IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Bisons-Indians Renew Working Agreement

Published on April 8, 2002 under International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


The back-to-back International League North Division Champion Buffalo Bisons and the American League Central Division Champion Cleveland Indians have announced that they have agreed to a 4-year extension of their Player Development Contract (PDC). The extension, which is for four years, extends the working agreement through the 2006 baseball season.

"We're very excited about the extension of our working agreement with the Cleveland Indians," said Robert E. Rich, JR., President of the Buffalo Bisons. "Since the partnership began with the Indians in 1995, our fans have witnessed a level of success, which has never been seen in over 100 seasons of professional baseball in Buffalo."

Since becoming the Indians Triple-A affiliate, the Bisons record is 583-423 and the have qualified for the playoffs in 6 of the last 7 years, including 5 division championships. In 1997, the Bisons won their first League Championship in the modern era by sweeping the Iowa Cubs in the best-of-five American Association Championship Series. In 1998, the Bisons moved into the International League and won the Governors' Cup Championship that season.

In addition to the Bisons success in Buffalo, many players have also gone on to play a role in the Indians success. Current Indians Bartolo Colon, Einar Diaz, Jaret Wright, Paul Shuey, Ryan Drese, Danys Baez, Jolbert Cabrera, John McDonald, Milton Bradley and Russell Branyan all played for the Bisons on the way to the Major Leagues. In addition to these players, many other former Bisons play throughout the Major Leagues including Richie Sexson (Milwaukee Brewers), Sean Casey (Cincinnati Reds), Brian Giles (Pittsburgh Pirates), David Bell (San Francisco Giants), Steve Kline (St. Louis Cardinals) and Jeromy Burnitz (New York Mets). The Indians have won Division titles in 6 of the 7 years of the partnership. And they won the American League Championship and went to the World Series twice (1995 & 1997) during the affiliation.

"From the first day of our agreement, the Bisons organization has been unwavering in their support of our players and organization," said Indians Vice President/General Manager Mark Shapiro. "Together we have built a strong partnership, both on and off the field. All of our players, coaches and staff have a strong admiration for the dedication and commitment of the Buffalo organization."

Each of the Bisons managers since the affiliation began has earned recognition for their service in Buffalo. In 1996 Brian Graham (1995-1997) was named the USA Today Baseball Weekly's Minor League Manager of the Year. Jeff Datz (1998-1999) represented the Bisons as the International League Manager at the 1999 All-Star Game in New Orleans, LA. Joel Skinner was named the International League Manager of the Year for his work in 2000 and Eric Wedge won the same honor after posting a modern era record of 91-51 in 2001.

addition to the Bisons success on the field, last season, the Bisons were awarded the Triple-A Bob Freitas Award by Baseball America. The annual award recognizes long-term success by minor league franchises both on and off the field of play. The Bisons won the award in 1991 and with last season's award, became the first Triple- A baseball team to have won it twice.

Opening Day for the Buffalo Bisons is Wednesday, April 10 at 2:05 PM against the Ottawa Lynx. Tickets for Opening Day, and the entire 2002 season, are available now at the Dunn Tire Park box office, which is open weekdays from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Tickets are also available at all Tickets.com locations in Tops Friendly Markets and select Sam the Record Man and Sports Obsession locations in Southern Ontario. Fans can charge by phone at 1-888-223-6000 or they can order on-line at www.Bisons.com.

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International League Stories from April 8, 2002


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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