Results tagged ‘ Dr Pepper Ballpark ’
Pat Lobb Magic Swing promotion makes ‘Riders fan a winner
With one powerful swing of the bat, Pat Lobb Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Frisco gave away a brand new 2013 Jeep Wrangler to a lucky Frisco RoughRiders fan at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Friday night. Jana Tucker, a Frisco resident, was the lucky winner of the Pat Lobb Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Magic Swing Promotion.
“I heard the crack of the bat and then closed my eyes-I was so freaked out,” Jana said. “My hands started shaking, my knees went out from beneath me. I couldn’t believe it.”
Mark and Jana after the winning magic swing
The promotion awards the contestant with a brand new Jeep Wrangler if the RoughRiders hit a home run on the first swing of the bat during the bottom of the fifth inning. That is exactly what ‘Riders All-Star catcher Tomas Telis did with the first offering from Jorge De Leon in the bottom of the fifth.
“I didn’t think the ball would go over the fence,” said Mark McEachern, a representative from Pat Lobb. “I didn’t see it go over. I just saw the crowd’s reaction. I turned and looked at Jana and she looked at me like, ‘That just happened!”
The Venezuelan backstop, who had clubbed just two home runs in 40 games played this season, launched the first pitch of the inning onto the grass berm over the left-center field fence. The home run gave Frisco a 2-0 lead in an eventual 3-2 extra-innings loss against the Corpus Christi Hooks.
”What a night for that to happen; [Ian] Kinsler [rehabbing] at second, the big Friday night crowd, the post-game fireworks-the atmosphere was just electric,” Mark said.
Steven Nelson, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships with the RoughRiders has been working in sports now for around ten years in the Frisco area and says this is the most exciting thing he’s ever seen.
“When the swing of the bat happened and I saw the ball go off, I thought ‘please have enough to just go over the wall,” said Steven. “I almost felt like I won the Jeep.”
This is only the third game this season that Pat Lobb Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has given a local fan the chance to take home a brand new Jeep Wrangler, and the Frisco RoughRiders hope for more winners to come in the future.
“Thank you to the family and thank you to Pat Lobb. We are really excited for the partnership and look forward to continuing it for years to come,” Nelson said.
Pat Lobb Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Frisco just opened their doors in May, 2013. A part of the Pat Lobb Auto Group, the nearly 60,000 square foot facility is the premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in North Texas.
“It’s been an exciting promotion for Pat Lobb all season long,” said Mark. “We’re excited to have this promotion and to be a part of the Frisco community. We look forward to carrying the relationship forward with Dr Pepper Ballpark and the Frisco RoughRiders.”
Jana Tucker and her family have been to a number of games, and have attended two this season. “Thank you to Pat Lobb and the RoughRiders. We will definitely be going to more ‘Riders games in the future.”
You could be next! Click here for your chance to win!
-Ryan
‘Riders Insider ranked MiLB Pro Top 10 for April
It is with excitement that we at ‘Riders Insider announce that our blog has been ranked in the Top 10 of all Minor League Pro blogs for the month of April.
Each month, MLB.com Blogs ranks the team and fan blogs based on popularity and page views. In previous years, all team blogs were compiled together, both Major League and Minor League. With that system, ‘Riders Insider consistently stayed in the Top 50, remaining near #40 for the past year. Our highest rank in 2012 was at #32 in November (with ten Minor League blogs above ‘Riders Insider).
This year, MLB.com Blogs added the category of MiLB Pro, and during the first month of the 2013 season, ‘Riders Insider earned the #10 spot, sixth among minor league teams.
We would like to congratulate the top MiLB Pro blog of the month of April, Ben’s Biz Blog. Above ‘Riders Insider, ranked at #9, is 45 Miles From Fenway, the blog for the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Redsox). In the 11th spot is Porcupines in Pinstripes, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders blog (Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees).
In keeping up with this blog, we strive to provide quality posts that our readers will enjoy. We don’t always post about baseball; however, we like to provide you with the inside scoop on the Frisco RoughRiders as a team and individual players, the Texas Rangers and events at Dr Pepper Ballpark.
Thank you to our readers for viewing our blog and placing us in the Top 10. We are really excited about this ranking, so please help us maintain and move us up in the rankings. We would love to hear from you about posts you’ve particularly enjoyed, or if you have suggestions on what you’d like us to cover in future posts.
Frisco RoughRider’s April 2013 schedule.
In ‘Riders News:
We would like to wish pitcher Wilmer Font a happy 23rd birthday.
Last night, Carlos Pimentel threw seven innings of one-hit baseball and allowed just three baserunners as the Frisco RoughRiders went on to beat the Springfield Cardinals 1-0, tying the series at one apiece. The RoughRiders conclude their series with the defending Texas League Champion Cardinals tonight at 7:09 at Hammons Field in Springfield, MO.
Frisco continues their road trip tomorrow as they face the Tulsa Drillers for the first time this season.
Baseball term of the day: Whiz chuck: a swiftly pitched ball
-Ryan
A glance back at the last ten years
This time ten years ago, the Frisco RoughRiders Inaugural season was just getting under way. 2012 was the 10th season of ‘Riders baseball, but 2013 marks ten full years in Frisco. As we continue Opening Weekend at Dr Pepper Ballpark, we’d like to take a small look at the past ten years.
Recently, while cleaning a storage area in the press box, we came across an April 1, 2003 Special Edition issue of The Dallas Morning News featuring Opening Day of the Frisco RoughRiders at Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark.
Front page of the April 1, 2003 Dallas Morning News, Frisco RoughRiders Opening Day special edition
Much can change in ten years. This time ten years ago, the US had been at war in Iraq for a little more than a month, occupying the majority of news coverage. In sports, A-Rod was playing his last season with the Rangers, and Don Nelson was still in Dallas as coach of the Mavs.
The Dallas Morning News cover, April 1, 2003
In their ten-year history, the RoughRiders organization and Dr Pepper Ballpark have had a number of changes and improvements added. However, it is neat to take a look at the ballpark and at the team as they were ten years ago. In 2003, Tim Ireland was the manager of the ‘Riders. Since then, others have taken the role, including Darryl Kennedy (’05-’06) Dave Anderson (‘07), Scott Little (‘08), Mike Miccuci (’09) and our current manager, former Rangers’ third baseman Steve Buchele, who made his Frisco debut in 2010.
Dr Pepper /Seven Up Ballpark was renamed Dr Pepper Ballpark on March 31, 2006, and has held the name since. Since 2003, many changes have been made to the ballpark itself with the addition and renovation of the concessions, scoreboard and lighting systems and other aspects. Just prior to the 2013 season, the ballpark underwent a major improvement process on new concessions and playground areas. Since its opening, Dr Pepper Ballpark has earned numerous recognition for its unique design, feel and fan amenities.
The ‘Riders 2003 pocket schedule
There have been 324 players to have played in the ‘Riders uniform, with 97 former RoughRiders making it to the big leagues. Many big-name players have starred in Frisco in these ten years, and the RoughRiders have had many successful season and memorable highlights. We look forward to another ten years of Frisco RoughRiders baseball.
-Ryan
Baseball term of the day: Through the Slot- A pitch that passes directly over home plate.
RoughRiders bring exciting changes to food and beverage at Dr Pepper Ballpark
The ‘Riders home opener is less than a week away, coming next Thursday against the Arkansas Travelers at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The gates will open to all the lovely sights, sounds and smells of baseball: the perfectly manicured infield and outfield grass, players flinging the ball in warm-ups, the bustle and chatter of fans and, of course, the smell of ballpark food.
The RoughRiders poured in over $1 million in concessions this off-season into Dr Pepper Ballpark, upgrading and refreshing food and beverage options for the approximately half-a-million fans expected to pass through the gates this season.
Find out what is in the “Firecracker” hot dog and more at RidersBaseball.com.
- Nathan
Look who’s Riding at the World Baseball Classic
Elvis Andrus, a RoughRider in 2008, will play for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
The provisional rosters for the teams competing in the World Baseball Classic were recently announced and the RoughRiders will be well-represented in the third iteration of this relatively new showcase event. Of course, there may be some players added on or taken off before the tournament starts on March 2, but a quick scan of each squad’s roster reveals 15 players who at one point wore a RoughRiders uniform. Not including big league rehabbers, that number is 11. Here’s the full list of players who once plied their trade at Dr Pepper Ballpark that will soon be seeking baseball’s greatest international achievement:
United States of America
R.A. Dickey throws something other than a knuckleball in this photo of one of his 2004 rehab appearances with Frisco.
RHP R.A. Dickey (rehabbed with the ’Riders in 2004, making four starts)
LHP Derek Holland (made four starts during 2008 season, his last as a minor leaguer)
1B Mark Teixeira (rehabbed in 2004 & 2007 for two total games)
Canada
OF Tim Smith (played 36 games in 2009)
Dominican Republic
OF Nelson Cruz (rehabbed in 2010 & 2011 for six total games)
RHP Pedro Strop (made 36 relief appearances in 2009)
RHP Edinson Volquez (started 10 games in 2005 & 11 games in 2007)
Italy
RHP Jason Grilli (made a one-inning rehab start in 2009)
Mexico
1B Adrian Gonzalez (played 45 games in 2003)
IF/OF Edgar Gonzalez (played 106 games in 2004)
RHP Luis Mendoza (pitched in 27 games – 26 starts – in 2007 & 2008)
The Netherlands
SS Jurickson Profar (played 126 games in 2012)
Spain
OF Engel Beltre (played 302 games between 2009 & 2012)
C Salomon Manriquez (played 71 games in 2007)
Venezuela
SS Elvis Andrus (played 118 games in 2008)
As a bonus entry, LHP Richard Bleier (a RoughRider from 2010 – 2012) pitched for Team Israel in last fall’s WBC qualifying tournament. Israel lost to Spain in the Jupiter, Florida qualifier, failing to gain entry into the main event.
- Alex
Snow Day!
Before this morning’s snow started to melt away, I snapped a few photos of Dr Pepper Ballpark. Enjoy, and remember it’s 79 days until Opening Day! (click on the photos to view in full-size)
- AV
The view from the WinStar Diamond Deck.
Snow-covered seats.
Looking out to RoughRiders Trail.
The view behind home plate.
Checking out the rest of the outfield.
Looking out to right field.
Snow-capped 4Topps.
More snowy seats.
Picnic anyone?
A serene scene.
Left field pole view
Heading up to the press box.
Surprisingly little traffic on our part of the Tollway.
The view from the top of the “Doc”!
The bridge to the ‘box.
Remember kids, no climbing up the slide.
All quiet in the covered batting cage.
Snowy walkways.
In about two and half months these walkways will be filled with fans.
Snowy dunegrass.
Nobody will be “warming up” in the bullpen today! (sorry, had to)
Today, everything is Rocky Mountain cold! (sorry again)
Chilling out by the Smokehouse.
Another shot of the snow-covered field.
Maybe not the best day to take a dip out by the Kroger Pool Zone. (although the waterfall never takes a day off)
Cannonball!
Yeah, the palm tree looks just a bit out of place.
Finally, a panorama of the snow day on January 19, 2013 at Dr Pepper Ballpark.
Dude Perfect at Dr Pepper Ballpark
A few weeks ago, Dude Perfect, a group of guys that plays basketball on the internet, came out to Dr Pepper Ballpark for their next round amazing feats.
Rangers vs. RoughRiders
Spring training provides the chance for players to prepare for the upcoming season. For those in the front office, it’s no different. Events go on year-round at the ballpark including the recent One Direction concert. Preparations for these events take many people working hard behind-the-scenes to make everything appear to be flawless.
The exhibition game between the Frisco RoughRiders and the Texas Rangers was no different and helped to kick off this year’s baseball season and introduced players to the North Texas community.
Fans lined up at the gates hours before first pitch anticipating seeing some of their favorite players. The teams played before a sold-out crowd of over 10,000.
RoughRiders alums Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus smile outside their former clubhouse. Fellow alum Scott Feldman also played during the exhibition game.
A member of the field crew puts the final touches on painting the RoughRiders logo on the field before the game.
Josh Hamilton is interviewed by members of the media before the exhibition game began. He hit an RBI double in the first inning to drive in two runs for the Rangers.
Company B Texas Ranger David Armstrong waits in front of the home dugout with Daisy. He was packing and throwing the heat delivering the ceremonial first pitch.
Ron Washington takes time out to sit in the dugout before the game began.
Mike Olt signs autographs for fans before the game. The 23-year-old Connecticut native was promoted to Frisco after splitting time last season between the Arizona Rangers and the High-A Myrtle Beach.
The Rangers played a series of exhibition games playing against the Round Rock Express, the Diablos Rojos del Mexico and the Frisco RoughRiders. They opened their season with a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.
Dave Anderson and Steve Buechele meet at home plate to exchange rosters and wish the other luck under the gaze of the watchful umpires. This is Buechele’s third season at the helm of the RoughRiders.
The crowd cheered for Bridgette Hammers’ rendition of the national anthem.
Josh Hamilton focuses on the flag while Ron Washington bows his head as the national anthem is sung.
The grass berm provided a great vantage point for families looking to relax on a warm, sunny day.
Left-handed hurler Tim Murphy eyes the plate with his first pitch of the game. Murphy gave up two runs in the first inning after hits by Josh Hamilton and Michael Young.
Yu Darvish, the Japanese phenom, threw four scoreless innings and struck out five RoughRiders in his North Texas debut. In his first MLB start, he led the Rangers to a win over the Seattle Mariners.
One of the two hits Darvish gave up was a single from Val Majewski. Majewski advanced to third on a single by Ryan Strausborger but the rally was cut short after a ground out by Zach Zaneski.
Darvish’s debut attracted over 100 members of the media. More than 20 of them were from his native Japan.
Jake Brigham came in during the fourth inning giving up an RBI triple to Frisco alum Craig Gentry. Gentry was 2 for 3 on the day also singling and scoring during the sixth inning.
David Murphy swings and misses on a pitch to Zach Zaneski. Murphy would account for one of Texas’ six runs after moving to second on a squeeze bunt from Craig Gentry, a wild pitch and a squeeze bunt by Jose Felix.
Young Rangers fans take the time out from the action to take a quick picture.
Chris McGuiness and Mike Napoli watch intently for the possible throw to first. The RoughRiders stranded three base runners over the course of the game.
The vantage point from the Dr Pepper Patio gives fans the perfect opportunity to catch up while watching the game.
Nothing misses catcher Zach Zaneski’s eyes as he points towards second base.
An overthrow at second base allows Charlie Villanueva to slide in safely. The throw was backed up and no runs were allowed to score.
Michael Young waves to the fans with a smile on his face while walking with Elvis Andrus back to the clubhouse. The Rangers won over the Roughriders 6 to 1.
Photos By: Alex Yocum-Beeman & James Garner
Written By: Jarah Wright
Friday at the Ballpark
As you might imagine, the ballpark is pretty quiet on a Friday in early November. The cooler weather has finally found Frisco and it’s starting to “feel” like college football outside.
The ballpark this morning at 9:30 (Aaron's iPhone)
Even though things are a little slower since the end of the World Series, here are some of the things happening here, with the Rangers, and around minor league baseball:
- Last night at 8:00, the Rangers and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced that Texas Rangers’ infielder Michael Young is the winner of the 2011 Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award. The award is presented to the player “whose on-field and off-field performance most inspires others to higher levels of achievement by displaying as much passion to give back to others as he shows between the lines on the baseball diamond.” Young becomes the third player to ever win the award twice (John Smoltz, 2002, 2003; Jim Thome, 2001, 2004).
- The Rangers also announced yesterday a series of improvements to the Ballpark in Arlington totaling $11.5 million. Upgrades for 2012 include a complete renovation of Vandergriff Plaza and much of the office building first floor in centerfield with the construction of a new Batter’s Eye Club, Restaurant/Sports Bar, Kid’s Zone, and concession stands. In addition, the areas that previously contained the bleacher seating will be remodeled and the visitors bullpen will be reconfigured.
The visitors bullpen will move to the bottom of the former bleacher section (left) along the outfield fence. New features will include an indoor restaurant and sports bar on the bottom floor of the suites alongside an indoor Kid's Zone (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)
- The Akron Aeros (Double-A, Indians) of the Eastern League will not be changing their name after all. A contest held by the team and the local newspaper asked fans to choose their favorite possible team name from a list including Aeros, RubberDucks,Vulcans, Tire Jacks and Gum Dippers (are you kidding me!!). The Aeros nickname won in a landslide, garnering 67% of the vote. (ballparkdigest.com)
- If you’re not aware, it’s officially “Movember.” Movember is the month formerly known as November, where men and women across the globe join together to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues. To help achieve this, men grow a Mo (moustache) for 30 days. Since a number of us can’t grow a mustache (mainly me), our graphics designer Alex Yocum-Beeman helped us out (if you can’t recognize me, I’m the top left corner):
PlayBall! Preview
We have been working on a special version of the PlayBall! game program for the playoffs, and you can get a sneak peak at the feature story here. It is a summary of the 2011 season, and it brings back some memories from a tremendous five-month.
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The RoughRiders’ Run to the Playoffs
For the sixth time in franchise history, the RoughRiders are in the Texas League playoffs. Find out how the ‘Riders reached this point in our season rewind.
A Texas League season is a grind, with long trips, steamy temperatures, and few breaks. It is a long journey with peaks and valleys. Here in the RoughRiders’ ninth season, there were enough peaks for Frisco to enjoy playoff baseball for the sixth time.
April was a struggle for second-year skipper Steve Buechele’s club. The ‘Riders finished the month in the South Division’s basement at 8-14. The signature moment of the rough April was quite a notable one, though. Martin Perez, the Rangers’ top prospect, tossed a rain-shortened perfect game at Arkansas April 19.
By May 13, the ‘Riders worked their way back to the .500 mark. Later in the month, Frisco staked its claim to second place with a four-game sweep of Midland at Dr Pepper Ballpark. From this point on, the ‘Riders spent more time in second place than any other team in the Texas League.
The RoughRiders received some temporary help in May. Last year’s American League Most Valuable Player Josh Hamilton hit a home run during his two-day rehab stint in Frisco. Nelson Cruz also graced the middle of the ‘Riders’ order for three games while battling back from an injury. Big name pitchers like Neftali Feliz, Tommy Hunter and Brandon Webb rehabbed in Frisco, too.
Leonys Martin's stateside career began in Frisco, and he is now in Arlington. (James Garner)
Also, outfielder Leonys Martin made his stateside debut with the RoughRiders after the Rangers inked Martin to a $15.5 million dollar contract. Martin hit .348 in 29 games with the ‘Riders before heading to Triple-A Round Rock.
Frisco finished the first half strongly, but a 40-30 mark was not good enough to notch a division championship after San Antonio’s 49-win showing. Individually, Tommy Mendonca was the star of the show in June. Mendonca was the Texas League’s Player of the Month after boasting a .375 batting average and driving in 30 runs.
July was a month for the record books in Frisco. The ‘Riders matched a franchise-high in runs in their 19-4 thumping of Corpus Christi July 22. Mendonca hit three of the RoughRiders’ record-setting eight home runs.
One week later, Joe Wieland became the first RoughRider to single-handedly throw a nine-inning no-hitter at San Antonio. Less than 48 hours after the no-no, the Rangers dealt Wieland and Robbie Erlin to San Diego for big league reliever Mike Adams. As a result, the former Frisco duo joined San Antonio’s loaded rotation.
The 'Riders begin their 2011 playoff journey Wednesday in San Antonio (Alex Yocum-Beeman).
The RoughRiders spent the month of August holding off Midland for a playoff berth. They officially clinched a spot in the season’s final week, a few days after the ‘Riders took three of four from their first round opponent—San Antonio.
Over the course of 140 games, the ‘Riders played well enough to earn a chance to vie for the Texas League’s richest prize. The club has been among the best in the league in most categories this season, and Frisco is well positioned to have a September to remember for the first time since 2004—the franchise’s first and only championship season.
The RoughRiders have won regularly here in 2011, and now only six playoff wins separate the ‘Riders from a title.
- Brian
