Bats and Reds extend Player Development Contract through 2020

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville Bats and Cincinnati Reds have agreed to an extension of their player development contract through the 2020 season, the Bats announced Wednesday. The previous agreement was set to expire following the 2018 season.
"The Reds are extremely excited to extend our partnership with the Louisville Bats," said Reds Senior Director of Player Development Jeff Graupe. "We look forward to the challenge of returning to the International League postseason and understand the responsibility to provide improved on-field performance in 2018 in an effort to reward a tremendous fan base."
The Bats are 1,298-1,286 in 18 seasons since becoming the Reds' top farm club. During their affiliation with Cincinnati, Louisville has won their first ever Governors' Cup in 2001 and has reached the postseason five times (2001, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010). Reds players Joey Votto, Tucker Barnhart, Homer Bailey, José Peraza, Adam Duvall, Devin Mesoraco, Billy Hamilton and Eugenio Suárez are among the former Bats players currently on the Reds' roster.
 "We are pleased to announce the extension of our player development contract with the Cincinnati Reds through the 2018 season," said Louisville Bats President Gary Ulmer. "We value our long-term partnership with Cincinnati and hope to be the Reds' Triple-A affiliate for many years to come."
The Bats begin the 2018 season with Opening Night on Friday, April 6 against the Toledo Mud Hens. The campaign will be both the Bats' 19^th season at Louisville Slugger Field and their 19^th season as the top affiliate of the Reds. The entire 2018 Bats schedule can be found at batsbaseball.com. Full and partial season tickets, along with group outings and suite rentals are available by calling the Bats front office at 502-212-2287.