After a couple years of uncertainty, baseball fans in Binghamton can rest assured that pro baseball won’t be going anywhere any time soon.  

Binghamton Mayor Rich David, joined by Rumble Ponies ownership and representatives from the New York Mets announced today that the city and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies have agreed to a 23-year lease extension at Mirabito Stadium. The deal that runs through 2045 allocates $3.1 million to be used to bring the facility into compliance with MLB’s new Facility Standards. 

Also, effective today, New York-based Southpaw Resources LLC led by David Sobotka will assume ownership of the Rumble Ponies from John Hughes. Sobotka has already been active in his new role working with Mayor David on the lease extension for Mirabito Stadium.   

“It is a place in the city that has been important for a very long time,” says Sobotka. “We know that we’re inheriting an important tradition. Our goal will be that for anyone that enters the gates of Mirabito Stadium to have the best experience possible whether it’s fans or players.”  

Sobotka announced that General Manager John Bayne and the rest of the Rumble Ponies staff will stay on in their current roles.  

Mayor David presented Hughes, who purchased the team in 2015, with a key to the city for his commitment to keeping the organization here locally. He says without Hughes efforts the Rumble Ponies would no longer be in Binghamton.  

“I thank John Hughes for his leadership tenure with the franchise and I’m excited about the next chapter of professional baseball in Binghamton,” says David. 

Hughes says he’ll look back fondly on his 6 years with the team. 

“From day one I have said this team belongs to this community, so while it’s a tough day for me personally, I have peace knowing the future of the Rumble Ponies is so bright,” says Hughes. 

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies open their 2022 season at home on April 12th, season tickets are on sale now.