Midland Rockhounds June 3, 2009 Program

I previously posted a game program from a decade ago of that date. It's been over a month since I went to a game. Another Wednesday game for me as they take on Northwest Arkansas Naturals. By that time I given several players personal nicknames just like I have done before. One of them is Mike "the Sultan of Swing" Sulentic.

Justin Dowdy on the cover of the scorecard program. He was no longer on the team when it was printed out. He spent the season playing in American Association for Shreveport-Bossier Captains then Wichita Wingnuts. He played til 2013 season mostly in independent leagues.

Rockhounds still on top of their division with 28-22 record ahead of San Antonio Missions. Mike Baxter, who later play for NY Mets, lead the league in batting average and tied with Chris Carter on extra base hits. Looking at pitching top 10 Esmil Rogers and Ernesto Frieri would have a longer MLB career. Trevor Reckling, Kasey Kiker, Will Inman, Omar Poveda, Trey Hearne, and Tommy Mendoza never made it to the majors.

Jared Lansford joined the team. Bottom blurb mention of former Rockhound Vin Mazzaro getting combined shutout in his first career MLB game. He spent 8 up and down seasons bouncing between majors and AAA.

About six players on the roster made it to the majors afterwards. Big name out of it is Greg Holland as became 3-time MLB All-Star and one of top closers in the league. Blake Wood spent 7 seasons in the majors with five of them bouncing between AAA and the majors. Played for Angels last year.

Daniel Cortes got a total of 14 games with Mariners in two season. On side note I witness him almost getting killed by line drive foul ball at this game while sitting in the dugout. If he didn't move in a split second it would have hit in him in the head and would been dead.

Anthony Lerew returned with a 6 game stint. Cody Clark finally got a shot with 16 game stint with Astros in 2013. Ed Lucas played 163 in two seasons with Marlins spending final two years of his career in the minors.

Corey Smith, despite crushing homeruns and driving in runs, wouldn't get the call.

Vance Wilson never returned as 2009 was his final season. He would transition to manager in their minor league system and back in the majors as Royals bullpen coach. Manager Brian Poldberg is currently manager of Royals AAA club Omaha Storm Chasers. Larry Carter would remain with Royals organization til 2014. Terry Bradshaw went on to big club as current hitting coach.

Josh Donaldson went from .192 to .288 in over a month along with 5 homeruns. Chris "the Crusher" Carter lead the team in homeruns and RBIs while they forgot to print out Tommy Everidge stats.

Rockhounds ran over Naturals 16-8 that night.