Sand Gnats & Mets extend affiliation through 2014 season

Savannah, GA – The Savannah Sand Gnats and the New York Mets today jointly announced they have renewed their Player Development Contract for two more years. The renewal will keep Savannah as a Mets’ affiliate through the 2014 season.

During the Mets affiliation, the Sand Gnats have enjoyed some of their most successful seasons in franchise history. The Sand Gnats were the South Atlantic League First Half Champions in back-to-back seasons (2010 and 2011). The 2012 team roster boasted a deep roster of starting pitching and position players, with three players representing Savannah at the South Atlantic League All-Star game in June.

In addition, former Sand Gnats have already made a splash in the major leagues.This season, Collin McHugh and Josh Edgin became the latest former Sand Gnats to make their major league debut for the Mets. Other notable former Sand Gnats to come from the Mets-Sand Gnats partnership include Josh Thole, Robert Carson and Jeurys Familia. Johan Santana also made a start for the Gnats during the 2011 playoffs: a game which boasted record-breaking attendance numbers for the post-season.

“We’re pleased to have the New York Mets back with us to continue our partnership and the development of future major leaguers here in Savannah,” said Sand Gnats President, John Katz. “The Mets have been fabulous partners over the past six years, both in providing strong teams and in helping make a positive impact in the Savannah community. We’re looking forward to two more years together.”

The agreement between the Sand Gnats and Mets goes a long way to make sure the fans of Savannah continue to see winning baseball in the next two years with a first-class organization. During the partnership with the Mets, the Sand Gnats have reached the South Atlantic League playoffs twice, including the 2011 team that came within one strike of winning of the South Atlantic League Championship.

Thanks in large part to community-involvement initiatives put in place by the Mets organization,the Sand Gnats have helped lead the way in giving back to the citizens of the Coastal Empire. This season alone, the Sand Gnats held two extremely successful jersey auction nights, benefitting the Wounded Warriors Project and Susan G.Komen for the Cure, Coastal GA affiliate. Players and front office staff alike have visited children’s hospitals and participated in multiple community outreach programs.