Binghamton Rumble Ponies begin season

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies had their season opener rained out yesterday, but will try again tonight in New Hampshire. The Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets boasts 12 returning players from last year and is highlighted by five all-stars, a first-round draft pick, and a league batting champion. One Rumble Pony, reliever Cory Burns, has 27 games of major league experience. Binghamton’s all-time winningest pitcher, Tyler Pill, returns this year and will be joined in the starting rotation by P.J. Conlon, last year’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year for the Mets organization. The Irish-born lefty posted a 12-2 record with a 1.65 ERA over 24 games in Class A. For hitters, the Rumble Ponies return Matt Oberste, LJ Mazzilli, and Champ Stuart. Newcomer Patrick Biondi has stolen 105 bases in four professional seasons.