Red Sox Extend Lease with City of Salem Through 2014

Salem, VA (March 8, 2011) - The Salem Red Sox, Advanced Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, and the City of Salem today announced a four-year extension of their lease agreement. The extension keeps the Boston Red Sox Carolina League Advanced-A affiliate in the Roanoke Valley through the 2014 season.

The City of Salem and Salem Red Sox General Manager Todd Stephenson made the announcement.

"With an improving economy and the Red Sox's championship brand of baseball, I not only hope we continue the tradition of excitement and excellence, but I hope we exceed the expectations of fans and citizens in the community," said Salem Mayor Randy Foley. "Salem is once again proud to be called the home of Red Sox Baseball."

"We are thrilled to continue the great baseball tradition of the Roanoke Valley," said Salem Red Sox General Manager Todd Stephenson.

Salem has welcomed nearly half a million fans in its first two seasons as a Boston affiliate and has compiled a 140-137 record (.505 winning percentage), advancing to the Carolina League finals in 2009 and compiling the second best record in the Carolina League in 2010. Despite its short history, the Salem Red Sox have already seen four alumni in a Boston uniform including Ryan Kalish, Daniel Nava, Yamaico Navarro, and Robert Coello.

Salem is one of Boston's six minor league affiliates, joining Triple-A Pawtucket (International League), Double-A Portland (Eastern League), Single-A Greenville (South Atlantic League), Short-A Lowell (New York-Penn League) and Rookie Gulf Coast Red Sox (Gulf Coast League).