51s Announce New Affiliation (PDC) With N.Y. Mets

LAS VEGAS: The Las Vegas 51s professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) announced today they have signed a "new" two-year Player Development Contract (PDC) with the New York Mets, member of the National League East.

The two-year PDC with the Mets will run through the 2014 season. Las Vegas just completed its 30th season in the Silver State and the fourth season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays (2009-12). The Blue Jays are expected to announce a two-year PDC with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons of the International League. The New York Mets spent the last four seasons in Triple-A Buffalo (2009-12).

"We are familiar with many of the front office personnel with the Mets," 51s Executive Director Don Logan said. "I've known Sandy Alderson (Mets GM) for 20 years to go along with J.P. Ricciardi (Special Assistant to the GM), Paul DePodesta (VP, Player Development & Scouting), Dick Scott (Minor League Field Coordinator) and Terry Collins (Manager). These individuals are all very familiar with Las Vegas from the time they spent here with other organizations. We are excited to welcome the Mets as our new Triple-A affiliate."

This will mark the fourth Major League Baseball affiliation for the Las Vegas franchise in the 30-year history as a member of the PCL.

"We are excited about our new partnership with the Las Vegas 51s and the city of Las Vegas, one which values equally player development, winning and community involvement," Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson said.

"We are looking forward to working with the New York Mets as our new affiliate," 51s General Manager Chuck Johnson added. "The Mets will continue to provide quality players for us on the field that our fans will enjoy watching play. We are also excited to have the New York "brand" in the Las Vegas market.

"From the 51s perspective, nothing is going to change from our end. We will continue to provide affordable family entertainment to go along with the promotional nights (ie, fireworks, giveaway items) and the outstanding caliber of competition that typifies PCL baseball.

"We had a great relationship with Toronto for four years and the Blue Jays front office was fantastic to deal with and they provided an excellent product on the field with some outstanding players (ie, J.P. Arencibia, Adeiny Hechavarria, Brett Lawrie). We understand with the lack of player amenities at Cashman Field and the proximity of Buffalo to Toronto (100 miles), it makes sense geographically to move to Buffalo."

 

Las Vegas Triple-A Affiliation History: San Diego Padres, 18 seasons (1983-2000), 1,227-1,329 (.480), 7 playoff appearances
Los Angeles Dodgers, 8 seasons (2001-08), 561-586 (.489), 1 playoff appearance
Toronto Blue Jays, 4 seasons (2009-2012), 287-288 (.499), 0 playoff appearances
ALL-TIME RECORD: 2,075-2,203 (.485)

The Las Vegas Stars/51s have captured the PCL Championship twice (1986 & 1988) and appeared in the playoffs eight times (17-23 record, .425).

The 51s will open the 2013 season at division-rival, the Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A's, on Thursday, April 4.

Season tickets and mini-plan packages for the 2013 campaign are available by calling the 51s office at (702) 798-7825.

Official licensed 51s team merchandise is available on the "Team Shop" section of the website.