The Carfagna family has sold short-season Everett to the ownership group 7th Inning Stretch, a California-based company that also owns Rookie-level Delmarva and high Class A Stockton.

This from the AquaSox’s Website:

“This is a bittersweet time for our family,” noted Peter A. Carfagna. “We offered the club for sale with the condition that the new owners be a proper fit for the club and the community,” he continued. “Although their résumés speak for themselves, we are one-hundred percent confident Tom Volpe and Pat Filippone will be just that. They will have a meaningful local presence.”

The Carfagna Family has owned the AquaSox for the last four years. “Peter and I made a lot of great friendships in Everett and Snohomish County,” offered AquaSox Vice President of Baseball Operations Peter E. Carfagna. “We look forward to those continuing. Owning the ballclub since 2004 has been an honor and pleasure. The AquaSox are a great asset to this community. Though we will be departing in the near term we trust the club is in great hands going forward. With a fond farewell we say Go Frogs!”

“The league feels a loss with the divesture in the Everett club by the Carfagna family; they will be missed,” said Northwest League President Bob Richmond. “The AquaSox have been a model franchise and we know this will continue with Tom Volpe and his group. We know Tom well – he’s a good owner and a good baseball man.”

“We are excited for the opportunity to be the new stewards of minor league baseball in Everett,” said new Chairman and Majority Owner Tom Volpe. “Working to build on an already stellar fan experience will be a top priority.”

Under the direction of Volpe and Filippone, 7th Inning Stretch, LLP has been involved in owning and operating minor league baseball teams for a number of years. Since 2006, the company purchased and took over the operation of the Delmarva Shorebirds club of the South Atlantic League, set an attendance record for the Stockton Ports, hosted the California League vs. Carolina League All Star Game, and established the Ports Anchor Fund foundation, which made over $25,000 in contributions for local causes. This season, the Stockton Ports won the California League championship.

Incoming Team President Pat Filippone is a proven veteran of minor league baseball. He brings 18 years of experience and expertise to the AquaSox. “The Carfagna’s have passed the baton to us and we are eager to get started. We’ll work with our front office staff to make this transition as seamless as possible.”