. Considering the intense rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees, it’s hard to believe that their prospects have shared Arm & Hammer Park, but that’s exactly what has happened since 1995.
The Thunder have been affiliated with the Yankees dating back to the 2003 season. In addition to many well-known Yankees stars coming through Trenton on their way to the Major Leagues, virtually every Yankee who has rehabbed an injury in the Minors has suited up for Trenton. This list includes Derek Jeter, Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Hideki Matsui, Kenny Lofton and many more. Like the Yankees, the Thunder contend for the playoffs on a regular basis. Since the Yankees took over, Trenton has made the Eastern League playoffs in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010. The 2007 and 2008 seasons saw the team win championships, while the team lost in the first round in ’05 and ’06 and fell in the championship series in ’10.
Before the Thunder were affiliated with New York, it was Boston that called the shots. The BoSox were the Thunder’s Major League parent club from 1995 to 2002. The team made the playoffs three times in that span, but fell each time in the opening round.
The Detroit Tigers were the franchise’s parent club between 1986 and 1994, and in that span, the team spent time both north and south of the border. Known as the London Tigers, the team played in London, Ontario from 1989 to 1993 but its struggles with attendance in later years prompted the eventual move to Trenton. Prior to 1989, the team was called the Glens Falls Tigers and located in Glens Falls, New York. Earlier, the franchise was affiliated with the Chicago White Sox and between 1980 and 1985, called the Glens Falls White Sox.
Notable alumni
Melky Cabrera
Robinson Cano
Joba Chamberlain
Shelley Duncan
Tony Clark
David Eckstein
Nomar Garciaparra
Brett Gardner
Phil Hughes
Trot Nixon
Carl Pavano
Kevin Youkilis