Indians and Pirates sign four-year PDC extension
Published on April 9, 2008 under International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Indians have signed a four-year extension on their player development contract (PDC) with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The new agreement will run now through the 2012 campaign.
Indianapolis posted a 224-205 regular-season mark during its first three years as Pittsburgh's Triple-A affiliate. Over 30 Tribe players also received big league promotions during that same time frame.
Pittsburgh's 2008 Opening Day roster included 11 former Indians -- RHP Matt Capps, LHP Zach Duke, LHP Tom Gorzelanny, LHP Paul Maholm, RHP Franquelis Osoria, RHP Ian Snell, C Ryan Doumit, C Ronny Paulino, INF Jose Bautista, OF Nate McLouth and OF Nyjer Morgan.
The Pirates affiliation, which began in 2005, has been a success both on and off the field. It has helped the Indians produce winning baseball teams, International League playoff clubs and strong attendance numbers.
Indianapolis stayed above .500 for 145 straight days (April 5-Aug. 28) during the 2007 campaign. Since 2005, the Indians have spent 442 of 452 days (98%) at .500 or better. The streak includes 281 consecutive in-season days from April 22, 2006 to Aug. 28, 2007.
Indianapolis also spent 69 straight days (April 16-June 23) atop the IL's West Division during the 2007 season. In 2006, the Indians spent 119 days in either first place or tied for the top spot.
The Tribe enjoyed the IL's second-best attendance increase in 2007, jumping 10 percent from an average of 7,608 to 8,383. The Indians hosted 586,785 fans at Victory Field last year -- their best regular-season attendance total since 2001.
The 2006 Indians earned a share of the IL's West Division crown after going 76-66. The 2005 Tribe went 78-66 and earned a spot in the IL's Governors' Cup Finals.
The Indians are guaranteeing warm weather on Opening Night at Victory Field. If Friday's 7:15 p.m. contest vs. Norfolk starts with a temperature of below 60 degrees, everyone in attendance will receive a FREE ticket to another home game in April.
Season-ticket packages are available by visiting www.IndyIndians.com or calling 317-269-3545. Single-game tickets are available by going on-line, visiting the Victory Field Box Office or calling Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PDC EXTENSION QUOTES
Indians President & Chairman of the Board Max Schumacher
"Our relationship with the Pirates has produced strongly competitive teams the last three years. From our discussions with Pittsburgh's new management team, we are confident that high quality baseball will continue to be presented at Victory Field throughout the length of the new contract.
"Stability and consistency are important hallmarks of the Indians' operation, and this agreement assures us a quality field operation through 2012. The early decision enables us to avoid the uncertainties of the re-affiliation process that will exist at the end of this season among Major League and Triple-A teams operating under expiring contracts."
Indians Vice President & General Manager Cal Burleson
"I am very pleased that we have reached this four-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"The Pirates new leadership team is dedicated to bringing winning baseball back to Pittsburgh, and their focus for achieving that is through a strong player development program. That dedication should bode well for Indians fans as the Pirates utilize Victory Field as an important stage for their top talent that will ultimately be performing at PNC Park."
Pirates Senior Vice President & General Manager Neal Huntington
"We are very pleased that we will be affiliated with the Indianapolis Indians for at least four more years. The city, ballpark, front office and ownership are all first class and we are fortunate to be able to finish off our players' Minor League development in such a quality environment."
Pirates Director of Player Development Kyle Stark
"We are very excited to be extending our relationship with Indianapolis for four more years. The Indians operate a very well-run franchise and have a Major League caliber facility in a Major League caliber city. We feel like it is an ideal environment to continue the development process and prepare our players for competing at the Major League level in Pittsburgh."
International League Stories from April 9, 2008
- Braves out-slug Bisons - Gwinnett Stripers
- Braves out-slug Bisons - Gwinnett Stripers
- Braves out-slug Bisons - Gwinnett Stripers
- Braves out-slug Bisons - Gwinnett Stripers
- Braves out-slug Bisons - Gwinnett Stripers
- Norfolk tops Rochester 7-2 - Norfolk Tides
- Indianapolis 3B Neil Walker Goes 3-for-5 With a Two-Run Homer - Indianapolis Indians
- Bisons to Host Anderson's presents Kids Week, April 12-17 - Buffalo Bisons
- Bisons Notes - Buffalo Bisons
- Indians and Pirates sign four-year PDC extension - Indianapolis Indians
- Bisons Announce Opening Day Festivities - Buffalo Bisons
- Happy Anniversary To Fifth Third Field - Toledo Mud Hens
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.
