Mets, B-Mets Ink Affiliate Deal Through 2012

For Immediate Release


Binghamton Mets, New York Mets Extend Relationship through 2012

The Binghamton Mets and New York Mets announced today that the organizations have signed a two-year Player Development Contract (PDC) extension that will keep the Double-A Mets in Binghamton through 2012. The 2010 season is the 19th year of the partnership between the Mets and the B-Mets, which is one of the longest-standing partnerships in the Eastern League.

“The Binghamton Mets have always considered our New York Mets affiliation to be our most treasured asset,” B-Mets President Michael Urda said. “It is with great pride that our fans will continue to see the future stars of Citi Field coming through our hometown of Binghamton, New York.”

The Mets moved Double-A baseball back to Binghamton from Williamsport, PA in 1992. The parent club purchased the, now defunct, Williamsport Bills and relocated the organization to the Southern Tier. In 1994, the franchise was purchased from the Mets by a group of local businessmen, George Scherer and Urda, who now co-own the team with William and David Maines.

In the 19 years of the partnership, the Binghamton franchise has a 1262-1278 record and has won two Eastern League Championships, 1992 and 1994. Since the team’s inception, 3,848,085 fans have come through the gates of NYSEG Stadium to see the future stars of the Mets, which have included Major League All-Stars like Edgardo Alfonzo, Heath Bell, Jason Isringhausen, Jose Reyes and David Wright.

“We are excited to extend our long-standing relationship with the Binghamton Mets,” Mets Director of Minor League Operations Adam Wogan said. “Our players and staff have been treated in a first-class manner by the front office and the fans of the B-Mets throughout our affiliation.”

The Mets currently have 17 players on its 40-man roster who have played for the B-Mets. The list includes two members of the starting rotation, Mike Pelfrey and Jon Niese, two starting outfielders, Jason Bay and Angel Pagan, and the left side of the infield, David Wright and Jose Reyes. In addition, two members of the 2009 B-Mets made the 25-man active roster out of Spring Training, Jenrry Mejia and Ruben Tejada.

The B-Mets will open their 19th season of Eastern League play at NYSEG Stadium Thursday night at 6:35 P.M. against the defending league champions, the Akron Aeros. Tickets for Opening Night are still available and can be purchased in person at the NYSEG Stadium box office, at the team’s Oakdale Mall store and online at bmets.com.