Power, Pirates extend affiliation agreement

CHARLESTON, W.V. -- The West Virginia Power and Pittsburgh Pirates are pleased to announce the extension of their Player Development Contract for four seasons, guaranteeing that the Power will remain a Pirates affiliate through at least the end of the 2018 season. The agreement keeps the pipeline of talent acquired by Pittsburgh flowing through Appalachian Power Park.

"This is an exciting time to be with Pittsburgh," said Tim Wilcox, the managing partner of West Virginia Baseball, LLC. "With the Pirates resurgence, we've seen a number of former Power players play key roles in making Pittsburgh a playoff contender. We are thrilled to continue as a Pirates affiliate."

Since the beginning of the 2009 season when the first Player Development Contract was signed between the Power and Pirates, Pittsburgh has routinely sent its top prospects through the South Atlantic League with West Virginia. Each of the top 15 players in the Pirates system, ranked first overall by Baseball America prior to the 2014 campaign, has worn a Power jersey at some point over the last four seasons alone.

"We are very pleased to be able to extend our affiliation with the West Virginia Power," stated Neal Huntington, the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. "The Power ownership, front office and fan base have welcomed our players and staff and have made them feel a part of your community. We are looking forward to additional future Pirates taking steps toward the Major Leagues by developing their skills playing for the West Virginia Power. It is an honor to continue our relationship with the top quality ownership, front office, sponsors and fans of the West Virginia Power and our best days are yet to come."

Fans in the Kanawha Valley and surrounding areas have Pirates roots because of an affiliation between Pittsburgh and the Charlies, a Triple-A affiliate during the 1970's when the team in Charleston played at Watt Powell Park. Since 2009, players such as Starling Marte, Tony Sanchez, Brandon Cumpton and Gregory Polanco are among those who have appeared in game for West Virginia and gone on to play in the Major Leagues for the Pirates.