Frisco RoughRiders

MiLB infobox
name = Frisco RoughRiders
founded = 1971
city = Frisco, Texas
misc =

uniform
class level = AA
past class level=
current league = Texas League
conference =
division = South Division
past league =
majorleague = Texas Rangers
pastmajorleague =
nickname = Frisco RoughRiders (2003-present)
* Shreveport SwampDragons (2001-2002)
* Shreveport Captains (1971-2000)
pastnames =
ballpark = Dr Pepper Ballpark
pastparks =
leaguechamps = 2004
divisionchamps = 2008
misc6 =
owner =
manager = Scott Little
gm =

The Frisco RoughRiders "(short form: 'Riders)" are currently the Class AA affiliate of the Texas Rangers major league baseball club. The team plays in the Texas League, assigned to the South Division. Prior to 2003, the franchise was based in Shreveport, Louisiana, and were known as the Shreveport Captains (and, for the 2002 season, the Shreveport SwampDragons). In 2003, they were purchased by Mandalay Entertainment in connection with Tom Hicks, owner of the Texas Rangers and the company that owns it, Southwest Sports Group. [" [http://www.mandalay.com/newsite2/mse/mse.html About Mandalay Sports Entertaiment.] " Mandalay Entertainment Group. "Accessed 23 June 2006"] Mandalay Baseball moved them to the Dallas suburb of Frisco and changed their name to the RoughRiders.

They currently play at the Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco. Opened on April 3, 2003, the stadium seats 10,600 fans. [" [http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/aaballparks.htm Double A Ballparks] ." 2006. Ballparks of baseball. "Accessed 24 June 2006".] The stadium is both unique and innovative; both bullpens are surrounded by seats and there is a pool area available for rental just beyond the right center field wall.

Origins of team name

"The Rough Riders" was the name bestowed by the American press on the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment during the Spanish-American War, headed by to-be American President Theodore Roosevelt. The team was named after a historical division in order to comply with the tradition of the major league affiliate, the Texas Rangers, who were named after the Texas Ranger Division.

History of team's performance

2003 season

The RoughRiders experienced much success during their inaugural season. The RoughRiders qualified for the playoffs, having the best first-half record of 40-30 in the East Division to clinch a playoff berth [" [http://www.ridersbaseball.com/team/news/index.html?article_id=25 Frisco Drops Final Game of First Half, 2-1] " June 14, 2003. Official Website of the Frisco RoughRiders. "Accessed June 24, 2006"] . They failed to attain the best 2nd half record, forcing a playoff between the RoughRiders and the Wichita Wranglers. The RoughRiders beat the Wranglers three games to none, allowing them to advance to the Texas League Championship Series [" [http://www.ridersbaseball.com/team/news/index.html?article_id=195 Frisco Advances to Texas League Championship Series] ." September 5, 2003. Official Website of the Frisco RoughRiders. "Accessed June 24, 2006".] . However, the RoughRiders were unable to capitalize on their earlier successes, and ultimately lost in the Series to the San Antonio Missions four games to one " [http://texas-league.com/records/team/ Team Records] ." Texas League Official Website. 2005. Texas League. "Accessed 23 June 2006."] .

2004 season

The 2004 season would prove to have even more success than the 2003 one did. The RoughRiders struggled in the first half of the season, not clinching a playoff berth in that first half [" [http://www.ridersbaseball.com/team/news/index.html?article_id=336 Riders Close First Half with 8-7 Win Over Round Rock] "." June 21, 2006. Official Website of the Frisco RoughRiders. "Accessed June 24, 2006."] . However, the RoughRiders came alive in the second half of the season, easily clinching the half well before the season ended [ " [http://www.ridersbaseball.com/team/news/index.html?article_id=426 RoughRiders Roll into the Playoffs] " September 5, 2004. Official Website of the Frisco RoughRiders. "Accessed June 24, 2006."] . Because they did not win the first half, the RoughRiders were forced into a playoff series against the Tulsa Drillers. The RoughRiders easily defeated the team, winning the best-of-five series three games to none [" [http://www.ridersbaseball.com/team/news/index.html?article_id=429 It’s a clean sweep. ‘Riders bash their way into Texas League Championship] "." September 9, 2004. Official Website of the Frisco RoughRiders. "Accessed June 24, 2006."] . The Roughriders proceeded to defeat the Round Rock Express in the Texas League Championship Series four games to one, winning their first-ever championship in their second year of existence .

2006 season

First baseman Nate Gold was selected as the Tom Grieve award winner, which is awarded to the best hitter in the Rangers minor league system.

History of management

General ManagerMike McCall (2003-2006)Scott Sonju (2006-Present)

2008 roster

Notable alumni

These players were once part of the RoughRiders (discarding any rehab assignment) and have then succeeded to have a Major League appearance [" [http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=tex 40-man Roster] ." Texas Rangers Official Website. "Accessed 24 June, 2006."] .

*Joaquin Arias, "IF"
*Jason Botts, "IF"
*Ian Kinsler, "IF"
*Kameron Loe, "SP"
*Drew Meyer, "IF"
*Marshall McDougall, "IF"
*Ramon Nivar, "OF"
*Laynce Nix, "OF"
*Josh Rupe, "SP"
*Edinson Volquez, "SP"
*Chris Young, "SP"
*Mark Teixeira, "1B"
*Chris Davis, "1B"
*John Danks, "SP"

References

External links

* [http://www.ridersbaseball.com/ Frisco RoughRiders official website]
* [http://www.texas-league.com/ Texas League Official website]
* [http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/clubs/ip_index.jsp?sid=milb&cid=t540 Minor League Baseball's official RoughRider's website]
* [http://mandalay.com/ Mandalay Entertainment Group official website]
* [http://www.titans101.com/friscopb.htm Unofficial RoughRider fan page]