Opening Day in Midland

On Tuesday it was opening day here for Midland Rockhound, The 2023 roster have a mix of players from the previous years such as Logan Davidson, Max Schuemann, Michael Guldberg, J.J. Schwarz, Ryan Cusick, and J.T. Ginn to newer ones making a jump such as Lawrence Butler, Darel Hernaiz, Shane McGuire, Shohei Tomioka, and Royber Salinas. Also on the team is pitcher Brian Howard, who been in Las Vegas for previous two seasons return here in a relief pitching role, and Greg Deichmann, who played 14 games for the Cubs in 2021. Both players were on 2019 Midland Rockhounds team.

The team got a third mascot name Chip to go along with institute of Juice the Moose (from Midland Angels era) and Rocky. What is Chip? A hammer.

The festivities including unveiling of a large US flag and a plane flying over the stadium. The fans helped the singer to the words of the National Anthem when the mic kept cutting out.

They took on Tulsa Drillers who have this year's Dodgers no. 1 prospect Diego Cartaya. Royber Salinas and Emmet Sheehan started the game. Drillers got on board first with 3 runs in the 1st including Brandon Lewis two-run homerun shot. Salinas lasted 2 1/3 innings with 6 strikeout with Tomioka relieving him for 1 2/3 innings of no run work. In the 3rd inning I witness an out from batter box violation for the first time when Drillers player Jorbit Vivas hit a foul ball and took a very slow walk back to the batter  box. The ump called automatic strike on him once he got back. Since he was down 2 strikes the batter box violation makes it strike 3 for him. He was not too happy about it.

Rockhounds got on board in the 3rd with Schuemann solo shot and Bret Harris driving Butler in. Trayson Kubo went on the mound and end up giving up two runs when Andy Pages drove in Josh Stowers and Johnny LeDuca making it 5-2. He would be replaced by Charles Hall who lasted an inning. Deichmann got them back in the game with 2-run homerun shot in the 6th making it 5-4. Drillers get a run in the 7th, but the Rockhounds erupted with a 6 run inning with Deichmann coming up big to give them the lead. It was enough to chase Leal Lockhart off the mound. Jordan Leasure comes in and ends up issuing a balk sending Davidson home. Entering the top of 9th 10-6 leads things go a little weird. Yusniel Diaz would come in pinch running for Cartaya. He stole second, but turned his ankle while doing so. He exit the game with injury and ends up getting a rare "In pinch runner for a pinch runner" call as Imanol Vargas taking over. A throwing error from Hernaiz allowed Vargas to come home. Austin Briggs gave a hit then threw a wild pitch sending Jose Ramos (from Panama WBC team) home. After issuing two walk leaving the bases loaded Briggs gets pulled for Calvin Coker who closed it out in a nailbiting 10-8 win. Will be at the ballpark on Friday night. It's going be another fun season at the minor league park.

Opening Day 2022

Minor league baseball season started last week but the first home stand here was Tuesday night. It was Midland's 50th season as minor league baseball team. They gave away free 50th anniversary team t-shirts to first 1,000 fans as well debut of the team's new look and logo with a different shade of blue to go along. They even got team numbers in front of their jerseys making them easily identifiable to the fans. Midland Rockhounds open the home series against Corpus Christi Hooks.

The Rockhounds opening day roster feature nine players on A's top 30 prospects list: Zack Gelof (3), J.T. Ginn (8), Ryan Cusick (9), Colin Peluse (13), Jordan Diaz (15; 40 man roster), Jorge Juan (25; 40 man roster), Logan Davidson (27), Jonah "Bright Lights" Bride (29; 40 man roster), Michael Guldberg (30). "Bullet" Bobby Crosby returns as manager along with assistant hitting coach Juan Dilone. Todd Takayoshi (hittitng coach) and former MLB pitcher Chris Smith (pitching coach) are the new additions to the coaching staff this season.

As for the game J.T. Ginn struck out 7 batters allowing 2 runs in 3 2/3 innings before getting pulled. I assume pitch count reasons. The relievers didn't fare much better as 4 of the 5 relievers used got scored on. Wandisson Charles didn't get a single out before getting pulled. Only Garrett Acton didn't allow a run. Hooks tee'd off on Rockhounds pitchers getting 13 hits off them with homeruns from Luke Berryhill and Cesar Salazar who went 4-5 with 3 RBIs. Poor fielding from Rockhounds doomed them as well. So far the offense is there, unlike last year, getting 15 hits off Hooks pitchers but stranding 12 on base. Rockhounds lost 11-4 on opening night to a crowd of 3,247 in attendance.

If there's beard of the year award in baseball Rockhounds pitcher Brock Whittlesey is an early candidate. It even moves when he throws a pitch.

Home standing started off bad but it will get better. Hope to catch another game when Frisco Roughriders come down here in two weeks in their only visit here this season.

Those Prospects from 2001

It's fun going through past programs from minor league teams and listing the top prospects. This one from 2001 Midland Rockhounds program as they preview Texas League teams along top 30 prospects from the affiliate system. It's interesting look at hits, misses, mind baffling list rankings, and what happen to the team afterwards. Let's start out with El Paso Diablos who was Diamondbacks double-A affiliate at the time. Their no. 1 prospect of the year is......

Alex Cintron. He played four seasons before getting flipped to Chicago White Sox playing for two seasons and follow it up with stints as member of Orioles and Nationals. He would take up coaching after his playing career and is currently Astros hitting coach. No. 2 Jack Cust would bounce around the league before finding a home as member of Oakland A's in DH role hitting homeruns. The best two players on the list is Jose Valverde (no. 10) and Brandon Webb (no. 27). Valverde became 3-time All-Star and lead the league in saves three times, all playing with different teams (Diamondbacks, Astros, Tigers). Webb became a Cy Young winner (2006) and 3-time All-Star in his six seasons with the team before injuries ended his career. He attempted a comeback in 2011 playing 4 games with Rangers affiliate Frisco Roughriders. Lyle Overbay (no. 11) finished the season as Diamondbacks minor league player of the year. As for the original El Paso Diablos they moved to Springfield, MO becoming the Cardinals after 2004 season. The new Diablos team played independent ball til they got a new team (El Paso Chihuahuas) as well new stadium becoming Triple-A affiliate of San Diego Padres.

When Round Rock Express was Double-A team and affiliated with Astros. They got it right with Roy Oswalt at no. 1  as he became the ace of the Astros pitching staff most of 2000s. I still wonder to this day how Brad Lidge was perfect all regular season and the playoffs (All-Star game don't count) in his first season with Philadelphia Phillies helping them to World Series championship. Adam Everett (no. 6), Morgan Ensberg (no. 15), and Jason Lane (no. 22) become regular starters on the field for the Astros. J-Lane would take up pitching and return to the league as one. Chad Qualls (no. 19) had long journeyman career playing in the majors from 2004-2017. Round Rock moved up to Triple-A and end up being Texas Rangers affiliate.

San Antonio Missions is still around which included a single season stint as Triple-A team. This is first year they became Mariners affiliate. In a strange twist how the hell did they rank Ryan Anderson no. 1 over ICHIRO, who went on to be one of greatest hitters ever? Anderson never made it to the majors as he battled injuries. Ichiro accomplishment would take forever so let's say automatic Hall of Fame selection. Outside of him Joel Pineiro (no. 4), Willie Bloomquist (no. 7), and Shin-Soo Choo (no. 14) went on to have long careers. Pineiro spent 13 years in the majors which include brief stop with Red Sox, three years with Cardinals, and two with Angels. Bloomquist played 15 years as utility player most of them with Mariners. Choo would get shipped to Indians playing 6 1/2 with them then spent a season with Reds via trade. He signed with Rangers where he shone. For Missions they are currently Padres AA-affiliate. I seen the talent Padres crank out throughout the years. They should have kept some instead going for broke and blowing it up in their face like this year.

Arkansas Travelers is another team that is still around to the day. 2001 is the first season as Angels affiliate. Another baffling no. 1 with Joe Torres on top over K-Rod. Torres played 13 seasons AND never made it. I even got his autograph at a game back in 2011 as a member of Rangers affiliate Frisco Roughriders. K-Rod and John Lackey would become big part of 2002 Angels World Series championship. K-Rod became a 6-time All-Star and holds the record with most saves in a season at 62. Lackey became very reliable starter led the AL in ERA in 2007. Fireballer Bobby Jenks (no. 25) signed with White Sox after Angels released him where he became their closer and as well being part of 2005 World Series Championship team. There was another Johan Santana except he played three seasons making it high at A-ball. Travelers is currently Mariners AA-affiliate.

Shreveport baseball sure changed. Originally called Captains they changed their name to Swamp Dragons in 2001. I still remember their hideous looking green jerseys. They were Giants affiliate at the time and talk about weak system. Jerome Williams took the no. 1 spot and would have journeyman career. Kurt Ainsworth didn't fare much better and neither than Tony Torcato and Lance Niekro. Ryan Vogelsong (no. 5) and Pedro Feliz (no. 8) are the two from the top 10 that have decent career. Vogelsong struggled in his first part of his career he plied his trade in Japan for few years before returning to play. He would become a reliable pitcher and contributor of Giants 2012 and 2014 World Series championship. For Shreveport team it was sad saga. With very small attendance (on one box score clipping they reported 400 in the crowd) their team would be sold and moved to Frisco becoming Roughriders after 2002 season. Shreveport got another baseball team playing in the independent American Association league, first as Sports then changed to Captains, from 2003-2011. Like previous team the team got sold and moved.

Rangers had a long affiliation with Tulsa Drillers. Carlos Pena was no. 1 on that year list getting time in majors later that season with future All-Star flashed all over him. His career path took a strange twist as he got traded to Oakland A's (A's would part with few prospects that will be mention later on) months before 2002 season where it took 40 games for them to unload him to Detroit Tigers where he played for 3 1/2 seasons. After a trying 2006 season playing in Yankees AAA club and 18 game stint with Red Sox he signed with Tampa Bay Rays in 2007. It was there he unleashed all of his All-Star potential with comeback player of the year (2007) and All-Star nod in 2009 when he should have made in 2007 and 2008. His career lasted to 2014 as he played his final season with Rangers coming full circle. Few of the pitchers went on to journeyman career such as Joaquin Benoit (no. 5) , Colby Lewis (no. 6), and Danny Kolb (no. 24). After struggling early in his career and cast aside Lewis spent two seasons in Japan before returning and going full circle playing with Rangers as he became a reliable starter. Kolb got All-Star nod in 2005 as member of Brewers. Kevin Mench (no. 4) and Hank Blalock (no. 10) became regular starters for Rangers as they provided the offense. Travis Hafner (no. 12) gets shipped to Indians (along with Aaron Myette) where he had four straight seasons with 100 RBIs as well hitting homeruns. This is kinda of same thing with Rangers minor league system through the decades: Produce hitters, not pitchers. If they do the pitchers are long journeyman playing multiple teams. Rangers drop Tulsa as their double-A affiliate after 2002 season and signed on with newly rechristen Frisco Roughriders (formerly Shreveport Captains/Swamp Dragons). Don't blame them since its a 45 minute to hour drive from Arlington to Frisco. Tulsa would become Rockies double-A affiliate til 2014 when Dodgers bought part of the Drillers and became their double-A club in 2015.

Wichita Wranglers was Kansas City Royals double-A affiliate. Talk about yikes when I look at the list. Royals minor league system was rough during this time. No. 1 Chris George had very bad four seasons with Royals. Dee Brown (no. 2) only had one season (out of 8 in the majors) where he played over 100 games. Mike MacDougal (no.3) had a journeyman career as did Jeremy Affeldt (no. 16). Jimmy Gobble (no. 4) switched to relief to where he one good season then back to ERA over four. Alexis Gomez (no. 9) spent his career bouncing between majors and minors, mostly in the minors. Mike Tonis (no. 14) and Byron Gettis (no. 29) had cup of coffee in the majors. Two top players on the list had very short careers. Angel Berroa won rookie of the year in 2003 and that was his peak. He forgot how to hit the next following years and was out of the league after 2009 season along multiple stints in the minors. Ken Harvey had a good first half in 2004 being Royals lone All-Star representative. Then he collided with teammate Jason Grimsley on a play. He wasn't the same afterwards and was out of the league after 2005 season. While still as Royals double-A club Wichita Wranglers relocated to Springdale, AK becoming Northwest Arkansas Naturals after 2007 season. Independent team Wingnuts replaced them playing til Wichita got a new minor league team (also double-A) known as Wind Surge.

Off to Oakland A's as their no. 1 prospect of 2001 is........

Jose Ortiz who I never heard of. After researching he was one of three players (one of them also a prospect) traded to Rockies for Jermaine Dye later that season. 2002 was his final season in the majors as he spent most of his career in Japan. Interesting look at potential 2004 A's lineup where seven of players listed no longer on the time when it came time three years later. The remaining nine prospects....

... and yeah. Call it all-trade prospect team. Only two remain in the A's system when 2005 season started and one remained after the season ended. Jason Hart, Ryan Ludwick, and Mario Ramos (along with Gerald Laird) got sent to the Rangers in the Carlos Pena (and Mike Venafro) trade. All three made it with the Rangers. Only one had a longer career. Hart career got cut short for cancer. Ramos spent two weeks with Rangers til he DFA and A's picked him up where he spent remainder of his career in the minors. Ludwick played for six teams in 14 years. His best years with Cardinals which included a 2008 All-Star selection. Mario Encarncion was part of the Jermaine Dye. Like Ortiz he was out of the league after 2002 season. Justin Miller got sent to Blue Jays in Billy Koch trade after 2001 season. He played for 4 teams in 7 years also yoyo-ing between the majors and minors. Berroa was no longer on the team and already ranked no. 6 in Royals prospect list. Fast Freddie Bynum got September call up in 2005 and got sent to Cubs in a three-way trade after the season 2005. Chad Harville get shipped to Astros early of 2004 season. Eric Byrnes got a call up for 14 game stint between May through July then return in the September call up in 2001. He spent first month of 2002 in the minors but getting called up in May where he remained as every day starter til he got traded middle of 2005 season to the Rockies only to gets shipped to Orioles two weeks later. For Midland Rockhounds they still remain as A's double-A affiliate over 22 years and going.

A good look at teams top prospects from a good two decades. I'm still baffled Ichiro wasn't no. 1 on Mariners top prospects list of 2001.

Ball Games and Specialty Jerseys

Went to Rockhounds game on Saturday as they were taking on Amarillo Sod Poodles. The team wore special jerseys that night. The theme? Paw Patrol: The Movie. To go along with post-game fireworks the team held Paw Patrol night. The show's characters Chase, Marshall, and Skye made an appearance at the stadium. I took a picture of them at the parking lot.

The look of the jerseys? Look at Edwin Diaz and Bryce Conley rocking them. It looks pretty awesome with the team name and the characters from the movie on it.

As for the game Jack Cushing (Rockhounds) and Kenny Hernandez (Sod Poodles) started the game. For Cushing its not only his first ever appearance with the team since he called up but his first ever Double-A start. Sod Poodles jumped to 4-0 lead before Rockhounds cut it down to 4-3 with a 3-run homer from Jhonny Santos in the 6th. Sod Poodles tacked on another run in the 7th as they beat Rockhounds 5-3. Sod Poodles left fielder Stone Garrett went 3-5 with a homerun and two RBIs. Did get the post-game fireworks which I saw at the parking lot.

The jerseys players wore that night got auctioned off online. The auction started the day before. Let's say I manage to snag one in the final minute before it ended. This is who I got.

I got batting coach and former MLB player Kevin Kouzmanoff. It cost me a pretty penny, but these jerseys look uniquely awesome. I love it when minor league teams come up with special jerseys.

Rockhounds Opening Day

It's been long time coming. After 20 months of not having a minor league baseball played at the stadium it came back to life last week on Tuesday. Midland Rockhounds had their first homestand of the season last week. I went to their opening day game despite being windy cold. Things have changed with new stadium name (From Security Bank Ballpark to Momentum Bank Ballpark because the banks merged) to going cashless with all concession stand purchases require credit/debit card. 2021 Rockhounds team now managed by former A's infielder "Bullet" Bobby Crosby who played here in 2002 as well coached in 2019. Kevin Kouzmanoff and Juan Dilone serves as hitting coach and Steve Connelly remains as pitching coach.

They took on returning San Antonio Missions who spent 2019 in AAA ball. San Diego Padres return as their AA affiliate. Crowd still coming in as the game started. Long line at the gates and still trying buy tickets. Brady Fiegl (Rockhounds) and Adrian Martinez (Missions) started the game. Rockhounds scored first with Tyler Ramirez doubling to score Nick Allen in the first. Nick Allen had a sac fly to score Jhonny Santos in the third. Kyle Overstreet would get Missions on the board with a solo shot. It turned out to be only run for Missions despite 10 hits in the game. Rockhounds would tack on 4 more runs in the game as they won 6-1 to a crowd of 3230. Not bad for a week day night game.

In "It happens in the minors" Missions trot out a pitcher name Henry Henry in relief.

After missing a year going to a ballgame its feels great to be back at the stadium. This going be first of plenty of games I will go to this season.

Midland Rockhounds September 16, 2009 Scorecard

With final installment of 2009 Midland Rockhounds scorecard programs. This is final home game I attended that season. Didn't get go to their South Division Championship games which they won the series 3-1 advancing to Texas League Championship against Northwest Arkansas. This is game 2 of the series. Scores of north and south division series between both teams as well regular season standings of first and second half of the season.

Same roster they had from last month.

Chris Carter no longer at the team as he got called up to Sacramento. Kyle Middleton rejoin the team. Mickey Storey joined the team. He played all four levels in the minors that season. Played two seasons in the majors before spending remaining three years of his playing in the minors and independents. Currently a manager for Round Rock Express leading the team to PCL championship but got swept in the series against Sacramento River Cats.

Rockhounds won 7-6 to tie the series 1-1. They would win two straight to the take Texas League crown in 2009.

Had a time going through scorecard programs remembering the players, coaches, and managers who played in Texas League. The researching of the who's who and where they go afterwards. Some went on to the majors while others stayed in the minors, independents, or overseas. Few went on to coaching. Former Rockhound Raul Padron is one of them. He had the vital hit in game 4 of Texas League championship giving the team a clinching championship win. Today he's part of Amarillo Sod Poodles coaching stuff. Things came full circle for Padron as last night Sod Poodles won 2019 Texas League championship thanks to Taylor Trammell grand slam. Padron became a Texas League championship winner both a player and a coach. You never know who might wind up where but the memories of watching them play and move up will stay fresh in a fan's mind.

Midland Rockhounds August 19, 2019 Scorecard

Battle of cross division leaders as Midland Rockhounds take on Northwest Arkansas Naturals. This was last regular season game I attended that year.

I noticed they listed Mitch Moreland as Mitchell. Looking top 10 batters and pitchers half of them made it to the majors. It wasn't Drew Locke, Chad Tracy or Trevor Reckling.

Rockhounds final 20 games of the regular season starts with NO days off. It's the playoff spot grind for them. Graham "G" Godfrey and Blake Johnson starts the game.

What's changed from the last visit? Kyle Farnsworth on the team for rehab assignment. Jeff Bianch, David Lough, and Jarrod Dyson on the team as they would go on play in the majors. Dyson still playing to this day as he's with Diamondbacks. He was part of Royals World Series run in 2014 and 2015. Did you know he was drafted in 50th round? He worked hard get to the Show.

Almost same team. Mike Benacka called up to AAA Sacramento. Rocky Roquet and Angel Garcia off the DL.

Rockhounds shutout Naturals 8-0. Frisco won so 'Hounds are still 3 games up on 'Riders

Midland Rockhounds August 5 2009 Scorecard

It was almost a month til I made to another Rockhounds game that season. Stretch run for Rockhounds as they battle for Texas League playoff spot that year. This is first of last three regular season homestand games. Chris Carter on the cover as he lead the league in homeruns and was second in RBIs to Drew Locke.

On top of the division going a game ahead of Frisco Roughriders

Important series against Frisco. They won the previous night to get top spot in south division. Kyle Middleton goes against Omar Poveda on the mound

Near identical team from last visit (see here) with few new additions of Steve Murphy, John Bannister, Zach Phillips, and Corey Young. Phillips made it to the majors playing 27 games in four season bouncing between majors and Triple A. Bannister got released days later after the series only to be claimed by Royals and stuck on Double-A Northwest Arkansas for remainder of the season. He spent 2010 playing in Golden League final season which happen to be his final year of playing.

Kyle Middleton, Travis Banwart, Tyson Ross, Jermile Weeks, and Shane Peterson are now on the team. Middleton and Banwart peaked in AAA. Banwart spent 6 years in Triple A along trips in independent ball and overseas. Still playing to this day for Fubon Guardians of Chinese Pro Baseball League. Ty Ross (as I call him) still currently playing but is shut down this season for ulnar nerve issues. J-Weeks played 6 seasons in the majors last playing in 2017. Primetime Peterson joined the team when A's traded Matt Holliday for him, Brett Wallace, and Clayton Mortensen at trade deadline. He played 125 games in three seasons and still playing to this day for Dodgers Triple-A team Oklahoma City Dodgers.

Rockhounds lost a tough one to Roughriders 8-7. Both tied on top of south division going to August 6 game.

Midland Rockhounds July 13, 2009 Program

Very late with this as I been very busy. I'm here with July 13, 2009 program. It's a Monday night game as Rockhounds took on Cardinals affiliate Springfield Cardinals. Cardinals already in the playoffs clinching first half of the season.

The future AL MVP Josh Donaldson on the cover.

Currently last in the standings at the moment, but only four games back. Cardinals duo of Trey Hearne and Lance Lynn are 1-2 in Texas League wins. Hearne got his 10th win on Sunday pushing his record to 10-1 record so far in the season.

On the mound are Brandon Dickson and Justin Souza. This is Souza team debut after being sent up from Stockton. Dickson would get total of 8 in two seasons of the majors while Souza never made it. Dickson would spend the remaining five seasons of his career in Japan.

Nine players from Cardinals went on to majors with the big one Lance Lynn. Only Lynn, Fernando Salas, and Sam Freeman still playing to this day. Brian Broderick pitched in 11 games of his MLB career while Steve Hill played total of 10 games. Peter Kozma, Eduardo Sanchez, and Dickson are the others. Shane "Primetime" Peterson was part of Matt Holliday trade that sent him to the A's. I would see him later him that season. As for coaches all three have made it to main club with Pop Warner and Bryan Eversgerd still with the team. Former MLBer turning hitting coach Derrick May was with the team til after 2016.

Souza, Daniel Barone, Daniel Haigwood, Steve Sharpe, and Gabriel Ortiz are the new additions of the team. Raul Padron was sent down. Haigwood manage get 7 games with the team as his name never appeared on program the following month. Turns out it was his final season of his playing career. Same with Barone, despite being in majors in 2007, played four games with the team and that was it. Didn't play again til he surfaced in 2014 with independent Kansas City T-Bones. Sharpe stuck with the team through the playoff run. Spent 2010 with independent Camden Riversharks and that was his final season of his playing career.

Midland won 7-6.

Midland Rockhounds June 17, 2009 Scorecard

This program from June 17 game against Frisco Roughriders. Rockhounds went on bad stretch this month. They end up losing first half of Texas League to San Antonio (39-31) by two games finishing with 37-33 record.

Texas League All-Star was played in Frisco that year. About 24 players went on the play in the majors.

A big roster change from June 8 game as Tommy Everidge called up to Triple A.

About 11 players made it to the majors, most notably, Justin Smoak and Mitch Moreland. Six (Smoak, Moreland, Craig Gentry, Manny Pina, Tanner Roark, and Pedro Strop) currently playing this season. Jose Diaz is best known as Jumbo Diaz. Chad Tracy is not Diamondbacks Chad Tracy. This one peaked in Triple A before finishing his final two seasons at independents. Ryan O'Malley is listed but never played a game for the team. Michael Schlatt hung around Rangers organization for 7 years before finishing his career in the independents. I own Thomas Diamond Rangers jersey and had him sign it despite not playing a game for the team. He was on their 40 man roster at the time. I bought it at The Ballpark at Arlington when they had player worn jerseys shop right around outfield. I don't believe its there anymore. Guilder Rodriguez finally got his call up in 2014 after 12 years in the minors. He's now coaching Rangers rookie league team. Another player that went on to become coach is Joe Torres who is currently pitching coach for Lake County Captains. Mike Micucci is currently manager of Lakewood Blueclaws after spending time with Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles-Anaheim Angels in various coaching capacities. Brant Brown is now with LA Dodgers. Jeff Andrews, who replaced Joe Slusarski few weeks into the season, stuck with Frisco til 2015.

Rockhounds shutout Roughriders 2-0