Astros sign five-year lease extension with Tusculum College

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros announced today that the club has agreed to a five-year lease extension with Tusculum College that will keep the Rookie level Greeneville Astros playing at Pioneer Park on the campus of Tusculum College through the 2014 Appalachian League season. The announcement was made by Astros Assistant General Manager/Director of Player Development Ricky Bennett.

The Astros' affiliate first arrived in Greeneville in 2004 under a six-year lease agreement with Tusculum College. With a brand new top-of-the-line baseball facility during the inaugural season, the Greeneville Astros won the 2004 Appalachian League Championship title. From that time on, Greeneville has continually strived to remain at the top of the Appalachian League.

"The relationship we have built with the city of Greeneville and Tusculum College is outstanding," said Bennett. "The city, fans, atmosphere and facility are second to none in the Appalachian League. We have comfort in knowing our players and staff will reap the benefits of being in a first-class environment for years to come."

The 2010 Greeneville Astros will be led by former Houston Astros bench coach Ed Romero. The club's 2010 schedule can be found at www.greenevilleastros.com.

"Our goal in 2010 is to bring another championship to Greeneville," said Bennett.