Pittsburgh Pirates and West Virginia Black Bears extend PDC

The Pittsburgh Pirates have extended the player development contract with their A Short Season affiliate in the New York-Penn League, the West Virginia Black Bears. The new contract will run through the 2020 season.

 The affiliation with the Pirates started in 2013 when the team still played in Jamestown as the Jammers. A few weeks before the end of the 2014 season, the Jammers announced they would move to Granville. Since their inaugural season in 2015, the club has been rather successful as it won the New York-Penn League championship in 2015.

As usual various pleasantries were exchanged at the announcement. President of Rich Baseball, the owner of the Black Bears, John Dandes stated: “Not only have they proven to be dedicated to providing our fans with a competitive and exciting team to cheer for, but have also shown great awareness to building relationships within the community around Monongalia County Ballpark. We look forward to continuing this great partnership for many years to come.”

And Pirates Director of Minor League Operations Larry Broadway showed his gratitude with the following words: ““We couldn’t be more excited to extend our relationship and partnership with the Black Bears and the greater Morgantown area. It’s such a great fit for us as an organization to be so close to Pittsburgh while also providing top rate facilities and operations. The fans are Pirate fans and it¹s a great way for them to get connected with the next wave of Buccos at the ground floor. We look forward to this partnership continuing for years to come.”

The history of this franchise dates back to 1989 when the team played under the moniker Niagara Falls Rapids and when it was affiliated to the Detroit Tigers. After the 1993 season, the team relocated to the previous town, Jamestown. As the Jammers, the franchise had affiliations with the Detroit Tigers (1994-1998), Atlanta Braves (1999-2001), Florida Marlins (2002-2012) and the aforementioned Pittsburgh Pirates.

Dutch catcher Paul Brands is currently playing with the West Virginia Black Bears as he earned a promotion from the GCL at the start of the New York-Penn League season.

The Black Bears aren’t the only minor league team that is sporting the name of West Virginia in its moniker. The A Full Season affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Power does this as well. Aren’t you confused yet? 😉