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Midland RockHounds
Team logo Cap insignia
Minor league affiliations
ClassDouble-A (1972–present)
LeagueTexas League (1972–present)
DivisionSouth Division
Major league affiliations
TeamOakland Athletics / Athletics (1999–present)
Previous teamsCalifornia / Anaheim Angels (1985–1998)
Chicago Cubs (1972–1984)
Minor league titles
League titles (7)
  • 1975
  • 2005
  • 2009
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2017
Division titles (11)
  • 1975
  • 1995
  • 2005
  • 2009
  • 2010
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2017
  • 2024
  • 2025
First-half titles (3)
  • 1995
  • 2005
  • 2025
Second-half titles (10)
  • 1979
  • 1982
  • 1991
  • 2005
  • 2006
  • 2010
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2019
  • 2024
Wild card berths (2)
  • 2014
  • 2017
Team data
NameMidland RockHounds (1999–present)
Previous names
Midland Angels (1985–1998)
Midland Cubs (1972–1984)
ColorsNavy blue, orange, silver, white
       
MascotJuice the Moose (1990-present)
Rocky RockHound (1999-present)[1]
Chip the Rock Hammer (2023-Present)
BallparkMomentum Bank Ballpark (2002–present)
Previous parks
Christensen Stadium (1972–2001)
Owner/
Operator
Diamond Baseball Holdings[2]
PresidentMonty Hoppel[3]
General managerShelly Haenggi
ManagerGregorio Petit
Websitemilb.com/midland

The Midland RockHounds are a Minor League Baseball team based in Midland, Texas. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Athletics major league club. The RockHounds play in Momentum Bank Ballpark, which opened in 2002 and seats 4,709 fans. They have won seven Texas League championships: in 1975 (co-champions with the Lafayette Drillers), 2005, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

History

[edit]

The RockHounds were previously known as both the Midland Cubs (1972–1984) and Midland Angels (1985–1998). While Midland has been the Double-A affiliate of the Athletics since 1999, they were affiliated with the Chicago Cubs from 1972 to 1984, and then with the California Angels from 1985 to 1998.[4] The team was renamed "Rockhounds", a nickname for geologists, as a reference to the oil and gas industry of the area.[5]

The RockHounds have received numerous awards throughout their history. The Midland franchise under the Angels won the Texas League Organization of the Year in 1990 and 1994 and as the RockHounds in 2002. In 1995, Midland won Double-A Baseball's highest award, the Bob Frietas Award. General Manager Monty Hoppel has been named Executive of the Year with the franchise three times (1991, 1995, and 2002).[6]

In 1995, Midland reached its first-ever playoff appearance as an affiliate of the Angels and their first playoff appearance overall in 20 years. It also became the first season that Midland accumulated more than 200,000 fans in a season, a feat repeated in 1996. The feat surprised many in Minor League Baseball as the Midland-Odessa area only has just over 200,000 residents total. The RockHounds moved into Momentum Bank Ballpark, part of the Scharbauer Sports Complex on the west side of Midland, in 2002. Since then, the RockHounds have averaged over 250,000 fans every season. Prior to that, their home had been what is now known as Christensen Stadium, in northeast Midland.

The Rockhounds won their first ever Texas League Championship in 2005. They shared the title with the Lafayette Drillers in 1975 as the Cubs. In 2006, they won the second-half championship of the South Division, but they lost to the eventual champion Corpus Christi Hooks in the division playoffs.[7]

In 2007, the RockHounds won the John H. Johnson President's Award, Minor League baseball highest award for a franchise, making them the third Texas League franchise to do so after the El Paso Diablos and the Tulsa Drillers.[8]

In 2009, the RockHounds won their second Texas League pennant, defeating the Northwest Arkansas Naturals three games to one in the Championship Series.[9] In 2010, the RockHounds returned to the Texas League title game, but this time fell to the Naturals.

In 2017, the RockHounds won their fourth straight Texas League title, the first team to do so since the Fort Worth Panthers won six in a row from 1920 to 1925.[10]

In conjunction with Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the RockHounds were organized into the Double-A Central.[11] In 2022, the Double-A Central became known as the Texas League, the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization.[12]

On the radio

[edit]

The Midland Rockhounds have always had a play-by-play broadcast that has been available. KCRS (AM) had been the network to carry roughly 95% of the Rockhounds games since they debuted in 1972. Some afternoon games in 2008 didn't air on the radio due to contracts with Rush Limbaugh and others. For the 2009 season Gap Broadcasting announced the Rockhounds would have a new radio home, KFZX, also known as 102.1 Jack FM. For the 2010 season, the Rockhounds once again moved radio homes to KMRK 96.1 FM.[13] In both cases Bob Hards remained the voice of the Rockhounds, a position he has currently held for 19 consecutive years.[14] In 2013 the Rockhounds moved their games back to KCRS, though weekday day games would be preempted for talk shows that were already scheduled.

Notable players

[edit]

Roster

[edit]
Midland RockHounds roster
Players Coaches/Other

Pitchers

  • 43 Mark Adamiak
  • 27 Corey Avant
  • 45 Diego Barrera
  • 29 Micah Dallas
  • 32 Stevie Emanuels
  • 34 James Gonzalez
  • 16 Colton Johnson
  • 14 Will Johnston
  • 18 Gage Jump
  • 41 Wei-En Lin
  • 27 Mitch Myers
  • 40 Edgar Sanchez
  • 28 Shohei Tomioka

Catchers

  •  1 Davis Diaz
  • 22 Carlos Franco
  • 10 CJ Rodriguez

Infielders

Outfielders

  • 14 Brayan Buelvas
  • 12 Jared Dickey
  •  8 Clark Elliott
  • 13 Nate Nankil

Manager

Coaches

  • 19 Gunnar Buhner (assistant hitting)
  • 25 Juan Dilone (hitting)
  • 33 Javy Guerra (pitching)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Midland RockHounds

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Midland RockHounds are a professional team based in , that competes in the Double-A as the primary affiliate of the . Founded in 1972 as the Midland Cubs, the franchise initially operated as an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs before undergoing several name and affiliation changes, adopting its current moniker in 1999 to reflect the region's rockhounding heritage—a local tradition of collecting colorful rocks and minerals from the Permian Basin. The team plays its home games at Momentum Bank Ballpark, a 4,709-seat opened in 2002 that features grass berm seating and community event spaces. Over its 53-year history, the RockHounds have established themselves as one of the 's most successful franchises, securing seven league championships in 1975, 2005, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, including a remarkable streak of four consecutive titles from 2014 to 2017. The team has reached the multiple times in recent years, clinching the South Division title in both 2024 and 2025 before advancing to the Texas League Championship Series each season; in 2025, they finished the regular season with a 66-72 record but fell to the 2-1 in the finals, earning runners-up honors for the second straight year. Known for developing talent en route to Major League Baseball, the RockHounds' notable alumni include All-Stars such as catcher , first baseman , catcher Sean Murphy, and pitcher , as well as Hall of Famer and former Athletics closer . The organization emphasizes family-friendly entertainment, community engagement, and promoting the oil-rich Permian Basin's culture through promotions and events at their .

Franchise History

Founding and Early Years

The Midland RockHounds franchise traces its origins to 1972, when the Chicago Cubs relocated their Double-A affiliate from to , establishing the team as the Midland Cubs. The franchise played its first game on April 14, 1972, defeating the Brewers 5-2, and operated out of the newly renamed Cubs Stadium, a renovated venue at Christensen Stadium, which had opened in 1952. This marked the return of professional baseball to after a 13-year absence since the end of the Class C Longhorn League team in 1959, reflecting the city's growing oil-driven economy and enthusiasm for the sport in the Permian Basin. Early seasons were marked by competitive play and memorable incidents, including a bizarre postponement on August 7, 1972, when a massive swarm of grasshoppers invaded Cubs Stadium during a doubleheader against the Amarillo Giants, forcing the games to be called due to the infestation covering the field. The team achieved its first significant success in 1975, posting an 81-53 record to win the regular-season pennant under manager Doc Edwards. In the playoffs, the Cubs defeated the Shreveport Captains but shared the league championship with the Lafayette Drillers after heavy rain canceled a decisive Game 5, with president declaring both teams co-champions. Notable players from this era included future MLB stars like , Lee Smith, and , who honed their skills in Midland's arid climate and modest 5,000-seat stadium. The franchise underwent a major transition in 1985 when the Chicago Cubs ended their affiliation, and the California Angels assumed control, renaming the team the Midland Angels to align with their parent club's branding. The Angels debuted on April 9, 1985, with a narrow 6-5 loss to the at the rebranded Angels Stadium, continuing operations in the same facility with minor upgrades. Under managers such as , the early Angels years emphasized player development, producing talents such as Devon White, , and , though the team struggled for consistent success, recording only two winning seasons in the first decade (1987 and 1989). Attendance began to climb in the late 1980s, reaching 137,910 in 1987, buoyed by the region's economic boom and community support, setting the stage for further growth in the .

Rebranding and Modern Era

In 1999, the Midland franchise underwent a significant when it ended its affiliation with the Anaheim Angels and became the Double-A affiliate of the , adopting the name Midland RockHounds to reflect the region's oil and gas heritage, where "rockhound" is a term for geologists hunting for valuable minerals in the Permian Basin. The new identity moved away from generic affiliate names like the previous Midland Angels, fostering a stronger local connection and boosting fan engagement through merchandise that consistently ranked in the top 25 among teams. The modern era has been marked by on-field success, including Texas League championships in 2005, 2009, and four consecutive titles from 2014 to 2017, the latter achieved with a 1-0 victory over the in the 2017 finals. The team posted a strong record in 2015 at 83-57, and in recent years, it clinched South Division titles in (84-54 record) and 2025 (66-72 record), advancing to the league championship series both times before falling to the 2-1 in the 2025 finals. Notable include MLB All-Stars such as Jonah (Texas Rangers), Sean Murphy (), first baseman Matt (), and pitcher Sonny (St. Louis Cardinals), who developed in Midland before reaching the majors. In 2022, the RockHounds refreshed their primary logos for the first time in over two decades, introducing a modernized hound dog mascot with a and rock , alongside a simplified color palette of blue, orange, gray, and white to enhance marketability while honoring and oil industry motifs. The affiliation with the has remained stable since 1999, positioning Midland as the westernmost Double-A team in the . In 2024, the team debuted a new Copa de la Diversión identity as the Midland Amigos to celebrate communities, featuring vibrant designs worn on select dates to promote cultural inclusivity.

Ballpark and Facilities

Momentum Bank Ballpark

Momentum Bank Ballpark, located in , serves as the home stadium for the Midland RockHounds, the Double-A affiliate of the . Opened on April 4, 2002, as First American Bank Ballpark, it replaced the team's previous venue, Christensen Stadium, and is part of the larger Scharbauer Sports Complex. The ballpark was constructed to provide a modern facility celebrating culture and is the only stadium within a 250-mile radius of Midland. The stadium has undergone several name changes reflecting corporate sponsorships. In 2005, following Citibank's acquisition of First American Bank, it became Ballpark. It was renamed Security Bank Ballpark in 2014 before adopting its current name, Momentum Bank Ballpark, in 2020 after American Momentum Bank completed its acquisition of Security Bank in February 2020 (announced November 2019). The venue has a of 4,709 fixed seats, with an additional grass area bringing the total to 6,669 spectators. It features a 360-degree for full views of the field, private picnic areas in left and right fields, an H-E-B and along the center-field , a in the right-field corner, shaded pavilion seating, and an indoor on the first-base side. The ProPetro Diamond Club offers premium rental space, and a large videoboard enhances the fan experience. Beyond RockHounds games, the hosts a variety of events, including contests for and the , as well as high school tournaments such as the Tournament of Champions and Classic. It is also available for rent for corporate events, parties, meetings, and community gatherings. The facility drew 229,056 fans during the 2025 season, contributing to the team's success, including championships in 2005, 2009, and 2014–2017.

Training and Community Facilities

The Midland RockHounds conduct their training and practices primarily within the Scharbauer Sports Complex, a 94-acre multi-sport facility in Midland, Texas, that serves as the team's operational hub. The complex includes the Ford and Diamondback Energy Auxiliary Fields, consisting of four fully turfed, lined, and lighted multipurpose fields (designated Blue, White, Red, and Yellow) that support baseball practices, drills, and intrasquad scrimmages for the RockHounds. These fields, equipped for various sports, enable the team to maintain rigorous daily training regimens during the season, accommodating batting practice, fielding sessions, and conditioning workouts away from the main ballpark to minimize disruptions to game-day preparations. Plans for two additional auxiliary fields are in development, with the city council approving design and professional services in June 2024. Community facilities at the Scharbauer Sports Complex emphasize family-friendly and inclusive amenities integrated into Momentum Bank Ballpark, the RockHounds' home stadium. These include an Splashpad for cooling off during hot summers, a dedicated area, a , and shaded picnic pavilions with tables, all designed to enhance visitor experiences beyond games. The Pavilion and ProPetro Diamond Club provide versatile spaces for community events, rentals, and gatherings, fostering social connections in the Permian Basin region. The itself hosts non-RockHounds events such as and games, high school tournaments, and youth sports championships, positioning the complex as a central venue for regional athletic and recreational activities. The RockHounds leverage these facilities for community engagement programs that promote baseball and youth development. Annual baseball camps and clinics, instructed by team coaches and players, are held at Momentum Bank Ballpark, offering hands-on training for children ages 6-12 to build skills and enthusiasm for the sport. The team's Scoring in Schools initiative delivers 45-minute educational sessions to local students, featuring RockHounds representatives who teach baseball fundamentals and life lessons, reaching schools across the Permian Basin to inspire academic and athletic growth. Through these efforts, the facilities not only support team operations but also strengthen ties with the community by providing accessible resources for recreation and education.

Affiliations and League Participation

Major League Affiliations

The Midland RockHounds franchise, based in , has maintained affiliations with three teams since its inception in the in 1972. Initially operating as the Midland Cubs, the team served as the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs from 1972 to 1984, during which it established a presence in the Permian Basin region and contributed to the development of several players who advanced to the majors. In 1985, the franchise shifted its affiliation to the California Angels (later known as the Anaheim Angels), adopting the Midland Angels moniker until 1998. This 14-year partnership emphasized player development in a hitter-friendly environment at Christensen Stadium, yielding consistent attendance and producing talents who reached the major leagues, though the team experienced varied on-field success with only sporadic playoff appearances. Since 1999, the RockHounds have been the Double-A affiliate of the , marking the longest continuous relationship in the franchise's history and entering its 27th season as of 2025. This affiliation has coincided with a period of sustained competitiveness, including multiple championships and a focus on analytics-driven player evaluation aligned with the Athletics' organizational philosophy. The partnership was extended through and continues under the current player development contract structure.
YearsMLB Parent ClubTeam Name
1972–1984Chicago CubsMidland Cubs
1985–1998California/Anaheim AngelsMidland Angels
1999–presentMidland RockHounds

Texas League Involvement

The Midland RockHounds franchise joined the in 1972 as the Midland Cubs, becoming a charter member of the Double-A circuit and establishing a continuous presence in the league ever since, with a brief interruption in 2021 when the was reclassified as the Double-A Central due to reorganization. The team, now competing in the South Division, has played home games at Momentum Bank Ballpark (formerly Security Bank Ballpark) and has been affiliated primarily with the since 1999, following earlier partnerships with the Chicago Cubs and California Angels. Over more than five decades, the RockHounds have contributed to the 's reputation as a competitive developmental hub for talent, drawing consistent fan support in the Permian Basin region and participating in annual 140-game schedules split between two halves, with playoffs determining division winners. The RockHounds' involvement in the has been marked by sustained competitiveness and multiple postseason appearances, including 9 playoff berths in the 19 seasons from 2005 to 2023, with additional appearances in 2024 and 2025 as of November 2025. Their success includes a franchise-record seven league championships (detailed in the Achievements and Records section). In recent years, the RockHounds have remained playoff contenders, reaching the championship series as runners-up three times: in 2010 (losing 3–1 to the ), 2024 (falling 2–1 to the ), and 2025 (defeated 2–1 by the after clinching the South Division first-half title). These appearances underscore the team's ongoing role in elevating the Texas League's profile through intense rivalries, particularly with North Division foes like the Naturals and Drillers, while fostering player development for their major league affiliate.

Broadcasting

Radio Coverage

The Midland RockHounds' games are broadcast locally on KCRS 550 AM, a news-talk station serving the Permian Basin region of . The station also simulcasts games via FM translators at 95.5 FM in Midland and 97.5 FM in to improve accessibility for listeners in the broader metro area. Bob Hards has served as the team's lead play-by-play radio announcer since joining the organization in 1992, marking over three decades as the "Voice of the RockHounds." In addition to his broadcasting duties, Hards holds the role of Director of Broadcasting & Publications. Broadcasts typically include pregame and postgame shows, covering all 138 regular-season games. For fans outside the local broadcast range, RockHounds games are available for free streaming through MiLB's Gameday Audio service, which activates during live games on the official Minor League Baseball website. Audio streams are also accessible via the TuneIn app and website, providing on-demand and live options for mobile and desktop listeners.

Other Media

The Midland RockHounds' games are available for live streaming through Bally Sports Live, a free service that covers nearly 9,000 Minor League Baseball games each season, including all home and away contests for Double-A affiliates like the RockHounds. This platform allows viewers to watch via mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, web browsers, and connected devices such as Roku and Apple TV, with features like real-time stats, multiview for up to four games, and fan chat rooms. No subscription or cable provider is required, making it accessible to fans nationwide. Video content, including game highlights, player interviews, and promotional features, is hosted on the team's official MiLB video page and YouTube channel. The YouTube channel, launched as the official outlet for the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, provides on-demand clips such as home runs, recaps, and behind-the-scenes footage to engage fans beyond live action. The RockHounds maintain an active presence across platforms to share updates, photos, and interactive content. Official accounts include (@RockHounds) for real-time game announcements and news; Instagram (@midlandrockhounds) for visual highlights and fan stories; (facebook.com/midland.rockhounds) for community events and live streams; (@midlandrockhounds) for short-form videos; and for professional team insights. These channels collectively reach thousands of followers, fostering engagement in West Texas and beyond. Local television coverage is provided occasionally by NewsWest 9 (KWES-TV), a station in Midland-Odessa, through special segments like pre-game shows, live broadcasts, and playoff recaps rather than full game telecasts. For instance, in 2025, NewsWest 9 aired a live show from Momentum Bank Ballpark and post-game analyses during the playoffs.

Players and Staff

Notable Alumni

The Midland RockHounds have produced numerous players who advanced to , contributing to the team's reputation as a key developmental affiliate, particularly during its long association with the from 1999 to present. Notable alumni include winners, MVP recipients, and multiple All-Stars, many of whom honed their skills in Midland before achieving stardom. , a Hall of Fame , played for the Midland Cubs (the franchise's predecessor) in 1974 and 1975, posting a 1.38 in 1974 and helping lead the team to the 1975 championship. He made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1976, won the NL in 1979, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. , a left-handed pitcher, played briefly for the RockHounds in 1999, posting a 2-1 record with a 4.91 in four starts before his promotion. He went on to win the in 2002 with the and secured three titles with the San Francisco Giants in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Josh Donaldson, an infielder, spent the entire 2009 season with Midland, batting .270 with 9 home runs and 91 RBIs while transitioning from to third base. He earned the Award in 2015 and was a three-time , later playing for teams including the Toronto Blue Jays and . Matt Olson, a and , played for the RockHounds in 2015, helping lead the team to a championship with a .264 average, 15 home runs, and 53 RBIs. Olson has since become a two-time (2021, 2023) with the , leading the National League with 54 home runs in 2023 and winning a Gold Glove in 2021. Sean Murphy, a catcher, appeared in parts of 2017 and 2018 for Midland, contributing to the 2017 title with a .256 average and 10 home runs across the season. He made the National League All-Star team in 2023 with the , where he hit 21 home runs that year, and has also played for the . Jonah Heim, another catcher, played for the RockHounds in portions of 2018 and 2019, batting .244 with 7 home runs in 2019. Heim earned his first All-Star selection in 2023 as the starting catcher for the Texas Rangers, hitting .282 with 13 home runs that season, and helped the Rangers win the . Sonny Gray, a right-handed , spent 2011 and 2012 with Midland, compiling a 12-8 record and 3.59 ERA over 29 starts in 2012 alone. Gray was selected as an in 2023 with the , posting a 2.89 ERA, and has also pitched for the , New York Yankees, and . Nelson Cruz, an outfielder and designated hitter, played 67 games for the RockHounds in 2004, slashing .313/.377/.557 with 14 home runs. Cruz became an eight-time across his 19-year MLB career, retiring in 2023 with 464 home runs, ninth-most all-time, and stints with teams including the Texas Rangers and . , a , appeared in 48 games for Midland in 2004, recording a 1.09 ERA and 24 saves. He earned honors in 2005 and 2008 with the , finishing his career with 324 saves across seven MLB seasons. , a left-handed reliever, pitched for the RockHounds in 2012 after converting from first base, where he went 1-3 with a 2.89 ERA and 14 saves. Doolittle made the National League team in 2014 with the Athletics and later pitched for the , contributing to their win. Kurt Suzuki, a catcher, played 74 games for Midland in 2006, hitting .309 with 2 home runs. He was an All-Star in 2014 with the Minnesota Twins and played 16 MLB seasons, including a return to the Athletics in 2022.

Current Roster and Coaching Staff

The 2025 coaching staff for the Midland RockHounds features a mix of returning and new members, emphasizing continuity following the team's successful 2024 campaign, which included an 84-54 record and a berth in the Texas League Championship Series. Manager Gregorio Petit returns for his second season with the club, having previously managed the Oakland Athletics' High-A affiliate in Stockton in 2023. Hitting coach Juan Dilone also returns, alongside athletic trainer Eric Fasth and sport performance coach Jake Kistaitis. New additions to the field staff include pitching coach Javy Guerra, assistant hitting coach Gunnar Buhner, and athletic trainer Rachel Purcell. As of the conclusion of the 2025 season, the RockHounds' roster consisted of 28 active players, none of whom were on the ' 40-man roster. The team featured a balanced group across positions, with a focus on developing young prospects from the Athletics' system. Below is a breakdown by position:

Pitchers

No.PlayerB/THTWTDOB
43Mark AdamiakR/R6'4"23012/15/2000
27Corey AvantR/R6'4"21511/06/2001
17Diego BarreraL/L6'0"16505/05/2000
29Micah DallasR/R6'2"21504/14/2000
32Stevie EmanuelsR/R6'5"23001/30/1999
40James GonzalezL/L6'2"25509/15/2000
16Colton JohnsonL/L6'4"22007/28/1998
14Will JohnstonL/L6'3"22512/12/2000
18Gage JumpL/L6'0"20004/12/2003
41Wei-En LinL/L6'2"17911/04/2005
-Mitch MyersR/R6'2"21201/08/1999
26Braden NettR/R6'3"18506/18/2002
-Edgar SanchezR/R6'1"22508/02/2000
28Shohei TomiokaR/R6'0"19702/29/1996
49Chen Zhong-Ao ZhuangR/R6'1"19808/25/2000

Catchers

No.PlayerB/THTWTDOB
1Cole ConnS/R6'0"18507/11/2001
22Carlos FrancoR/R5'10"15002/17/2003
10CJ RodriguezR/R5'7"19007/07/2000

Infielders

No.PlayerB/THTWTDOB
7Leo De VriesS/R6'1"18310/11/2006
6Joshua Kuroda-GrauerR/R6'0"20501/31/2003
9Brennan MiloneR/R6'0"19805/06/2001
-German OrtizS/R6'2"19508/02/2004
23Tommy WhiteR/R6'1"22003/02/2003
11Casey YamauchiR/R5'9"15508/08/2000

Outfielders

No.PlayerB/THTWTDOB
2Brayan BuelvasR/R5'10"15506/08/2002
12L/R6'0"20503/01/2002
8Clark ElliottL/R5'10"18209/29/2000
13Nate NankilR/R6'2"21010/16/2002
Notable players on the 2025 roster included Tommy White, a third-round draft pick in 2023 known for his power hitting, and , a 2021 draftee who progressed through the ' system. The roster reflected the team's role as the Double-A affiliate, prioritizing player development with an average player age under 24.

Achievements and Records

Championships and Playoffs

The Midland RockHounds franchise has a storied history in the , with seven championships to its credit, including one shared title from its early days as the Midland Cubs. The team's most dominant era came between and 2017, when it achieved a rare four-peat, winning consecutive league titles—an accomplishment that remains the last of its kind among affiliated teams. These successes were bolstered by strong affiliations with the , emphasizing player development and competitive rosters. The franchise's first championship arrived in 1975, when the Midland Cubs won the West Division and faced the East Division champion Lafayette Drillers in the best-of-five championship series. The teams split the first four games 2–2 before rain prevented the decisive fifth game, resulting in a shared title. After rebranding to the RockHounds in 1999, the team secured its first outright title in 2005, defeating the in the championship series. This was followed by another victory in 2009 against the . The 2014–2017 run began with a sweep of the in the finals, continuing through triumphs over the in 2015 and 2016, and culminating in a hard-fought three-game series win over the same opponent in 2017 after dropping the first two games.
YearOpponentResultNotes
1975Lafayette DrillersShared (2–2 tie)As Midland Cubs; rainout prevented Game 5 of championship series
2005Won seriesFirst outright RockHounds title
2009Won 3–1
2014Won seriesStart of four-peat
2015Won series
2016Won series
2017Won 3–2Overcame 0–2 deficit
Beyond championships, the RockHounds have made 14 playoff appearances since 1999, showcasing consistent postseason contention in the competitive Double-A landscape. Early runs included first-round exits in 1999 (to Wichita Wranglers), 2002 (to ), and 2004 (to ), followed by a division title and championship in 2005. The team returned to the playoffs in 2006, losing to the , and in 2008, falling to the . In 2010, Midland advanced to the league finals but was defeated by the . The 2014–2017 championships all stemmed from playoff berths, with the 2017 wild-card entry highlighting the team's resilience. Post-four-peat, appearances in 2019 (lost to in first round) and a resurgent period in 2024–2025 saw the RockHounds reach consecutive championship series. In 2024, they won the South Division with a franchise-record 84 victories before losing to the in the finals. The 2025 campaign ended with a first-half South Division title and a sweep of the in the semifinals, only to fall to the 2–1 in the championship despite an overall 66–72 regular-season mark. These recent deep runs underscore the franchise's ongoing pursuit of titles amid roster turnover and realignments.

Team Records and Milestones

The Midland RockHounds have secured seven championships, beginning with a co-championship in 1975 alongside the Lafayette Drillers, followed by outright titles in 2005, 2009, and four consecutive victories from 2014 to 2017—a streak that stands as the longest run of consecutive league championships in history. During this four-year dynasty under managers Aaron Nieckula (2014), (2015–2016), and Fran Riordan (2017), the team advanced to the each season despite varying regular-season finishes, culminating in the 2017 title despite a sub-.500 record of 67–71. More recently, the RockHounds captured the South Division title in 2024 with an 84–54 mark before falling in the league finals, and reached the 2025 championship series as runners-up with a 66–72 overall record. In terms of regular-season performance, the 2024 campaign established the franchise record for most wins with 84, surpassing the previous high of 83 set in 2015. The worst single-season mark came in 2013 at 62–78, while the team has compiled an overall record of 3,587–3,541 over more than 7,100 games since 1972, with marked improvement after affiliating with the in 1999—yielding nine winning seasons in the first 12 years compared to just six in the prior 27 seasons under Cubs and Angels affiliations. Attendance milestones highlight the team's growing popularity at Momentum Bank Ballpark. The single-season record of 317,233 fans was set in 2013, ranking among the top in Double-A that year and reflecting sustained community support. Earlier benchmarks include surpassing 300,000 attendees for the first time in 2011 with 301,530, breaking the prior franchise high of 292,563 from 2010.

References

  1. https://www.milb.com/midland/news/rockhounds-release-2025-schedule
  2. https://www.firstalert7.com/2022/04/13/rockhounds-50-look-back-five-decades-pro-baseball-permian-basin/
  3. https://www.milb.com/midland/ballpark
  4. https://www.mlb.com/royals/news/featured/explore-momentum-bank-ballpark-home-of-the-midland-rockhounds
  5. https://www.firstalert7.com/2025/09/25/midland-rockhounds-end-2025-season-texas-league-runners-up/
  6. https://www.milb.com/news/mlb-all-stars-rockhounds-alums
  7. https://www.midlandtexas.gov/1100/Momentum-Bank-Ballpark
  8. https://funwhileitlasted.net/2019/04/27/1972-1984-midland-cubs/
  9. https://www.mlb.com/cut4/baseball-history-minor-league-game-postponed-by-grasshoppers-c246372108
  10. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Midland_Cubs
  11. https://funwhileitlasted.net/2022/04/24/midland-angels/
  12. https://www.milb.com/midland/fans/attendance
  13. https://news.sportslogos.net/2014/07/05/rock-of-ages-the-story-behind-the-midland-rockhounds/baseball/
  14. https://www.milb.com/midland/team/yearly-records
  15. https://www.milb.com/news/hounds-claim-fourth-consecutive-texas-league-title-254871282
  16. https://www.milb.com/midland/news/mlb-all-stars-rockhounds-alums
  17. https://www.milb.com/midland/news/midland-rockhounds-unveil-new-logos-for-2022
  18. https://www.milb.com/news/rockhounds-unveil-brand-new-copa-de-la-diversion-identity
  19. https://www.baseballpilgrimages.com/minors/midlandtx.html
  20. https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/explore-momentum-bank-ballpark-home-of-the-midland-rockhounds
  21. https://www.newswest9.com/article/sports/security-bank-becomes-momentum-bank-ballpark/513-bb3cd25b-8c00-4f5a-a6bd-8efb25a08261
  22. https://www.dob.texas.gov/entity-search/entity-detail?bid=328&eid=1&bn=0
  23. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/stats_mlb/2025~14068/
  24. https://www.midlandtexas.gov/1097/Scharbauer-Sports-Complex
  25. https://www.midlandtexas.gov/1101/Auxiliary-Fields
  26. https://www.yourbasin.com/news/midland-city-council-approves-new-fields-at-scharbauer-sports-complex/
  27. https://www.milb.com/midland/community
  28. https://www.milb.com/midland/community/scoring-in-schools
  29. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Midland_RockHounds
  30. https://www.milb.com/midland/fans/affiliation
  31. https://www.mlb.com/news/as-extend-player-development-contract-with-double-a-midland/c-94378744
  32. https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/featured/explore-momentum-bank-ballpark-home-of-the-midland-rockhounds
  33. https://www.mlb.com/milb/standings/texas-league
  34. https://www.mlb.com/milb/history/champions-by-league
  35. https://www.milb.com/midland/press-release/the-rockhounds-are-back-in-the-texas-league-playoffs
  36. https://www.athleticsnation.com/2017/9/18/16324712/double-a-midland-rockhounds-win-fourth-straight-texas-league-championship
  37. https://permianproud.com/community/midland-rockhounds-clinch-back-to-back-south-division-titles/
  38. https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/fyd7t62htrnxlxyzqram.pdf
  39. https://milb.bamcontent.com/documents/6/1/6/294610616/SS_RH_19_Radio_Print.pdf
  40. https://www.milb.com/midland/team/front-office
  41. https://www.milb.com/news/rockhounds-release-2025-schedule
  42. https://www.milb.com/live-stream-games/audio
  43. https://tunein.com/radio/Stream-Midland-RockHounds-g2970/
  44. https://www.milb.com/midland/fans/how-to-watch
  45. https://www.milb.com/midland/video
  46. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsGcOMpr93ISYg2-WdrVseg
  47. https://www.milb.com/midland
  48. https://www.newswest9.com/video/news/live_stream/midland-rockhounds-2025-opening-day-live-show/513-b147e3e0-be43-4830-ac14-5ccb27899bb3
  49. https://www.newswest9.com/article/sports/baseball/midland-rockhounds/midland-rockhounds-win-game-1-amarillo-sod-poodles-texas-league-south-division-series/513-ac70a5e0-5374-435f-8a08-94cfed71deff
  50. https://www.mrt.com/news/article/midland-rockhounds-stars-19383694.php
  51. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bruce-sutter/
  52. https://www.milb.com/player/josh-donaldson-518626
  53. https://www.mrt.com/sports/article/Six-All-Stars-lead-long-list-of-former-RockHounds-7413038.php
  54. https://www.milb.com/midland/team/hall-of-fame
  55. https://www.mrt.com/sports/rockhounds/article/gregorio-petit-returning-midland-rockhounds-20151977.php
  56. https://midlandtimes.com/stories/669797792-familiar-faces-return-to-rockhounds-staff-for-the-2025-season
  57. https://athleticsfarm.com/2025/02/05/as-2025-minor-league-staff/
  58. https://www.milb.com/midland/roster
  59. https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-94917670
  60. https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/rockhounds-are-back-in-the-texas-league-playoffs/n-6144829
  61. https://www.newswest9.com/article/sports/baseball/midland-rockhounds/midland-rockhounds-sweep-amarillo-sod-poodles-texas-league-championship-series/513-4dfe50e2-e811-469e-b3e7-d9acb2d839a2
  62. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/t-mr13007
  63. https://ballparkdigest.com/201309066611/minor-league-baseball/news/rockhounds-set-another-attendance-record
  64. https://www.milb.com/midland/news/gcs-23616196
  65. https://ballparkdigest.com/201108294139/minor-league-baseball/news/rockhounds-hit-attendance-mark
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