Elmira, NY - The Ervin family, who purchased the Pioneers in November 1996, have sold a controlling interest in the team to an investment group headed by Major League Baseball pitchers Hideo Nomo and Hideki Irabu.

"This investment demonstrates confidence in our operation and in this community," said Steve Ervin, Vice President and co-owner of the Pioneers. "This investment is a shot in the arm for this community and for this organization."

The Ervin family has continued to manage the day-to-day operations of the team. "We are extremely excited about this deal", said co-owner John Ervin. "We look forward to working with our new partners."

John Ervin has been named Chairman of the Board of the Pioneers. Phil Kramer, the investment representative, has been named President of the team.

This year Hideo Nomo returns to the Los Angeles Dodgers where he won the 1995 National League Rookie of the Year Award. Last year, Nomo pitched for the Boston Red Sox and had 13 Wins and 10 Losses with an ERA of 4.50 including a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles. Over Nomo's 9 year career, he earned a record of 82-71 with an ERA of 4.04. In 3 games this spring, Nomo has a record of 1-1 with an ERA of 2.70.

Hideki Irabu was recently signed to a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. Last year Irabu went 3-3 for the Montreal Expos with a 4.86 ERA. Over Irabu's 5 years with the New York Yankees and the Expos, he has compiled a record of 31-27 with an ERA of 5.09

Individual game tickets will go on sale May 1st, 2002, while season tickets and group tickets are on sale right now.