100 Days Away from Opening Day, B-Mets Announce They are Here to Stay

Evans Street Baseball Inc., headed by John Hughes, announced today that they have completed the purchase of the Binghamton Mets from the Binghamton Mets Baseball Club, Inc. The Double-A baseball team, affiliated with the New York Mets, is a member of the Eastern League and has been based in Binghamton, New York, for 24 years. 

Broome County’s favorite Binghamton Mets are here to stay well beyond the current 25 Year Silver Anniversary. New ownership has pledged to keep the team in Binghamton and expand the B-Mets’ experience for families, students, businesses, and the New York Mets. Evans Street Baseball is thrilled the management team will be kept in place.

“We are excited to have been able to secure Jim Weed and the staff to ensure continuity and the opportunity to grow from a solid foundation,” noted Hughes.

The Binghamton Mets will continue to play at NYSEG Stadium and provide an exciting atmosphere for loyal fans. Mr. Hughes said, “Having a Double-A, New York Major League Baseball affiliate in the Southern Tier is a tremendous opportunity, so great attention will be focused to ensure the team has top-grade facilities and the infrastructure necessary to develop Major League talent.”

 “We want to be a contributor to the rebirth of the Southern Tier and create a memorable, unique, fun, and affordable fan experience each and every time,” said Mr. Hughes. “As a leader who takes an active hands-on approach, I am committed to upgrading the fan experience, improving community outreach programs, and establishing NYSEG Stadium as a community jewel.”

Exciting improvement plans will be announced over the next few months with several presented during the Hot Stove session for season ticket holders and corporate sponsors in March.

Retiring B-Mets President Michael Urda and partners Bill and David Maines and George Scherer expressed their thanks to all the B-Mets’ local fans, sponsors, players and coaches, New York Mets front office staff, dedicated B-Met staff led by General Manager Jim Weed, and local political leaders for their overwhelming support over the past 20 years.

Michael Urda said, “It has been an honor to be the guardian of the B-Mets baseball franchise for the past two decades, and we are pleased to turn over the keys to a man with great values: John Hughes.”

Hughes, a husband and father of three children, owns a successful international consulting company. The attraction of owning a team near family in Buffalo, NY and Westchester County, NY, was a compelling draw during the acquisition process. He and his family plan to spend parts of the summer in the area enjoying the Finger Lakes.

With its storied tradition, the Binghamton Mets have been a part of the fabric of the Southern Tier for generations and one of the driving forces behind the New York Mets.

The 25-man 2015 Mets World Series roster consisted of 16 individuals who played in Binghamton. Since 1992, over 250 Major League players wore a B-Mets uniform at some point in their career. Along with numerous division championships, the team won the Eastern League Championship in 1992, 1994, and 2014.