BayBears, D-backs Sign Two-Year Extension

After signing a two-year contract extension, The Mobile BayBears will be the Arizona Diamondbacks' Double-A affiliate at least through the 2010 season.

MOBILE, AL - The Mobile BayBears are pleased to announce that they have reached a two-year extension on their affiliation with the Arizona Diamondbacks through the 2010 season. This season is the final year of the original agreement that the BayBears signed with Arizona when they became their Class AA affiliate in 2007.

"Our first two years here have been great," said A.J. Hinch, Arizona's director of player development. "Working with the front office and management group here has been great. We know our people are in good hands."

Since becoming an Arizona affiliate, six members of the BayBears have advanced to the major leagues including Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds, Emilio Bonifacio and Max Scherzer with the Diamondbacks along with Carlos Gonzalez and Greg Smith, now with the Oakland Athletics.

"You can't guarantee that we're going to win a Southern League championship, but the players who have come through here are quality players with a passion to excel and be promoted to "The Show," said BayBears President/COO Bill Shanahan. "That's our goal here, to get them to The Show, and that's A.J.'s job, developing players."

The BayBears will be in action tonight at 6:05 p.m. when they'll finish up a six-game set with the Montgomery Biscuits at Hank Aaron Stadium. For more information, call (251) 479-BEAR or log on to www.mobilebaybears.com.