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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah sports fans have built their existence out of feeling disrespected.
National media figures disregard the teams; free agents disregard the city; professional leagues don’t value the area. However, when looking at the sports entities that “disrespect” Salt Lake City, make sure to look past the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — the parent club of the AAA Salt Lake Bees.
The Angels and Salt Lake have long been a natural fit for a variety of reasons, and both clubs announced earlier this week that they have extended their partnership through the 2016 season.
That announcement is a win-win-win-win; a win for the Angels, a win for the Bees, a win for the Bees’ fans, and a win for Salt Lake City in general.
First, having a Triple-A affiliate in an area that is easily accessible for players is a win for the Angels. Bobby Scales, director of player development for the Angels, said the proximity of Salt Lake to Southern California is a win for the franchise.
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“I know for us, organizationally, it’s a tremendous, tremendous place to be,” he said. “Beautiful place; a little cold early, but a beautiful facility. Honestly, from the organizational standpoint, the goal of Triple-A is to get guys to the big leagues, and when we need those guys, it’s extremely easy to access those players. Multiple flights a day into Orange County; you have a major airport here in Salt Lake that can get guys all over the country.”
There is no doubt that having a world-class airport is one of Salt Lake City’s top assets, and having it be a hub airport on top of that has been good for the area. Major league clubs like it when players can get to the big leagues quickly, wherever they may be. With how often the Angels have needed players from the Bees, having direct flights to dozens of destinations is a huge plus.
Second, keeping an affiliation with the Angels is great for the Bees. Salt Lake is close enough to Southern California, and has enough transplants from the region, that fans have a bit of connection to the area. And enough northern Utah residents vacation in Southern California to create an opportunity for fans to check out games and see the stars.
Bees broadcaster Steve Klauke, who also worked with the team when it was an affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, said the Angels have provided the organization with players who have allowed the team to be competitive over the years.
“All in all, I think it’s been great,” said Klauke, who has worked as the play-by-play announcer for the Salt Lake franchise since 1994. “While this year has been a struggle, the Angels gave us two trips to the (Pacific Coast League) finals in their time, and five trips to the playoffs. They’ve given us great talent, and they haven’t skipped over like some franchises do.
“Some top prospects skip over Triple-A … but for the most part, they’ve given us quality teams. It’s just been a good relationship for both.”
Fans have also benefitted greatly from the affiliation with Los Angeles. Just this season, Bees fans have gotten to see former World Series MVP David Freese and American League MVP Josh Hamilton in rehab assignments, and have seen other established players come up through the organization.
Hamilton, who is famous for his hitting ability, is currently in the midst of a rehab assignment with the Bees, and Salt Lake general manager Marc Amicome said his appearance in Salt Lake is great for all parties.
“If you look at the history of the great players that have been here, (they’ve) contributed great things for (the Angels),” he said. “Obviously, Mike Trout right now, but Jared Weaver, Howie Kendrick, Mike Napoli and Chone Figgins. This year, there’s 13 guys that have been up there this year, helping them do really well at the moment. It’s nice to see that, and as Josh Hamilton and those guys get healthy, we see a little bit of those guys come here and help us as well.”
Finally, it’s good for the area to have a connection to Major League Baseball. Real Salt Lake has been a great addition to the sports culture in the area, and the Utah Jazz and college football are year-round subjects. However, from a fan experience, minor league baseball remains the most family-friendly of all professional sports — a big plus for a market known for families. And it provides a chance for that American cliché of spending a warm summer evening outside with friends, enjoying a hot dog, popcorn and maybe a frosty beverage or two.
With all those reasons in mind, how can anybody lose?
