“Frederick has always been a baseball town”, and a recent announcement has reignited that passion. In a move that marks a triumphant return to its roots, the Frederick Keys will once again be an affiliated Minor League Baseball team, serving as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles starting in the 2026 season.
The announcement was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the community, which has stood by the team for over three decades. As stated in the official announcement, the news is “not just about baseball. It is about what happens when a community comes together. When leaders step up. When people believe.” The return to affiliated baseball is a testament to the community’s unwavering support and the enduring legacy of the Frederick Keys.
This partnership is a familiar one, as the Keys were the Orioles’ Class A-Advanced affiliate from 1989 to 2020. The return of the affiliation builds upon a long-standing relationship between the two franchises. Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled that affiliated baseball is returning to Frederick. The Frederick community and fans have always been strong supporters of the Orioles, and we look forward to building on a 30-year partnership with the Keys.”
The move to High-A will bring a new level of competition to Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. As part of this transition, the team will play in the South Atlantic League. High-A is the third-highest level of play in Minor League Baseball, below Triple-A and Double-A. It is a crucial step in a player’s development, often a destination for college players or prospects who have excelled at the lower levels of the minor leagues.
To prepare for the return to affiliated baseball, Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium is undergoing significant renovations in partnership with the City of Frederick and the Maryland Stadium Authority. These upgrades, which are not expected to disrupt the current playing season, will include new clubhouses, modern batting cages, and an expanded concourse to enhance the fan and player experience.
The Frederick Keys have a rich history in the city, with a legacy that extends back more than a century. The city was a founding member of the Blue Ridge League, which operated from 1915-1930. The Keys themselves have won four league championships, in 1990, 2005, 2007, and 2011. The team is named after Francis Scott Key, a native of Frederick County and the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The move also means a change for the current Orioles High-A team, the Aberdeen IronBirds, who will move to the MLB Draft League in 2026. The IronBirds will retain their city and identity. With the Frederick Keys playing affiliated baseball as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, the future of baseball in Frederick looks brighter than ever. As the announcement proclaimed, “Baseball is back. Frederick is ready!”