One door closes, another opens

The Pittsburgh Pirates inform the Harrisburg Senators 33 years ago today they will not renew their player-development contract after the 1990 season, ending the teams’ four-year affiliation.

The move leads the Senators to align themselves as the Class AA team of the Montreal Expos, who spend the next decade sending so much talent to City Island that Harrisburg reaches the Eastern League playoffs in nine of the next 10 seasons with five of those summers ending with the EL title.

By the way, only two prospects hold the distinction of playing for the Senators during their time as both a Pirates and Expos affiliate – pitcher Joe Ausanio and outfielder Darwin Pennye.