Binghamton Rumble Ponies

The New York Mets purchased the Williamsport Bills in 1991 and moved the franchise to Binghamton for the 1992 season, creating a Double-A affiliate that would become one of the most important stops in their development system. The Binghamton Mets, affectionately known as the "B-Mets," quickly established themselves at what would become Mirabito Stadium.

The franchise hit its early peak in 1994, winning the Eastern League championship and establishing Binghamton as a winning organization. The stadium became a proving ground for some of the most talented players in Mets history. David Wright, the franchise player who would define an era at Citi Field, played for the B-Mets in 2003 and 2004. Jose Reyes, who would become one of the most exciting players in the National League, also passed through Binghamton on his way to New York.

The early B-Mets years established a template that would endure: young, talented players using Binghamton as a springboard to the majors, supported by a loyal fanbase in New York's Southern Tier that relished the opportunity to see tomorrow's stars today.

The middle years of the Binghamton Mets were defined by consistent player development and a beloved manager. Pedro Lopez took over as skipper in 2012 and led the team to three consecutive postseason appearances, earning induction into the Binghamton Baseball Shrine in 2015. His player-first approach and competitive fire made him one of the most respected figures in the organization's history.

The 2015 season was particularly noteworthy, as the B-Mets posted a 77-64 record during a period when the parent club's farm system was producing an extraordinary wave of talent. The pipeline from Binghamton to Queens was flowing with players who would help the Mets reach the 2015 World Series.

Off the field, John Hughes purchased the franchise in December 2015 and began the process of rebranding. The "Binghamton Mets" name, while functional, lacked the distinctiveness that had become the calling card of successful minor league marketing. Hughes initiated a community naming contest that would transform the franchise's identity.