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. [1] 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. [2] 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.

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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.

Recent regular season records

Season	GP	W	L	Current Position	GB
2009/ 1st Half	67	32	35	3rd in South	4
2009/ 2nd Half	62	35	27	2nd in South	1

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 ^[3]. 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 ^[4]. 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 ^[5].

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 ^[6]. However, the RoughRiders came alive in the second half of the season, easily clinching the half well before the season ended ^[7]. 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 ^[8]. 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 Manager Mike McCall (2003-2006) Scott Sonju (2006-Present)

2009 roster

Players				Coaching staff
Pitchers 37 Kendy Batista † 19 Brennan Garr 35 Michael Schlact † disabled list ‡ temporary inactive list updated April 27, 2008		Catchers Infielders 20 Thomas Berkery 03 Emerson Frostad Outfielders 24 Steven Murphy		Manager 44 Scott Little Coaches 11 Scott Coolbaugh (hitting) 11 Terry Clark (baseball) (pitching)

Notable alumni

These players were once part of the RoughRiders (discarding any rehab assignment) and have then succeeded to have a Major League appearance ^[9].

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

References

1. "About Mandalay Sports Entertainment." Mandalay Entertainment Group. ''Accessed 23 June 2006''
2. "Double A Ballparks." 2006. Ballparks of baseball. ''Accessed 24 June 2006''.
3. "''Frisco Drops Final Game of First Half, 2-1''" June 14, 2003. Official Website of the Frisco RoughRiders. ''Accessed June 24, 2006''
4. "''Frisco Advances to Texas League Championship Series.''" September 5, 2003. Official Website of the Frisco RoughRiders. ''Accessed June 24, 2006''.
5. "Team Records." Texas League Official Website. 2005. Texas League. ''Accessed 23 June 2006.''
6. "''Riders Close First Half with 8-7 Win Over Round Rock''." June 21, 2006. Official Website of the Frisco RoughRiders. ''Accessed June 24, 2006.''
7. "''RoughRiders Roll into the Playoffs''" September 5, 2004. Official Website of the Frisco RoughRiders. ''Accessed June 24, 2006.''
8. "''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.''
9. "40-man Roster." Texas Rangers Official Website. ''Accessed 24 June, 2006.''