The Savannah Sand Gnats are moving to new grounds in Columbia, South Carolina for the 2016 season, the team announced. The Sand Gnats have been the Mets’ Class A affiliate since the 2007 season. (Anthony DiComo)
The Mets Class-A affiliate will play their home games in Sprint Communications Park which will open next March.
“We are excited about returning to Columbia, where we had a presence for over two decades,” said GM Sandy Alderson.
“So many of the top Mets stars, like current team captain David Wright, got their start in Columbia. The plans for Sprint Communications Park look spectacular, and we can’t wait to develop the next generation of Mets Major Leaguers here.”
“We’re very excited because not only is today about welcoming Minor League Baseball back to the City of Columbia, it’s about celebrating the new spirit of energy and enthusiasm sweeping across the city like never before,” said Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin. “Something special is happening in Columbia and this team is a big part of it.”
The Sand Gnats’ last game at Grayson Stadium is scheduled for Sept. 2 and it also marks the end for the stadium which originally opened its gates in 1926.
During their time in Savannah, the Mets Class-A affiliate provided a lot of memories there, winning 10 South Atlantic League titles, most recently in 2013 and over 100 future Major Leaguers were developed there. They will try to add new memories and more future Major Leaguers in Columbia.
