KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City T-Bones announced that they have extended the contract of manager John Massarelli through the 2016 season. Per club policy, terms were not disclosed.

After going 48-52 in Massarelli’s first season with Kansas City, the T-Bones went 49-50 in 2015, and were in contention for the American Association’s wild-card spot until the last week of the season.

“We’ve been in the chase for a postseason berth until the last few days of the season during each of Mazz’s two seasons in Kansas City,” said T-Bones president Adam Ehlert. “The expectation is that he will turn the corner next year, and 2016 will be a special season for the T-Bones.”

The optimism is understandable. In 14 seasons as a minor-league manager, eight of Massarelli’s teams have reached their respective playoffs. (Three other teams missed the postseason by one game or less.) When he became the fifth manager in T-Bones history in November 2013, Massarelli took over a club that had finished 40-60 in 2013 and hasn’t been to the postseason since 2010.

“We’ve built a good foundation over the last two years and I like the direction we’re headed,” said T-Bones vice-president/general manager Chris Browne. “Work has already begun for next season.”

Massarelli, who began his full-time managerial career in 2000 with Auburn, the Houston Astros’ short-season single-A team in the New York-Penn League, has a career managerial record of 813-638 in 14 seasons.

“I’m very excited to continue to lead the T-Bones on the field,” Massarelli said. “I’m thankful that the Ehlert family and Chris Browne have put their trust in me in our quest to bring an American Association title to Kansas City.”