Reds extend agreement with Louisville Bats

The Louisville Bats and Cincinnati Reds announced that they've agreed to an extension of their player development contract through the 2018 season.

The previous agreement was set to expire following the 2016 season.



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"Since 2000 we have had a great relationship with the Bats and their front office, and we are pleased to be able to extend our PDC with them," said Reds President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Walt Jocketty. "Our players tell us they enjoy living and playing in Louisville because the front office staff, ballpark and fan base are some of the best in the minor leagues."

The Bats are 1,107-1,047 in 15 seasons since becoming the Reds' top farm club. During their affiliation with Cincinnati, Louisville has won their first ever Governors' Cup in 2001 and has reached the postseason five times (2001, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010). Reds stars Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Homer Bailey, Aroldis Chapman, Todd Frazier, Devin Mesoraco and Billy Hamilton are among the former Bats players currently on the Reds' roster.

"We are pleased to announce the extension of our player development contract with the Cincinnati Reds through the 2018 season," said Louisville Bats President Gary Ulmer. "We value our long term partnership with Cincinnati and hope to be the Reds' Triple-A affiliate for many years to come."

The Bats begin their 2015 season with Opening Night on Thursday, April 9 against the longtime division foe Toledo Mud Hens. The campaign will be both the Bats' 16 th season at Louisville Slugger Field and their 16 th season as the top affiliate of the Reds. The entire 2015 Bats schedule and promotions can be found at batsbaseball.com.