RiverDogs re-up with Yankees

  • Gene Sapakoff
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  • Posted: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 12:01 a.m.
    UPDATED: Sunday, March 18, 2012 9:15 p.m.
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The Charleston RiverDogs and New York Yankees reached agreement on an extension of their Player Development Contract through the 2016 season, the RiverDogs announced Tuesday. The current contract between the Yankees and Charleston's Class A South Atlantic League baseball team started in 2005 and was due to expire after the 2012 season.

"During the past seven years, RiverDogs fans have been privileged to see some of the most promising Yankee stars of the future suit up and play at Riley Park, as the Yankees have made Charleston a key component of their player development system," RiverDogs chairman Marv Goldklang said. "I am very pleased that we will be able to continue that tradition for years to come."

Former RiverDogs now helping the Yankees include catcher Jesus Montero, pitchers Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova, and infielder Eduardo Nunez.

"The Yankees are extremely pleased to extend our relationship with the RiverDogs and the city of Charleston," said Mark Newman, Yankees senior vice president for baseball operations. "In Charleston, we are fortunate to have a great environment in which to develop the Yankees of the future. Our working relationship with the River Dogs' ownership and operational staff is exceptional, and we look forward to continuing that relationship well into the future."

RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols called it a "win-win" situation for both organizations.