Reds and Bats extend player development contract

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville Bats and Cincinnati Reds have announced an extension of their Player Development Contract (PDC) through the 2016 season. This extends the previous agreement which was set to expire after the 2014 season.

"Our organization's relationship with Louisville continues to be a very successful one," said Reds President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Walt Jocketty. "The Bats have a great ballpark and fan base and an even better front office staff, all of which leads to first-class treatment of our players."

The Bats became the Reds' top farm club in 2000, the first year of baseball at Louisville Slugger Field. During their affiliation with Cincinnati, Louisville won their first ever Governors' Cup in 2001 and has reached the postseason five times (2001, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010). Reds stars Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Homer Bailey, Aroldis Chapman and Todd Frazier are among the former Bats players currently on the Reds' roster.

"This will be our 14th season as the Reds' Triple-A affiliate and we are very pleased to announce the extension of our agreement through 2016," said Bats President Gary Ulmer. "Our fans have certainly enjoyed watching the many talented players come through Louisville and then continue to cheer for them in Cincinnati. We have a great relationship with our many friends with the Reds and look forward to the future as a Reds affiliate."

The Bats open their 2013 season at home on Thursday, April 4 against the Toledo Mud Hens at 6:35 p.m.

Full and partial season tickets, along with group outings and suite rentals are available by calling the Bats front office at (502) 212-2287 or visiting www.batsbaseball.com. Single-game tickets, including April 20 for Thunder Over Louisville and July 3 for the Independence Day fireworks show, will be available March 1.