Guess who will be wearing blue?

Staff Photo by John Rawlston
Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda shakes hands with Looie the Lookout during a visit to BellSouth Park to watch the game between the Lookouts and the Jacksonville Suns, minor league affiliate of the Dodgers.

Chattanooga Lookouts owner Frank Burke has signed a player development contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that will result in the Lookouts being Class AA affiliates of the Dodgers during the 2009-2010 seasons.

“They liked the location of our park; they liked the location of Chattanooga in the league; and it just made a lot of sense,” Mr. Burke said Wednesday. “It’s a nationally recognized franchise and it’s got a lot of history, just like the Lookouts. I’m hoping it will be a great partnership.”

The Dodgers have a rich tradition that dates back to 1890 and includes 21 National League pennants, more than any other National League team.

The agreement with the Dodgers ends Chattanooga’s 21-year affiliation with the Cincinnati Reds, the second-longest relationship involving Southern League teams. Los Angeles is switching affiliations within the Southern League after spending the past eight seasons in Jacksonville.

Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, a longtime Chattanoogan, said he’s pleased with the partnership.

“I think it’s better travel for us within that league,” Mr. Honeycutt said, “and it’s certainly an area I know something about.”

Mr. Burke said the Lookouts will wear uniforms similar to the Dodgers and may unveil them as early as next week.

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