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Savannah is a great town. Now you have an excuse to check it out.
http://oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3380780[url]
Gnats sign with New York Mets
09/27/06 - South Atlantic League (SAL) Savannah Sand Gnats
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Sand Gnats signed a two-year player development contract with the 2006 National League East Champion New York Mets on Wednesday. With the new agreement, the Sand Gnats will be the Mets' South Atlantic League affiliate through the 2008 season.
The Sand Gnats were affiliated with the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals organization over the last four seasons. The Mets have made their South Atlantic League home with the Hagerstown (Md.) Suns since the start of the 2005 season.
"The Mets are one of the top five organizations in baseball," Sand Gnats owner John Simmons said. "It's exciting and an honor to be part of such a well-known and successful team. I think this will be great for our fans."
Plans for $5 million of renovations to city-owned Grayson Stadium funded by the recently passed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) played a big part in securing a partnership with the Mets. The Mets eagerness to see improvements to the ballpark may speed up the renovation process, which the city plans to begin soon. Some of the upgrades that fans can expect for 2007 include an improved centerfield scoreboard and better lighting with additional renovations are scheduled for 2008.
The Sand Gnats are thankful for the support of Mayor Otis Johnson, all the fans and everyone who voted to approve the SPLOST-funded ballpark upgrades. With the efforts of Savannah Leisure Services, led by Joe Shearouse, the front office staff looks forward to continuing to provide family entertainment in an improving facility.
"This is one of the first benefits the city will see from the stadium renovations," Simmons said. "Along with the increased attendance over the last two years, it's the next step in the renaissance of baseball in Savannah."
The Gnats drew 84,642 fans in 2006, an increase of 45 percent compared to 2004. Simmons purchased the team prior to the 2005 season.
The Sand Gnats owner also envisions the possibility of Mets fans making the drive straight down I-95 to Gnats games, which could increase attendance and tourism revenue in the city.
In four years with the Expos/Nationals the Sand Gnats posted an overall mark of 234-319 (.423). Over the past two years, the Mets' affiliate in Hagerstown went 129-148 (.466) and appeared in the 2005 South Atlantic League Championship Series.
In the last five years, the Mets minor league system has produced rising stars like shortstop Jose Reyes, third baseman David Wright and pitcher Scott Kazmir, who was traded to Tampa Bay before making his Major League debut. All three of those players appeared in the 2006 Major League All-Star game, and all three of them played for the Mets affiliate in the South Atlantic League.
"I enjoyed working with the Washington Nationals over the past two years," Sand Gnats General Manager Bradley Dodson said. "However, I'm excited to be with such a successful team that could be in the World Series next month."
At 93-64 the Mets have the best record in the National League and were the first team to clinch a division title this season.
The Sand Gnats open the 2007 season at home on April 5 at 7:05 p.m. against the Asheville Tourists. Season tickets are now available, and individual tickets will go on sale Thursday, March 1. For the complete schedule and all the latest Sand Gnats off-season info, visit www.sandgnats.com or call the Sand Gnats office at 912-351-9150.
• Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board...
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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