Binghamton, Mets extend agreement

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Binghamton, Mets extend agreement
04/02/2008 10:14 PM ET
Binghamton Mets

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- On the eve of the B-Mets' season opener, team president Michael Urda announced a two-year extension of Binghamton's player development contract with the New York Mets at the annual "Welcome Home Dinner" on Wednesday night at the Binghamton Regency.
The existing agreement was due to expire at the end of the 2008 season, but the extension ensures that New York will continue to furnish Minor League players to the B-Mets through 2010.
"The Binghamton Mets are thrilled to continue the successful partnership with our parent Mets," said Urda. "The bond between New York and Binghamton has never been stronger and we look forward to contributing through player development to the success of the big league club."
New York's active roster consists of six players who logged time with the Binghamton Mets. Righthanded pitchers Aaron Heilman (2002), Mike Pelfrey (2006) and Joe Smith (2006) hurled earlier in their careers for the B-Mets. Outfielder Angel Pagan (2004) and the left side of the infield -- shortstop Jose Reyes ('02 & '04) and David Wright (2004) all started in the New York Mets' season opener earlier this week.
A total of 30 B-Mets alumni opened this season on Major League rosters.
"We are pleased to extend our working agreement with the Binghamton Club for another two years," said Adam Wogan, New York Mets director of Minor League operations. "The ownership group, office staff and fans of the Binghamton area have been inviting and gracious to our players and organization for the past 16 seasons, and we look forward to continuing our great relationship."
The B-Mets will open the franchise's 17th season on Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. against the defending Eastern League champion Trenton Thunder, the New York Yankees' Double-A affiliate. The New York Mets have affiliated with Binghamton since the team's inception in 1992. The team's current 17-year affiliation with New York ranks fourth in the 12-team Eastern League in terms of longevity behind Reading (42 years, Phillies), Akron (20 years, Indians) and Harrisburg (18 years, Expos/Nationals).