Binghamton Mets
Encyclopedia
The Binghamton Mets are a U.S. minor league baseball
team based in Binghamton, New York
. The team, which plays in the Eastern League
, is the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets
major-league club. The Mets play in NYSEG Stadium
, located in Binghamton.
from 1987 to 1991 as the Williamsport Bills
. The team was an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians
in 1987 and 1988, and was affiliated with the Seattle Mariners
during the 1989 and 1990 seasons before being purchased by the New York Mets
in 1991.
The Bills franchise was actually two separate franchises. After the 1988 season, the original owners moved the Bills to Hagerstown, Maryland
, while the Eastern League franchise based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
moved back to Williamsport before the 1989 season. It was the latest in a long series of moves for the Pittsfield franchise, which was originally based in Williamsport in 1976 and later moved to Jersey City, New Jersey
from 1977 through 1978 and then Buffalo, New York
from 1979 through 1984.
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team based in Binghamton, New York
Binghamton, New York
Binghamton is a city in the Southern Tier of New York in the United States. It is near the Pennsylvania border, in a bowl-shaped valley at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers...
. The team, which plays in the Eastern League
Eastern League (U.S. baseball)
The Eastern League is a minor league baseball league which operates primarily in the northeastern United States, although it has had a team in Ohio since 1989. The Eastern League has played at the AA level since 1963. The league was founded in 1923 as the New York-Pennsylvania League...
, is the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
major-league club. The Mets play in NYSEG Stadium
NYSEG Stadium
NYSEG Stadium is a stadium located in the northern section of downtown Binghamton, New York. It is home to the Binghamton Mets of the double-A Eastern League. Construction began in August 1991 after it was announced that the team would be moving from Williamsport, Pennsylvania...
, located in Binghamton.
History
Prior to moving to Binghamton for 1992, the franchise played in Williamsport, PennsylvaniaWilliamsport, Pennsylvania
Williamsport is a city in and the county seat of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania in the United States. In 2009, the population was estimated at 29,304...
from 1987 to 1991 as the Williamsport Bills
Williamsport Bills
The Williamsport Bills were a Class AA Eastern League baseball affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, and New York Mets from 1987 to 1991 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in the United States...
. The team was an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
in 1987 and 1988, and was affiliated with the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
during the 1989 and 1990 seasons before being purchased by the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
in 1991.
The Bills franchise was actually two separate franchises. After the 1988 season, the original owners moved the Bills to Hagerstown, Maryland
Hagerstown, Maryland
Hagerstown is a city in northwestern Maryland, United States. It is the county seat of Washington County, and, by many definitions, the largest city in a region known as Western Maryland. The population of Hagerstown city proper at the 2010 census was 39,662, and the population of the...
, while the Eastern League franchise based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Pittsfield is the largest city and the county seat of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States. It is the principal city of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Berkshire County. Its area code is 413. Its ZIP code is 01201...
moved back to Williamsport before the 1989 season. It was the latest in a long series of moves for the Pittsfield franchise, which was originally based in Williamsport in 1976 and later moved to Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City is the seat of Hudson County, New Jersey, United States.Part of the New York metropolitan area, Jersey City lies between the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay across from Lower Manhattan and the Hackensack River and Newark Bay...
from 1977 through 1978 and then Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
from 1979 through 1984.
Notable alumni
- Outfielder Benny AgbayaniBenny AgbayaniBenny Peter Agbayani, Jr. is retired professional baseball player. Born in Hawaii to Filipino and Samoan parents, he attended Saint Louis School and Hawaii Pacific University. He also attended the Oregon Institute of Technology...
- Third baseman Edgardo AlfonzoEdgardo AlfonzoEdgardo Antonio Alfonzo a.k.a. "Fonzie" is a former Major League Baseball infielder who most recently played for the Yomiuri Giants. He bats and throws right-handed, and is tall and weighs...
- Pitcher Brian BannisterBrian BannisterBrian Patrick Bannister is a former baseball starting pitcher who most recently pitched for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.-Personal:...
- Outfielder Jason BayJason BayJason Raymond Bay is a Canadian professional baseball player. An outfielder, he currently plays for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball...
- Pitcher PJ BevisPJ BevisPJ Bevis is an Australian baseball player who is a right-handed pitcher for the Queensland Rams. PJ has played professional baseball ranging from Rookie to AAA for over 10 years with the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, Colorado RockiesPJ was on the big league roster for 3 years with the...
- Infielder Mike CarpMike CarpChristopher Michael Carp is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the Seattle Mariners.-Professional career:...
- Catcher Alberto Castillo
- First baseman Brian DaubachBrian DaubachBrian Michael Daubach is a retired Major League Baseball player and current minor league baseball manager. During his playing career Daubach served as a first baseman, outfielder, and designated hitter...
- First Baseman Ike DavisIke DavisIsaac Benjamin "Ike" Davis is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the New York Mets. He and his father Ron Davis, who pitched in the majors for 11 years, are the 197th father-son combination to have both played in the major leagues.He led his high school team to three straight Arizona state...
- Pitcher Octavio DotelOctavio DotelOctavio Eduardo Dotel is a Domincan professional baseball pitcher who is currently a Free Agent....
- Outfielder Nick EvansNick Evans (baseball)Nicholas Reginald Evans is an American professional baseball infielder and outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball....
- Pitcher Nelson FigueroaNelson FigueroaNelson Walter Figueroa, Jr. is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. He attended Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts where he pitched for three years and earned a bachelors degree in American Studies...
- Outfielder Carlos GómezCarlos GómezCarlos Argelis Gómez Pena, nicknamed "Go-Go", is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers.-Minor leagues:...
- Pitcher Aaron HeilmanAaron HeilmanAaron Michael Heilman is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. Heilman was drafted by the New York Mets out of Notre Dame in 2001. He came up through the Mets system as a starting pitcher but was converted to a relief pitcher in 2005...
- Catcher Justin HuberJustin Huber- New York Mets :He was originally drafted as a catcher by the New York Mets in .- Kansas City Royals :Huber was one of the top prospects within the Mets organization when he was traded to the Kansas City Royals before the trade deadline for José Bautista...
- Pitcher Phil Humber
- Infielder Butch HuskeyButch HuskeyRobert Leon "Butch" Huskey , is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as an outfielder from 1993 and 1995-2000....
- Pitcher Jason IsringhausenJason IsringhausenJason Derik Isringhausen is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher.-New York Mets:Isringhausen was chosen as a draft-and-follow prospect by the New York Mets in the 44th round of the 1991 Major League Baseball Draft...
- Catcher/First baseman Mike Jacobs
- Pitcher Bobby J. JonesBobby J. JonesRobert Joseph Jones is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. His career spanned from 1993 through 2002. He pitched for two teams, the New York Mets, and the San Diego Padres...
- Pitcher Scott KazmirScott KazmirScott Edward Kazmir is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Kazmir made his Major League debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2004 when he was only 20 years old and at one time held many of the franchise's career pitching records...
- Infielder Jeff KeppingerJeff KeppingerJeffrey Scott "Jeff" Keppinger is an American professional baseball infielder for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed. Known as a contact hitter, Keppinger has one of the lowest strikeout rates in Major League Baseball...
- Infielder Mike KinkadeMike KinkadeMichael Arthur Kinkade is a former Major League Baseball player who was primarily a left fielder, but also spent time as a first baseman, right fielder, third baseman, designated hitter, and catcher....
- Pitcher Cory LidleCory LidleCory Fulton Lidle was an Americanright-handed baseball pitcher who spent nine seasons in the major leagues with seven different teams. His twin brother Kevin Lidle also played baseball, as a catcher for several minor league teams...
- Outfielder Terrance Long
- Outfielder Lastings MilledgeLastings MilledgeLastings Darnell Milledge is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He was the youngest player in the National League during the 2006 season.-Early life:Milledge was born in Bradenton, Florida...
- Pitcher Kevin MulveyKevin MulveyKevin John Mulvey is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. He has previously played for the Minnesota Twins.-Early life:Mulvey is a New Jersey native...
- Outfielder Daniel Murphy
- Pitcher Jon NieseJon NieseJonathon Joseph "Jon" Niese is an American professional baseball player. A left-handed pitcher, he currently plays for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball.-Biography:...
- Shortstop Rey OrdóñezRey OrdóñezReynaldo Ordóñez Pereira is a former professional baseball shortstop. He played all or part of nine seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Chicago Cubs....
- Pitcher Henry OwensHenry OwensHenry Jay Owens is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Florida Marlins. He bats and throws right-handed....
- Pitcher Bobby ParnellBobby ParnellRobert Allen Parnell is an American baseball pitcher for the New York Mets. He was drafted by the Mets in the ninth round of the 2005 MLB Draft after attending college at Charleston Southern University....
- Outfielder Jay PaytonJay PaytonJason Lee "Jay" Payton is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He has played for the New York Mets , Colorado Rockies , San Diego Padres , Boston Red Sox , Oakland Athletics Baltimore Orioles and the Colorado Rockies in 2010. He bats and throws right-handed. Payton is an opposite-field...
- Pitcher Mike Pelfrey
- Pitcher Yusmeiro PetitYusmeiro PetitYusmeiro Alberto Petit is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball relief pitcher in the Seattle Mariners organization. Petit throws right-handed. He was signed by New York Mets as non-drafted free agent on November 15,...
- Catcher Jason Phillips
- Outfielder Curtis PrideCurtis PrideCurtis John Pride is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and is currently the head baseball coach at Gallaudet University. Pride stands at 6'0" tall and weighs 210 pounds. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.-Youth:Deaf at birth from rubella, Pride developed oral skills early in his...
- Pitcher Bill PulsipherBill PulsipherWilliam Thomas Pulsipher is a professional baseball pitcher. Pulsipher, a left-handed pitcher, has played in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals over six seasons from to . He currently plays for the Somerset...
- Pitcher Matt Lindstrom
- Outfielder Fernando MartinezFernando Martínez (baseball)Jesús Fernando Martínez Álvarez is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder. He is a current Free agent, and last played for the orginization o fht eNew York Mets appearing several times in the majors, in center-field.-Career:...
- Outfielder Angel PagánAngel PagánÁngel Anthony Pagán is a Puerto Rican professional baseball player. He currently plays outfield for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball. Pagan's original contract in Major League Baseball was with the Mets, but he was transferred to the Chicago Cubs when they bought his contract...
- Shortstop José Reyes
- Pitcher Saul RiveraSaul RiveraRabell Saúl Rivera is a right-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher currently a free agent.-Career:...
- Infielder Josh SatinJosh SatinJoshua Satin is an American second baseman for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball, who also plays first base and third base.He was a First Team College All American at the University of California, Berkeley...
- Outfielder Esix SneadEsix SneadEsix Snead is a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the New York Mets . Snead was known for his speed, with 507 stolen bases in only 9 minor league seasons, but only four in two brief appearances with the New York Mets.-College and St...
- Outfielder Jason TynerJason TynerJason Renyt Tyner is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. Tyner stands at 6'1" tall and weighs 175 pounds...
- Outfielder Alan WatsonAlan WatsonProfessor W.A.J. 'Alan' Watson is a Scottish law and legal history expert, and is regarded as one of the world's foremost authorities on Roman law, comparative law, legal history, and law and religion...
- Pitcher Paul Wilson
- Outfielder Preston WilsonPreston WilsonPreston James Richard Wilson is a retired professional baseball outfielder. He played in the major leagues from 1998-2007. He is both the nephew and stepson of former New York Mets star Mookie Wilson...
- Infielder Ty WiggintonTy WiggintonTy Allen Wigginton is an American professional baseball infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. He is known as a utility player, having platooned as an infielder and an outfielder during his career. He bats and throws right-handed...
- Third baseman David Wright
- Catcher Josh TholeJosh TholeJoshua Michael "Josh" Thole is an American professional baseball player. He currently plays catcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball.-Early years:Thole grew up in Breese, Illinois, and attended Mater Dei High school....
Season records
(Place indicates finish in Eastern League 1987–93, in Northern Division from 1994)- Williamsport Bills
- 1987: 60–79 (7th), managers Steve SwisherSteve SwisherSteven Eugene Swisher is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1982. Swisher was elected to the 1976 National League All-Star team with the Cubs but did not play in the game...
& Orlando Gomez - 1988: 66–73 (6th), manager Mike HargroveMike HargroveDudley Michael Hargrove is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and manager. He is currently employed as an advisor with the Cleveland Indians....
- 1989: 63–77 (7th), manager Jay WardJay WardJ Troplong "Jay" Ward was an American creator and producer of animated television cartoons. He produced animated series based on such characters as Crusader Rabbit, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Dudley Do-Right, Peabody and Sherman, Hoppity Hooper, George of the Jungle, Tom Slick, and Super Chicken...
- 1990: 61–79 (7th), manager Rich MoralesRich MoralesRichard Angelo Morales was an infielder who played from 1967-1974. He played for the Chicago White Sox until early in the 1973 season; most of '73 and all of 1974 were spent with the San Diego Padres. Morales played 480 games, starting 294...
- 1991: 60–79 (7th), manager Clint HurdleClint HurdleClinton Merrick Hurdle is a former Major League Baseball outfielder whose 10-year career was spent with the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals. After retiring from playing baseball, Hurdle became a manager...
- Binghamton Mets
- 1992: 79–59 (2nd), manager Steve SwisherSteve SwisherSteven Eugene Swisher is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1982. Swisher was elected to the 1976 National League All-Star team with the Cubs but did not play in the game...
- 1993: 68–72 (5th), manager Steve SwisherSteve SwisherSteven Eugene Swisher is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1982. Swisher was elected to the 1976 National League All-Star team with the Cubs but did not play in the game...
- 1994: 82–59 (1st), manager John TamargoJohn TamargoJohn Felix Tamargo is a former Major League Baseball catcher and coach and long-time minor league manager. He played all or part of five seasons in the majors from until...
- 1995: 67–75 (4th), manager John TamargoJohn TamargoJohn Felix Tamargo is a former Major League Baseball catcher and coach and long-time minor league manager. He played all or part of five seasons in the majors from until...
- 1996: 76–66 (2nd), manager John TamargoJohn TamargoJohn Felix Tamargo is a former Major League Baseball catcher and coach and long-time minor league manager. He played all or part of five seasons in the majors from until...
- 1997: 66–76 (4th), manager Rick SweetRick SweetRicky Joe Sweet is a former professional baseball catcher. He played three seasons in Major League Baseball between 1978 and 1983, and has since had a long career as minor and major league coach and minor league manager...
- 1998: 82–60 (2nd), manager John GibbonsJohn GibbonsJohn Michael Gibbons was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball from 2004 to 2008...
- 1999: 54–88 (6th), manager Doug DavisDoug Davis (infielder)Douglas Raymond Davis is a former professional baseball player who appeared in two seasons as a catcher and third baseman for the California Angels and Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball....
- 2000: 82–58 (1st), manager Doug DavisDoug Davis (infielder)Douglas Raymond Davis is a former professional baseball player who appeared in two seasons as a catcher and third baseman for the California Angels and Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball....
- 2001: 73–68 (4th), manager Howie Freiling
- 2002: 73–68 (3rd), manager Howie Freiling
- 2003: 63–78 (5th), manager John StearnsJohn StearnsJohn Hardin Stearns is a former major league catcher who played for the New York Mets from to , and played a single game for the Philadelphia Phillies in ....
- 2004: 76–66 (2nd), manager Ken OberkfellKen OberkfellKenneth Raymond Oberkfell is an American former Major League Baseball third baseman and ex-coach for the New York Mets. He played from 1977-1992 for six different teams. Oberkfell primarily played third base but was also known to play second base and both corner outfield positions...
- 2005: 63–79 (6th), manager Jack LindJack LindJackson Hugh Lind is a retired Major League Baseball shortstop, first baseman, second baseman, and third baseman. He played during two seasons at the major league level for the Milwaukee Brewers, as well as one season in Japan for the Yomiuri Giants...
- 2006: 70–70 (3rd), manager Juan SamuelJuan SamuelJuan Milton Samuel is a retired second baseman who spent sixteen seasons in Major League Baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies , New York Mets , Los Angeles Dodgers , Kansas City Royals , Cincinnati Reds , Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays...
- 2007: 61–81 (6th), manager Mako OliverasMako OliverasMax "Mako" Oliveras was a Minor League Baseball player and also was a minor league manager with the Binghamton Mets. Oliveras played seven seasons in the minor leagues. He was also a coach in the Major Leagues for the Chicago Cubs.In May , he took over as skipper of the independent Miami Marlins...
- 2008: 73–69 (3rd), manager Mako OliverasMako OliverasMax "Mako" Oliveras was a Minor League Baseball player and also was a minor league manager with the Binghamton Mets. Oliveras played seven seasons in the minor leagues. He was also a coach in the Major Leagues for the Chicago Cubs.In May , he took over as skipper of the independent Miami Marlins...
- 2009: 54–86 (6th), manager Mako OliverasMako OliverasMax "Mako" Oliveras was a Minor League Baseball player and also was a minor league manager with the Binghamton Mets. Oliveras played seven seasons in the minor leagues. He was also a coach in the Major Leagues for the Chicago Cubs.In May , he took over as skipper of the independent Miami Marlins...
- 2010: 66-76 (5th), manager Tim TeufelTim TeufelTimothy Shawn Teufel is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, and currently the 3rd base coach for the New York Mets.Teufel was a member of the World Series champion New York Mets...
- 2011: 65-76 (5th), manager Wally BackmanWally BackmanWalter Wayne Backman is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. He is best known for his time with the New York Mets from - and was a member of their 1986 World Series-winning team...
Playoffs
- 1992 season: Defeated HarrisburgHarrisburg SenatorsThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
, 3–1 in first round; defeated Canton-AkronAkron AerosThe Akron Aeros are a minor league baseball team based in Akron, Ohio, USA. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.The Aeros play in Canal Park, located in downtown Akron, which seats 9,097 fans...
3–2 for league championship. - 1994 season: Swept New HavenNew Hampshire Fisher CatsThe New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a minor league baseball team based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays major-league club....
, 3–0 in first round; defeated HarrisburgHarrisburg SenatorsThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
3–1 to win second league title in three years. - 1996 season: Lost to PortlandPortland Sea DogsThe Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
, 3–2 in first round. - 1998 season: Lost to New BritainNew Britain Rock CatsThe New Britain Rock Cats are the Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club. They compete in the Eastern League and play their home games at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, Connecticut.-History:...
, 3–1 in first round. - 2000 season: Lost to New HavenNew Hampshire Fisher CatsThe New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a minor league baseball team based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays major-league club....
, 3–1 in first round. - 2004 season: Lost to New HampshireNew Hampshire Fisher CatsThe New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a minor league baseball team based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays major-league club....
, 3–1 in first round.