Recently, MLB has been in discussions to reduce the number of minor league affiliates each team can have. The name most often mentioned in reference to the Orioles are the Frederick Keys. In my opinion, this would be a shame as Frederick is well run and supported by the fans in Frederick.
It's led me to wonder how a reduction in MLB affiliates will affect minor league baseball in general. There have always been independant teams, as well as co-op teams sprinkled throughout the minor leagues. Co-op teams aren't affiliated with any team, but do have fill their rosters with players borrowed from major league teams. Will independent teams increase or will cities, like Frederick, lose baseball altogether?
From 1980-1983, the Orioles were involved in co-op agreements with a different team each year (1980 Alexandria Dukes, 1981 Hagerstown Suns, 1982 Miami Marlins and 1983 San Jose Bees). The working agreement with Hagerstown, led to them becoming an Orioles affiliate until 1992.
Co-op teams don't generally get a lot of talent/top prospects from MLB teams, which usually produce poor win-lose records. Hagerstown was an exception in 1981, as 7 players ended up in Baltimore including Ken Dixon.
1980 Alexandria Dukes program (54-86)
1980 Alexandria Dukes.jpg
1981 Hagerstown Suns program (70-68) League Champs
1981 Hagerstown Suns.jpg
1982 Miami Marlins program (53-84)
1982 Miami Marlins.jpg
1983 San Jose Bees program (56-84)
1983 San Jose Bees.jpg