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Kingsport Axmen

Mets, Kingsport Extend Contract Through 2020

December 14, 2015 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Kingsport Axmen News Release


KINGSPORT, TN - The New York Mets have signed a five-year contract extension with the Kingsport Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Kingsport that will keep the minor league Kingsport Mets at Hunter Wright Stadium.

The agreement extends a long-running commitment shown between the City of Kingsport, the KCVB and the Mets. The K-Mets have had a Player Development Contract with New York since 1980, making them the eighth-longest affiliated team in minor league baseball.

"We are ecstatic that the New York Mets have extended their long term presence in Kingsport an additional five years," said Jud Teague, Executive Director at the Kingsport Convention and Visitors Bureau. "They contribute to our local economy and are great community partners. We look forward to working with the Mets organization to continue to improve the stadium and game experience."

"We are extremely excited to continue our long history with the City of Kingsport. New York Mets baseball has been a part of the Kingsport community for over 35 years and we are looking forward to continuing our partnerships with local businesses and loyal K-Mets fans", said Kingsport Mets General Manager Brian Paupeck.

The New York Mets took over day-to-day operations of the K-Mets three years ago. Over that time the team has seen an increase in attendance, an improved ballpark atmosphere and improvements made to the stadium by the city. In 2016, the upgrades will continue, as the KCVB and the Mets plan renovations to the home clubhouse.

"The City of Kingsport is fortunate to have such a strong working relationship with Brian Paupeck and the Mets" said Chris McCartt, Assistant to the City Manager of Kingsport. "The overall fan experience is better every year, and we look forward to the capital improvements which will aid in player development."

The Mets have called Hunter Wright Stadium home since 1995. Along with hosting 34 K-Mets home games in the summer, the stadium and KCVB put on a number of high school and college tournaments each spring. Prior to Hunter Wright Stadium, the K-Mets played at Dobyns-Bennett High School from 1980-1994.

The K-Mets have won the Appalachian League twice, in 1988 and 1995. They won the League's West Division two of the past three years. K-Mets alums include David Wright, Jacob deGrom, Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden.

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