TRENTON, N.J. -- The Trenton Thunder and New York Yankees announced today that the Player Development Contract (PDC) between the two teams has been extended to keep the Thunder as the Double-A Affiliate of the Yankees through the 2022 season.

Thunder co-owner Joe Caruso and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman signed the PDC extension today at a press conference at Waterfront Park. The previous agreement between the two clubs, which was signed following the 2008 season, has two years remaining.

"We are both honored and humbled to remain part of the Yankees family for the next 10 years," said Thunder president, Joe Finley. "We are proud to be an integral part of the premier player development system in all of Major League Baseball, and look forward to remaining in that role for many years to come."

The PDC extension will bring the Thunder and Yankees affiliation to a total of 20 years (2003-2022). Currently, of the 160 teams in all of Minor League Baseball, there are 25 teams that have been affiliated with their Major League partner for 20 years or more.

The Yankees are Trenton's third Major League affiliate following Detroit (1994) and Boston (1995-2002).

Thunder, Yankees affiliation quick facts
* The Thunder officially became a Yankees affiliate on Sept. 17, 2002.
* In 10 seasons as a New York affiliate, the Thunder have a regular season record of 754-656 (with five games remaining in 2012) and a postseason record of 19-12.
* The Thunder have reached the Eastern League playoffs six times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012), won the EL Championship twice (2007 and 2008) and reached the EL Championship once (2010) as a Yankees farm team.
* Since 1994, a total of 267 players/coaches have worn both the Thunder uniform and a Major League uniform in their careers, including 140 during the Yankees era in Trenton.
* Six members of the Yankees active roster have worn Thunder pinstripes as Minor Leaguers: Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, David Phelps, David Robertson and Robinson Cano. Derek Jeter wore them for an MLB rehab. In addition, four former Thunder players are currently on New York's disabled list: Ivan Nova and Brett Gardner were with Trenton as Minor Leaguers and Andy Pettitte and Pedro Feliciano as MLB rehabs.
* A total of 27 Yankees have appeared with Trenton on rehabilitation assignments for a total of 76 games. These include Derek Jeter (2003, 2011), Bernie Williams (2003), Robinson Cano (2006), Roger Clemens (2007) and Andy Pettitte (2010, 2012). This season, Andy Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain and Pedro Feliciano have rehabbed in Trenton.

The Thunder conclude the home portion of the 2012 regular season tonight at Waterfront Park. The season will end on the road at Binghamton on Mon, Sept. 3.

The Trenton Thunder, Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, are located in Trenton, N.J., and play in the 12 team Eastern League. The Thunder have drawn more than seven million fans in 18 years, and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win: the Johnson Trophy for the "Nation's Best Franchise" (2005), the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion (2003) and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success (1998, given by Baseball America). Trenton Thunder Charities has contributed more than $4.4 million worth of goods, services and monetary donations under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella throughout franchise history. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com online, on facebook.com/trentonthunder, via twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com by searching "AATrentonThunder".