The Norfolk Tides will remain in the Baltimore Oriole farm system through the 2014 baseball season as the clubs agreed to a four-year player development contract extension Thursday.

“We are extremely excited to continue our partnership with the Baltimore Orioles franchise” said Tides owner/president Ken Young.

The Orioles also extended contracts with the double-A Bowie (Md.) Baysox and the single-A Frederick (Md.) Keys Thursday. Young owns the Bowie and Frederick clubs as well.

“The proximity of Baltimore is a natural geographical fit for Norfolk, Bowie and Frederick, and we are thrilled that our fans will continue to get the opportunity to watch their favorite Orioles prospects move up the organizational ladder. The Orioles have also served as such a valuable force in our community, and we look forward to working with them to ensure the next four years are even more successful,” Young said.

“We are very pleased to continue our working agreements with the Norfolk, Bowie and Frederick clubs,” said Orioles President of Baseball Operations, Andy MacPhail.

“We have formed great partnerships with each of these clubs and look forward to continue developing our talent in the supportive environment that these cities provide,” MacPhail said.

The Tides have been the triple-A affiliate of the Orioles since 2007. Since 2007, 64 different players have appeared for Baltimore after playing in Norfolk. Of the 25 players on the current Oriole roster, 12 have played with the Tides at some point in the last two years.

Baltimore is 40-74 this season and in last place in the AL East division. The Tides are 54-65 and last in the International League South.