LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington Legends have joined the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), the team announced Thursday.

"The Atlantic League is the first Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the Major Leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation," said a press release from the team. "ALPB has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing 42 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history."

Over the past 20 years, the Lexington Legends played in the South Atlantic League (SAL) as the Single-A affiliate of the Houston Astros (2001-2012) and Kansas City Royals (2013-2020).

After the pandemic forced the cancelation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season, the Legends continued to welcome fans with the creation of The Battle of the Bourbon Trail. The Legends rosters included future MLB Hall of Famer Brandon Phillips, seven players with MLB experience, and over 40 players with ties to communities across Kentucky.

“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 Lexington Legends President & CEO Andy Shea.

“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with the Lexington Legends as they join the Atlantic League in 2021,” said Morgan Sword, MLB’s Executive Vice President, Baseball Operations. “We have developed an excellent working relationship with the Legends and congratulate them on this next step for the franchise.”

“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, 2021, and fans can purchase tickets online now. The team said its promotional schedule will be released soon.