The Cleveland Indians and Buffalo Bisons today announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract. The
deal ensures that the Herd will remain the Triple-A affiliate of the Tribe through the 2008 season.
The Bisons have had unparalleled success in the last 11 seasons as Cleveland's Triple-A affiliate. Buffalo is 908-673
(.574) since 1995, with an American Association Championship in 1997 and two International League Governors' Cup Championships
(1998, 2004). The Herd has also won seven division titles and qualified for the playoffs nine times in those 11 seasons: the
most successful period in the team's 121-year history of professional baseball.
"This extension is great news for our team
and our fans," said Mike Buczkowski, Vice President/General Manager of the Buffalo Bisons. "The Cleveland Indians have displayed
a strong commitment to winning throughout their organization and have provided us with exciting players for over a decade."
"This two-year extension through the 2008 season is the result of an outstanding professional working relationship
between the Cleveland Indians, the Rich family and the entire Buffalo Bison front office," said John Farrell, Cleveland's
Director of Player Development. "Over the past 12 seasons, the Indians and Bisons have been synonymous with on-field success
and the development of people, players and staff for Major League careers."