Mustangs, Reds extend agreement
"The Reds are very pleased to be extending their player development contract with the Billings Mustangs through the 2014 season," said Reds senior director of player development, Terry Reynolds. "The partnership between the Reds and Mustangs is a long and successful one. Dehler Park is the finest playing facility in the Pioneer League, and we appreciate everything that the City of Billings, the staff of the Mustangs and the great boosters do for our players and staff. We hope this extension is just one of many more."
The Mustangs and Reds have been affiliated since 1974, one of the longest active partnerships in professional baseball. Many great players who have starred at the Major League level began their careers in Billings, including Tom Browning, Paul O'Neill, Rob Dibble, Ron Oester, Trevor Hoffman, Reggie Sanders, Aaron Boone, BJ Ryan, Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns. Current Reds players Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, Paul Janish, Chris Heisey, Logan Ondrusek and Travis Wood all wore a Mustangs uniform.
"We are thrilled to continue our affiliation with the Cincinnati Reds," commented Gary Roller, Mustangs general manager. "Our 37-year partnership is one of the longest running affiliations in professional baseball, and has produced eight Pioneer League Championships and numerous players who have gone on to play in Cincinnati. We feel fortunate and are extremely proud to be a member of the Reds extended family, and look forward to many more years of shared success."
Cincinnati's other Class A short-season affiliate is the Arizona League Reds, while the Dayton Dragons (Midwest League) are the Class A affiliate and Bakersfield Blaze (California League) the Class A Advanced affiliate. The Reds Double-A affiliate is the Carolina Mudcats (Southern League) and the Louisville Bats of the International League are the Triple-A affiliate.