The New York Mets and Buffalo Bisons today announced a two-year extension of their player development partnership through 2012.

Ike Davis, R.A. Dickey, Josh Thole, Elmer Dessens, Chris Carter and Bobby Parnell all began the season in Buffalo and have become key contributors to the success of the 2010 Mets. The Mets and Bisons partnership began with the 2009 season, and 12 of the 25 players on the current major-league roster have played for the Bisons since the start of last year.

“The Mets have proven to our organization and our baseball fans that they care about winning and the team they put on the field in Buffalo,” said Bob Rich, Owner, Buffalo Bisons. “The success that many Bisons players have had this season in Buffalo and then in New York has been vital to the success of both teams.”

“We are thrilled with our partnership with the Rich family and how the Bisons are developing players who are making significant contributions at the major-league level,” said Jeff Wilpon, Chief Operating Officer. “Bob and Mindy share our vision of success on the field and our philosophy of helping New Yorkers make a lasting impact in the community.”

The extension allows the Mets to strengthen its ties to New York with minor-league clubs in Buffalo, Binghamton and Brooklyn. The close proximity of the affiliates to the major-league club in Queens expedites baseball operations travel for players, coaches and scouts.

The Mets first partnered with the Bisons in 1963 for three seasons as the team’s affiliate in the International League. The 1964 Bisons went 80-69 and qualified for the International League Playoffs.

(Source: Buffalo Bisons/Bisons.com)