Round Rock Express Game Program; Volume 3, Edition 2

VOLUME 3 | EDITION 2

KYLE TUCKER YORDAN ALVAREZ

THE

FUTURE

FORREST WHITLEY

PAG E 4 0

Navigate the Tracks 4

WELCOME LETTER

10

UPCOMING EVENTS & PROMOTIONS

14

From the President and General Manager

Check out what's going on at Dell Diamond

EXPRESS IN THE COMMUNITY Upcoming drives and awareness nights

20 UPCOMING OPPONENTS See who's coming to Dell Diamond

25 33

ROSTER Your 2019 Round Rock Express

COACHES Leading the squad

50 HOUSTON ASTROS AFFILIATES Get to know our new affiliates

58 SCORECARD

Learn how to score the game

40

“[April] was the best stretch I’ve ever had professionally and I think it’s because of the power that I’ve gained,” Alvarez said. “This is the best power stretch I’ve ever had in my career.”

Featured Articles 40

THE FUTURE Round Rock's Top Prospects

46

FROM CLUB BASEBALL TO A TRIPLE-A CLUB Tanner Duncan’s Incredible Path to the Pros

63 67 71

BALLPARK FOOD HIGHLIGHT Check out the new Bullpen Bar

EXPRESS BRAND STORY Explanation behind our new brand

20-YEAR SEASON MEMBERS Thank you for your support

74 79

50/50 RAFFLE Find out how you could be the next winner

STADIUM MAP Fun features around Dell Diamond

54 A RIVALRY RENEWED Express vs. Missions

Round Rock Express

3

LETTER FROM THE

President and General Manager

Welcome to the 20th season of Round Rock Express baseball! We are so thrilled that you are joining us at Dell Diamond during our historic 2019 campaign. We sincerely thank you for your support of our club. As we enter a new era of Express baseball, we couldn’t be more excited about several changes at the ballpark.

First and foremost, as you’ve seen by now, our organization reaffiliated to become the new Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros this past offseason. We are thrilled to have rejoined the team’s original major league club as your Express served as the Double-A affiliate for the Astros from the team’s inception in 2000 until joining the ranks of Triple-A in 2005, where Round Rock was Houston’s Triple-A affiliate until 2010. As we’ve seen first-hand, Houston has built a tremendous farm system full of many top prospects that are playing right here at Dell Diamond.

Perhaps most impressively, Express OF Yordan Alvarez put together one of the most impressive months in Round Rock franchise history. Through the end of April, Alvarez led all of Minor League Baseball in almost every offensive category, including home runs and RBI. It has been incredibly exciting to watch the future of baseball right here in our own backyard.

You’ll also notice a variety of facility improvements throughout the ballpark. Most notably, thanks to our partnership with the City of Round Rock, we replaced each of the over 8,600 fixed seats in the stadium with brand new, wider, slat back seats, some of which are even padded.

Additionally, we rebuilt the ticket windows at the Home

Plate Gate to help alleviate some of the bottlenecks that occurred, allowing easier access into Dell Diamond.

We are incredibly excited to welcome Home Run Dugout to the Round Rock Express family! This offseason, the Express partnered with the local startup company to build the first-ever standalone Home Run Dugout facility right here in Round Rock. We encourage you to stop by and visit the new-age batting cage. We like to think of the Home Run Dugout experience as the TopGolf of baseball.

Adjacent to Home Run Dugout is our brand new Bullpen Bar by Dripping Springs Vodka. We enhanced the former Fireball Grill to become a new state-of-the-art location to enjoy Express baseball.

Last but not least, we’ve upgraded our FunZone to include a custom train playscape similar to the one the Express and Nolan Ryan Foundation donated to the Play for All Abilities Park in Round Rock.

As we continue our momentous season, we sincerely hope that your time at the ballpark is as enjoyable as possible. If there is ever anything that either of us or any member of our staff can do to enhance your experience at Dell Diamond, please let us know.

Chris Almendarez PRESIDENT

Tim Jackson

GENERAL M ANAGER

This publication is the exclusive gameday program of the Round Rock Express. It is our sincere hope that this publication enhances your experience at Dell Diamond for Express games during the 2019 season. If you have questions or comments, or if you would like to advertise in a future edition, please contact us at (512) 255-2255.

4

Round Rock Express

More locations, less wait time. That’s the best kind of emergency care.

At St. David’s our goal is simple. To be the best. Which means delivering care based on your needs.

Your life is our passion. And that passion drives our purpose. Because you deserve the best.

Emergency Care The Best Is Here. stdavidsERnetwork.com

OWNERSHIP GROUP OF THE

GAME PROGRAM Andrew Felts, Laura Fragoso, Taylor Shipp ADVERTISING COOR D I N ATOR Zach Pustka | GR A P H I C D E S I G N Julia Price, Andrew Felts LAYO UT Julia Price, Andrew Felts | PH OTO G R A P H Y Julia Price P R I N T I N G Community Impact Printing, Pflugerville, TX EDITOR

Julia Price

|

ED I TOR I A L ASSI STA N CE

RYAN SANDERS BASEBALL, LP

MARKETING

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: J.J. Gottsch EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO NOLAN RYAN: Sherry Clawson ASSISTANT TO NOLAN RYAN: Shawn Bennett EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Debbie Bowman ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Jacqueline Bowman

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING: Laura Fragoso DIRECTOR, BALLPARK ENTERTAINMENT: Steve Richards DIRECTOR, BROADCASTING: Mike Capps DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY RELATIONS: Elisa Fogle DIRECTOR, RETAIL: Joe Belger MANAGER, PR & COMMUNICATIONS: Andrew Felts MANAGER, DEVELOPMENT & PROGRAMING, NOLAN RYAN FOUNDATION : Peyton Chapman SPECIALIST, BRAND MARKETING: Julia Price SPECIALIST, DIGITAL CONTENT: Taylor Shipp COORDINATOR, PROMOTIONAL EVENTS: Casey Wright ASSISTANT, GRAPHIC DESIGN: Karlie Dyer ASSISTANT, COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Cody Thompson ASSISTANT, DIGITAL MARKETING: Hannah Ulm ASSISTANT, COMMUNICATIONS: Stevie Golding ASSISTANT MANAGER, RAILYARD TEAM STORE: Lisa Martinez PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCER: Glen Norman

ADMINISTRATION

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Reese Ryan PRESIDENT: Chris Almendarez GENERAL MANAGER: Tim Jackson EXECUTIVE ADVISOR TO PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER: Dave Fendrick VICE PRESIDENT, ADMIN & ACCOUNTING: Debbie Coughlin OFFICE MANAGER: Wendy Abrahamsen ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT: Sandy Tucker CORPORATE SALES

VICE PRESIDENT, SALES: Henry Green MANAGER, CLIENT SERVICES: Zach Pustka

VICE PRESIDENT, TICKET SALES: Gary Franke SENIOR DIRECTOR, TICKET OPERATIONS: Ross Scott SENIOR DIRECTOR, UNITED HERITAGE CENTER: Scott Allen DIRECTOR, TICKET SALES: Stuart Scally COORDINATOR, SEASON MEMBERSHIP & SUITE SERVICES: Aschley Eschenburg SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Alyssa Coggins SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Oscar Rodriguez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Lucas Allison ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Chaniel Nelson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Taylor Dillingham GUEST EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST: Jake Foust TICKET OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE: Nancy Hampton TICKET OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE: Elaine Roth TICKET OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE: Jordan Gault MANAGER, CLUBHOUSE: Kenny Bufton MANAGER, EVENT OPERATIONS: Kevin Rutledge ASSISTANT MANAGER, EVENT OPERATIONS: Herb Williams DIRECTOR, EXPRESS SELECT: Chris Godwin COORDINATOR, AMATEUR BASEBALL: Chase Almendarez METEOROLOGIST: Scott Fisher

Nolan Ryan

Don Sanders

Reid Ryan

Bret Sanders

Reese Ryan

Brad Sanders

P R I N CI PAL OWNER

PRI NCI PAL OWNER

STADIUM OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR, STADIUM OPERATIONS: Gene Kropff DIRECTOR, STADIUM MAINTENANCE: Aurelio Martinez DIRECTOR, IT: Sam Isham MANAGER, STADIUM OPERATIONS: Justin Botkins PAINTER/MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN: Roger Calkins ELECTRICIAN/HVAC: Leslie Hitt HOUSEKEEPING: Ofelia Gonzalez MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN: Eduardo Mata MANAGER, POST-EVENT CLEANING: Mark Maloney

TICKETS, GROUP & HOSPITALITY SALES

AUXILIARY STAFF

Round Rock Express

OW N ER/FO UND ER

OWNER

RS3 STRATEGIC HOSPITALITY

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT: Jay Kudla SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADMINISTRATION & ACCOUNTING: Kerri Johnson GENERAL MANAGER: Jeremy Zimmerman ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER: Brenda Gomez REGIONAL CHEF: Joel Peña CORPORATE CHEF: Ed Ebert MANAGER, PREMIUMS: Jose Torrez MANAGER, STOREFRONTS : George Gallagher MANAGER, WAREHOUSE: Kevin Brooks MANAGER, HOME RUN DUGOUT: Andrea Gutierrez SUPERVISOR, CATERING: Samantha Grube SCHEDULER: Henry Rodriguez SOUS CHEF: Jacob Jenkins

OWNER

OW N ER/CEO

RS3 TURF

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TURF OPERATIONS: Garrett Reddehase HEAD GROUNDSKEEPER: Nick Rozdilski MANAGER, CONSTRUCTION: Jared Olson MANAGER , SALES AND SERVICE: David Allbritton

Eddie Maloney OWNER

Round Rock Express

7

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DOCTORS

Welcome to our neighborhood dental office. Our practice is built on the Gold Standards listed below. To us, the only way to provide excellent care and a wonderful experience is with a gentle touch.

We take this very seriously, going above and beyond to make sure our patients are comfortable.

J O H N F. M C E N T I R E , D DS

T E R I L . M A R E K , D DS

JIMMIE CHEN, DMD

O U R G O L D S TA N D A R D S

-

Comfortable, Modern Office Same Day Crowns Conservative Treatment Fun For Kids Insurance Friendly Monthly Payment Plans Emergencies Seen Promptly Sedation Dentistry Available

HuttoPremierDentistry.com

|

512.846.2646

OFFICIAL DENTIST OF THE ROUND ROCK EXPRESS

|

60 Chris Kelly Blvd., Hutto, TX 78634

2 019 SEASON PRESEN TED BY

H-E-B

MAY 21

UPCOMING EVENTS & PROMOTIONS

What's Next at Dell Diamond

$ 2 TACO T U E S DAY

MAY 11

MAY 16

MAY 22

N O L A N RYA N B O B B L E H E A D

PINTS & PUPS

G I V E AWAY

Enjoy $4 24-ounce domestics and other discounted draft beer specials as part of The Original Thirsty Thursday from Firetrol. Use promo code PUPS at checkout for a discounted lawn ticket for your dog and a portion of the ticket will be donated to a local animal charity, presented by Supercuts.

The first 2,500 fans will receive a Nolan Ryan Bobblehead, presented

by Whataburger.

MAY 12 (5 1 2 ) DAY Help us celebrate all things Austin with (512) Day, complete with $5.12 general admission lawn tickets!

M OT H E R ' S DAY Celebrating Mother's Day? Join us in the Intel Club for our Chef's Table.

MAY 13 $ 1 H OT D O G S & S O DA S $1 hot dogs and sodas make for a classic ballpark combination and Express fans can get their fill every Monday home game this season, presented by Mrs Baird's.

MAY 14 $ 2 TACO T U E S DAY Express fans can enjoy $2 Taco Tuesdays at this special 11:35 am game, presented by Lennar.

P E T S U P P LY D R I V E Bring pet supplies to donate and receive tickets to a future game in return, benefiting Austin Pets Alive.

MAY 17 F R I DAY F I R E WO R K S

Express fans can enjoy $2 Taco Tuesdays at every home game this season, presented by Lennar.

WINE & NINE

MAY 19

Back by popular demand is Wine & Nine. For $10 per person, you can add access to an exclusive wine tasting event and an Express wine tumbler to your ticket purchase!

F I T N E S S I N T H E PA R K We want to pump you up for Fitness in the Park.

MAY 20 $ 1 H OT D O G S & S O DA S How many hot dogs and sodas can you put away in one baseball game?

Come find out on May 20 for $1 hot dogs and sodas, thanks to Mrs Baird's.

The Express will light up your Friday night with an amazing fireworks show, presented by Bud Light.

MAY 24 C H U PAC A B R A S VS F LY I N G CHANCLAS

MAY 18

As part of Minor League Baseball's Copa de la Diversiรณn campaign, the Round Rock Chupacabras and San Antonio Flying Chanclas will meet at Dell Diamond.

BOB SCHNEIDER P O S TG A M E CO N C E R T The concert, in right center field, will begin approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of the game and fans will be allowed to enjoy the concert from the field, presented by St. David's & Dell.

MAY 23 M I LITARY AP P R ECIATIO N N I G HT Join us as we recognize those who currently serve and have previously served our country for Military Appreciation Night, presented by Navy Federal Credit Union.

10

Round Rock Express

F O R M O R E IN F O R M AT IO N

Every used electronic has one big play left in it.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary as a proud sponsor and technology partner of the Round Rock Express, we’re once again excited to team up with Goodwill Central Texas to offer responsible technology recycling on game days. Every donation not only keeps electronics out of landfills, it helps support local jobs and training programs.

Find the bin in the stadium’s west parking lot to donate.

Dell, Goodwill® Industries and Round Rock Express do not accept liability for lost or confidential data or software. You are responsible for backing up any valuable information and erasing sensitive data from the hard drive before dropping it off. If you want to completely erase the hard drive, you can find a number of free services available online.

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS & DELL WORK TOGETHER TO

Give Back An important element of the Dell-Round Rock Express partnership is identifying ways we can impact the local community together in positive ways. Here are a few examples of our commitment to service in action this past year.

The Nolan Ryan Foundation is the official 501(c)(3) team charity of the Round Rock Express. The Foundation provides resources for youth, education and community development. Recent Central Texas impacts include a substantial contribution to the Play for All Abilities Park in Round Rock, a scholarship endowment fund and a community grant program.

RBI Austin exists to engage and develop inner-city Austin youth athletically, academically, and spiritually, empowering them to lead the transformation of their communities.

UPCO M I NG DR IVES AN D AWA R E N E SS N IGH TS PET SUPPLY DRIVE Thursday, May 16

Bring pet supplies to donate and receive tickets to a future game in return, benefiting Austin Pets Alive!

Friskies cat food, Tidy Cats non-clumping litter, disposable feeding trays, Fresh Step clumping litter, cat scratchers, Friskies cat treats, easy spray cheese, Fancy Feast cat food, kitten food, poop scoopers, small Milk Bones, large and extra-large Kongs, baby food (specifically Gerber second foods meats - turkey and gravy), Pupperoni sticks, treat rolls, Nummy Tum Tum pure organic pumpkin for pets, medium and large Gentle Leaders WISH LIST:

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS NIGHT Friday, May 31

Consulting with and benefiting Bluebonnet Trails Community Services.

THE SALVATION ARMY DRIVE All Season

Out with the old, in with the new! Bring clothes with our old Express logo (or any other clothing) to donate to The Salvation Army and receive a 10% discount in the Railyard Team Store and tickets to a future game.

STRIKE OUT HUNGER Every Wednesday regular season home game (excluding Independence Day Celebration)

Bring two canned good items and receive a free general admission lawn ticket to that night's game, benefiting Round Rock Area Serving Center.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

14

Round Rock Express

RRExpress.com/GivesBack

We’re Turning 20!

Netspend and Round Rock Express are two Texas-based businesses that are both celebrating 20 year anniversaries.

Join the celebration by heading to the next game with the official Prepaid Card of Round Rock Express.

Use of card subject to activation and identity verification.*

*

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OPENING A CARD ACCOUNT: To help the federal government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, the USA PATRIOT Act requires us to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens a Card Account. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: When you open a Card Account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and your government ID number. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying information. Card activation and identity verification required before you can use the Card Account. If your identity is partially verified, full use of the Card Account will be restricted, but you may be able to use the Card for in-store purchase transactions. Restrictions include: no ATM withdrawals, international transactions, account-to-account transfers and additional loads. Use of Card Account also subject to fraud prevention restrictions at any time, with or without notice. Residents of Vermont are ineligible to open a Card Account.

The Netspend Prepaid Mastercard is issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Netspend, a TSYS® Company, is a registered agent of MetaBank. Certain products and services may be licensed under U.S. Patent Nos. 6,000,608 and 6,189,787. Use of the Card Account is subject to activation, ID verification, and funds availability. Transaction fees, terms, and conditions apply to the use and reloading of the Card Account. See the Cardholder Agreement for details.

Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Card may be used everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted.

Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Treatment

Keeping YOU In The Game!

7 Locations in the Greater Austin Area, Including Round Rock & Cedar Park Board Certified Physicians and Surgeons Fellowship Trained Subspecialists

central scheduling

512.246.4488

www.oactdocs.com

Orthopedic Services Including: Sports Medicine & Injury Prevention Knee & Shoulder Arthroscopy Hand & Wrist Injuries Spine Surgery & Treatment Joint Replacement Surgery Foot & Ankle Treatment Non-Surgical Injuries X-Ray & MRI Physical Therapy

Proud Partner of The Express Liz Bohls - liz@alliancepayroll.com

“It’s a Great Day for a Paycheck!”

ATS // Onboarding // Payroll // ESS // BenAdmin // ACA

800.527.7510 // BSNSPORTS.com

Former Prosecutor

Georgetown Criminal Defense Attorney

Robert M. McCabe

“WHEN YOU ARE FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY WHO SPECIALIZES IN CRIMINAL CASES.”

Criminal Law

203 SOUTH AUSTIN AVENUE, GEORGETOWN, TEXAS 78626

UPCOMI NG O P P O NE N TS

Top Prospects PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE TEAMS AMERICAN CONFERENCE

Northern Division IN TOWN

May 11-14

Iowa Cubs

Memphis Redbirds

Nashville Sounds

Omaha Storm Chasers

TOP DODGERS PROSPECTS

1 . C K EI B E RT R UI Z 2 . R H P D UST I N M AY 3 . I N F GAV I N LUX 4. R HP TO N Y G O N S OLI N 5. C W I L L S M I T H

Southern Division New Orleans Baby Cakes Oklahoma City Dodgers Round Rock Express

San Antonio Missions

Photo: Cody Roper/OKC Dodgers

TOP RANGERS PROSPECTS

IN TOWN

May 16-20

1 . RH P H A NS CRO USE 2. O F J ULI O PA B LO MARTINEZ 3 . RH P CO LE WI NN 4. I NF A ND ERSO N T EJADA 5. O F B UB BA T H O M P SON

TOP BREWERS PROSPECTS

IN TOWN

May 21-24

20

Round Rock Express

1 . I NF K ESTO N H I URA 2. O F CO REY RAY 3 . I NF B RI CE T URA N G 4. O F T RI ST EN LUTZ 5. I NF M AURI CI O D U BON

PACIFIC CONFERENCE

Northern Division Fresno Grizzlies

Reno Aces

Sacramento River Cats

Tacoma Rainiers

Southern Division Albuquerque Isotopes

El Paso Chihuahuas

Las Vegas Aviators

Salt Lake Bees

When it comes to diverting waste, we knock it out of the park.

Compost

At Texas Disposal Systems, we are proud to team up with the Round Rock Express at Dell Diamond to help make it one of the greenest ballparks in Texas. You’ll notice some things we do here in order to make that happen.

Just look at the signs on the Eco Stations for easy tips as to what goes where. We then take the materials and turn them in to things like compost and mulch to be used in your local community. These actions and your help in putting things in the right place, make for a winning combination.

Recycle

Food Scraps, Soiled Paper Products, Utensils (Dell Diamond Uses All Compostable Utensils) Plastic Bottles, Aluminum Cans, Clean Paper Products

Trash Soiled Non-Paper Products

800.375.8375 | TexasDisposal.com

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR EVERY SEAT. Click It or Ticket.

Day and Night.

CLICK-7051_RR_Express_Signage_9n1837x11n25_ENG_v2-R1.indd 1

4/5/17 9:45 AM

Comprehensive eye exams for adults and children LASIK consultations Contact lens evaluations Extensive eyewear collection

Brian “Trip” Fell, O.D.

YOUR SIGHT IS OUR FOCUS www.pioneervisioncare.com

Thi Nguyen, O.D.

4010 Sandy Brook, Ste. 101 Round Rock, TX 78665 Office: 512.388.7600

THANK YOU, ROUND ROCK FOR OVER 35 YEARS OF SUPPORT! WINNER OF THE 2015 “BIG BOY” HESTER SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

The SQUAD

YORDAN ALVAREZ OF #45

ROGELIO ARMENTEROS RHP #29

HOMETOWN: Las Tunas, CUBA

HOMETOWN: Havana, CUBA

ALEX DE GOTI INF #9

DEAN DEETZ RHP #0

HOMETOWN: Miami, FL

KENT EMANUEL LHP #41 HOMETOWN: Woodstock, GA

HOMETOWN: Nixa, MO

DREW FERGUSON OF #20 HOMETOWN: Knoxville, TN

AKEEM BOSTICK RHP #11 HOMETOWN: Florence, SC

TANNER DUNCAN RHP #28 HOMETOWN: Tabor City, NC

DEREK FISHER OF #2 HOMETOWN: Lebanon, PA

Round Rock Express

25

The SQUAD

RALPH GARZA RHP #57 HOMETOWN: Edinburg, TX

TAYLOR JONES INF #31 HOMETOWN: Kent, WA

BRENDAN McCURRY RHP #13 HOMETOWN: Ada, OK

26

Round Rock Express

REYMIN GUDUAN LHP #19 HOMETOWN: San Pedro de Macoris, DR

CORBIN MARTIN RHP #27 HOMETOWN: Houston, TX

CIONEL PÉREZ LHP #51 HOMETOWN: Havana, CUBA

RYAN HARTMAN LHP #25 HOMETOWN: Anaheim, CA

JACK MAYFIELD INF #8 HOMETOWN: Del Rio, TX

AJ REED INF #24 HOMETOWN: Terre Haute, IN

GET 2 FREE ROUND ROCK EXPRESS TICKETS TO EVERY SUNDAY HOME GAME! Texas Farm Bureau Members get free tickets to all Sunday home games when they show proof of membership at the Dell Diamond ticket office. To learn more about Texas Farm Bureau member benefits, visit TexasFarmBureau.org/Sports.

Throughout the 2019 season, two free general admission tickets are offered per Sunday home game to participating teams on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability, weather cancellations, and other unforeseen events. Your current Texas Farm Bureau membership card is required to redeem tickets. Offer expires on 8/31/2019. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Š 2019 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies.

LISTEN TO

AM 1300 THE ZONE ON YOUR SMART SPEAKER

JUST SAY “HEY ALEXA, PLAY AM 1300 THE ZONE ON IHEARTRADIO”

OR SAY

“HEY GOOGLE, PLAY AM 1300 THE ZONE ON IHEARTRADIO”

The SQUAD

JAMIE RITCHIE C #6 HOMETOWN: South Hadley, MA

MYLES STRAW INF #1 HOMETOWN: Elk Grove, CA

KYLE TUCKER OF #30 HOMETOWN: Tampa, FL

BRADY RODGERS RHP #52 HOMETOWN: Richmond, TX

GARRETT STUBBS C #3 HOMETOWN: San Diego, CA

FRAMBER VALDEZ LHP #59 HOMETOWN: Palenque, DR

CY SNEED RHP #49 HOMETOWN: Elko, NV

NICK TANIELU INF #21 HOMETOWN: Huntsville, AL

FORREST WHITLEY RHP #26 HOMETOWN: San Antonio, TX

Round Rock Express

29

SERVICES THAT SUPPORT AND EQUIP YOUR YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUE, ALLOWING YOU TO FOCUS ON THE GAME INSTEAD OF THE DETAILS.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES FAN WEAR DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS

DICKS.COM/TSHQ

salute to our heroes Nominate your hero today at

512-943-9885 •

Kathy Kerr, L.Ac. TxAC01066

Julie Carr, L.Ac. TxAC01104

THIS IS NOT A BED

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PROUD SLEEP AND WELLNESS PARTNER OF THE ROUND ROCK EXPRESS BASEBALL CLUB VISIT ONE OF OUR 6 AUSTIN AREA SLEEP NUMBER® STORES | SLEEPNUMBER.COM Upholstered furniture, adjustable base and pillows available at additional cost. Prices higher in AK and HI. *For a summary of clinical studies, visit sleepnumber.com. †2-Year Limited Warranty on SleepIQ® technology. Warranties available at sleepnumber.com. ‡Restrictions and exclusions apply.

Does not apply to adjustable bases, Upholstered Collection, closeout/clearance or demo/floor model purchases or mattresses already exchanged under another In-Home Trial period. You pay return shipping. Refunds will be made to the original method of payment less original shipping/delivery fees. Visit sleepnumber.com for complete details. SLEEP NUMBER, SLEEPIQ, SLEEP NUMBER 360, the Double Arrow Design, and SELECT COMFORT are registered trademarks of Sleep Number Corporation. ©2019 Sleep Number Corporation

COACHING STAFF MICKEY STOREY MANAGER Mickey Storey joins the Express from the Class-A Quad Cities River Bandits, where he began his managerial career in 2018.

The 32-year-old skipper led the River Bandits to an 81-59 record in 2018, the second-best mark in the Midwest League and the club's highest win total since 2015. Prior to his time in Quad Cities, Storey served as the development coach at Class-A Advanced Buies Creek in 2017. The former right-handed pitcher had a nine-year professional playing career that included one season with the Astros in 2012 in which he posted a 3.86 ERA in 26 appearances with the Major League club.

Storey was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he attended nearby Deerfield Beach High School before moving on to Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. He was drafted twice in his career, first by the Minnesota Twins in the 22nd round of the 2007 MLB Draft and again by the Oakland Athletics in the 31st round of the 2008 MLB Draft. During his nine-year professional career, Storey pitched at every level of affiliated baseball, including stints with Sacramento and Oklahoma City in the Pacific Coast League. He also posted winter ball stints in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Venezuela. He finished his playing career in 2016 following two seasons with the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League. In total, the righty amassed a career 3.52 ERA in 385 games.

BEN ROSENTHAL HITTING COACH Ben Rosenthal begins his third season within the Astros organization after serving as the hitting coach for championship clubs in each of his first two seasons with Houston, including 2018 at Buies Creek and 2017 at Quad Cities. The former catcher posted a four-year professional career, including two seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system and two seasons in the independent leagues. The 39-year-old last suited up for the El Paso Diablos in 2006 before transitioning into a coaching role. Rosenthal served as an assistant coach at Universal City High School in San Diego before moving on to Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. He moved back to San Diego in 2013 to serve as the head coach for Mira Mesa High School. His last coaching position before joining the Astros was at Point Loma Nazarene University from 2014-2016.

Originally born in Phoenix, Rosenthal grew up in Las Vegas, where he attended Green Valley High School. After two years of playing junior college baseball at Riverside City College, he transferred to San Diego State University, where he completed his degree in kinesiology with a supplement in introductory sciences. He later earned a master's degree in physical education from Azusa Pacific.

DREW FRENCH PITCHING COACH Drew French enters his fourth season in the Astros organization but his first at the Triple-A level. He helped to build championship clubs in each of the last two seasons, serving as the pitching coach for the 2018 Carolina League Champion Buies Creek Astros as well as the 2017 Midwest League Champion Quad Cities River Bandits. He began his Astros career as a coach with the Short Season Tri-City Valley Cats in 2016.

A native of Austin, French attended Stephen F. Austin High School and Concordia University, graduating in 2006 with a degree in marketing and management. He was named a three-time Academic All-Southwestern Conference selection during his playing career at Concordia. The 35-year-old served as the Director of Baseball Operations for the University of Alabama from 2009-2011 before acting as the pitching coach at Florida International University from 2012-2013 and Lee University from 2014-2015.

Round Rock Express

33

JOSH PETERSON

PERFORMANCE COACH

Josh Peterson enters his first season in the Astros organization as the Performance Coach for the Round Rock Express.

Peterson recently graduated from the University of North Georgia, where he was a member of the Nighthawks baseball program before serving as a sports performance guidance assistant with the university's athletic strength and conditioning department.

Prior to joining the Astros organization, Peterson worked at Authentic Performance Center and was the summer collegiate head coach of the Colorado Rough Riders baseball club in 2017.

Peterson received both his masters and bachelor's degrees in kinesiology from the University of North Georgia while also earning an associate's degree from Northeast Mississippi Community College. Peterson played on the baseball team at Northeast Mississippi from 2015-2015 and at North Georgia from 2016-2017. While at UNG, he helped his program reach the Division II National Championship in 2017.

Peterson is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

JOHN GREGORICH ATHLETIC TRAINER John Gregorich returns to the Astros for his sixth season but his first as the Athletic Trainer for the Round Rock Express.

Prior to joining the E-Train, Gregorich served as the Athletic Trainer for the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks in 2018, Class-A Advanced Buies Creek Astros in 2017, the Short Season Tri-City Valley Cats from 2015-2016 and for the Rookie-level Greeneville Astros in 2014. He was named the 2014 PBATS Appalachian League Athletic Trainer of the Year.

Before joining the Astros, Gregorich was a sports medicine intern for the Cleveland Indians in 2013. He also interned with the Indians' Class-A affiliate, the Lake County Captains, in 2012. Gregorich served as a graduate student assistant for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga during the 2012 football season.

While in Chattanooga, he received a master of science degree in athletic training in 2013. Gregorich previously earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky.

Originally from Chardon, Ohio, Gregorich and his wife Chrystal and son William currently reside in West Palm Beach, Florida.

DWAYNE PETERSON STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH Dwayne Peterson returns to the Astros for his sixth season as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, but his first in Round Rock. Peterson joined the Astros in 2014 at Rookie-level Greeneville before stints at Class-A Quad Cities in 2015, Class-A Advanced Lancaster in 2016, Double-A Corpus Christi in 2017 and Triple-A Fresno in 2018. During the 2017 offseason, he also served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League.

Prior to joining the Astros, Peterson completed strength and conditioning internships with Northern Kentucky University and the College of Mount St. Joseph, where he was responsible for the school's baseball strength and conditioning program. During the offseason, he serves as the head baseball strength coach at Mount St. Joseph.

Peterson is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach and is a USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach.

He received his bachelor of science degree in exercise science in 2013 from Northern Kentucky, where he is now pursuing his master of business administration degree.

During the offseason, Peterson is a competitive powerlifter in his home of Erlanger, Kentucky.

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the season, Round Rock’s top talent has risen to the occasion.

Whitley One Step Closer

BY ANDREW FELTS

“W

MANAGER, PR & COMMUNICATIONS

e could go out and win every single game.”

Round Rock Express OF Kyle Tucker isn’t shy when it comes to describing the amount of talent that the Houston Astros have stockpiled right here in Round Rock. Through drafting and development, the Astros have built one of the most talented rosters in all of Minor League Baseball, and that roster just so happens to call Dell Diamond home.

All signs pointed to the E-Train sporting a loaded lineup of top talent entering the 2019 season, but to put things into perspective, only two of the 160 teams in MiLB can lay claim to four of the top 100 prospects in baseball, the Express and Gwinnett Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Of those 160 clubs, only one has more of their major league affiliate’s top 30 prospects than

FORREST WHITLEY

#1 PROSPECT

40

Round Rock Express

Round Rock’s 10. The Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens claim 11 of the Detroit Tigers’ top 30 prospects.

In fact, the top three Houston Astros prospects, RHP Forrest Whitley, OF Kyle Tucker and OF Yordan Alvarez all call Round Rock home.

Fifth-ranked prospect RHP Corbin Martin, ninthranked prospect LHP Cionel Pérez and 10thranked prospect LHP Framber Valdez have all appeared with the Express in 2019. As if that wasn’t enough, 14th-ranked C Garrett Stubbs, 16thranked OF/SS Myles Straw, 20th-ranked RHP Dean Deetz and 24th-ranked RHP Rogelio Armenteros round out Round Rock’s stacked collection of top Astros prospects.

More impressively, Whitley checks in as the top pitching prospect, and the fifth overall prospect in all of baseball, one spot ahead of Tucker. Alvarez ranks as the 41st-best prospect in baseball while Martin is tabbed as the 76th-best prospect in the land. Through the first month of

KYLE TUCKER

#2 PROSPECT

Of all the talent coming through Round Rock in 2019, perhaps no one player has been more polarizing than RHP Forrest Whitley. The 21-year-old is widely regarded as not only the top prospect in the Houston organization, but as the top pitching prospect in baseball. After soaring through the Astros’ farm system, Whitley made his Triple-A debut with the Express on April 9, exactly 34 months to the day after being drafted by the club in 2016.

Whitley credits his meteoric rise not only to his natural talent, but to the Astros' philosophy in terms of player development.

“It has been a very cool experience to be with such a liberal organization in terms of the way the Astros move players,” Whitley said. “If you’ve got the stuff, they like to challenge you instead of keeping you down at lower levels when it’s not necessary. That’s a definitely a big positive that I’m a fan of in this organization.”

Whitley’s Opening Day start marked his return to Dell Diamond for the first time since June 9, 2016, when he was on the mound pitching for Alamo Heights (San Antonio) High School in the UIL Class 5A State Semifinals when he was drafted 17th overall by Houston. The San Antonio native realizes just what a special opportunity he has to play professional baseball so close to home.

“With the relativity to home, it really makes a perfect situation,” Whitley said. “Not only

YORDAN ALVAREZ

#3 PROSPECT

with Houston, but their affiliates too. I played in Corpus Christi two hours from home last year, and now here in Round Rock, an hour and a half away. It’s funny how it all worked out. It couldn’t be any better.”

Ultimately, Whitley’s goal is to be playing three hours from home – at Minute Maid Park. With his rapid rise through the Astros system, his chance might come sooner rather than later.

so talented, it seems like we can just wake up, go to the field and win a game, but in reality, we do a lot of hard work and it definitely shows with how well we’re doing,” Tucker said. “We look at our roster and know that we are a good team. It’s awesome being here with these guys. Not only are they great talent, but they’re great people and it’s a lot of fun just being around them.”

Alvarez' Historic Home Runs Tucker’s Quiet Confidence Like many players, OF Kyle Tucker’s callup to the big leagues in 2018 was anything but routine.

The second-ranked prospect made his major league debut with the Astros a year ago, but not before some travel issues.

“My callup was a little weird. I got promoted from Fresno but drove to Sacramento and flew out of there. My flight got delayed, so I took a redeye to Houston at 1:30 in the morning, then we had a 3:00 day game. It was tiring but it was a lot of fun,” Tucker said. “Any chance you get to play in the big leagues is awesome. Just being with those guys on that team in Houston made it a lot more fun.”

After 28 games with the Astros in 2018, Tucker opened this season in Round Rock, figuring to play a key role on the 2019 Express club before his inevitable return to Houston. The sixth-ranked prospect in baseball realizes what a unique situation he has to play alongside so many other talented players during his time in Round Rock.

“I love playing with these guys. This team is

CORBIN MARTIN

#5 PROSPECT

Round Rock OF Yordan Alvarez earned his title as the third-best prospect in the Houston Astros organization after re-writing the history books in April. The slugger led all of Minor League Baseball for the month with 11 total home runs in just 21 games.

In fact, by the end of April, only two players in affiliated baseball had hit more home runs than Alvarez, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger and the Milwaukee Brewers’ Christian Yelich, who each needed 30 games to hit 14 homers.

Alvarez became the first player in Round Rock Express history to hit double-digit home runs in the month of April, and the first E-Train hitter to tally more than 10 longballs in a single calendar month since Will Middlebrooks hit 12 in June of 2017. “[April] was the best stretch I’ve ever had professionally and I think it’s because of the power that I’ve gained,” Alvarez said. “This is the best power stretch I’ve ever had in my career.”

With early numbers that rival that of MLB superstars, the 21-year-old Cuban prospect likely won’t have to wait long to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing Major League Baseball.

“My goal has always been to make it to the big leagues this year,” Alvarez said. “Considering the start that I’ve had, I see that as very possible, but making it to the big leagues is still the goal.”

Martin Rises To The Occasion With the multitude of top arms in the Astros organization, it might be easy to overlook RHP Corbin Martin, who entered the season as the club’s fifth-ranked prospect, but make no mistake, Martin has quietly put together one of the best starts to a career in recent history.

After going 1-1 with a miniscule 1.80 ERA in three starts with the Express in April, the 23-yearold righty improved his career record to 10-4 with a 2.39 ERA across 38 games since being drafted in the second round out of Texas A&M University in 2017. One of the many aces on this year’s Express team, Martin is taking advantage of the talent around him to continually improve.

“On a team like this, you pay attention to what other guys are doing and what makes them successful, especially the hitters on this team,” Martin said. “You start to think about their tendencies. They don’t miss mistakes by pitchers and especially in this league, there are a lot of veterans so you have to pay attention to details.”

Like Whitley, Martin was born and raised in the Lone Star State. A native of Houston, Martin attended Cypress Ranch High School, where he was named to the All-State Team after both his junior and senior seasons, before attending Texas A&M. For Martin, getting to suit up for his hometown team would be a dream come true.

“Luckily, the last two years I’ve been home in Texas, playing in Corpus Christi last season, then of course this year in Round Rock. Hopefully the next step is back home in Houston. That’s something I’ve been working on and it’s a huge goal of mine. It would be awesome,” Martin said.

It’s a rare occurrence when a club is winning at the major league level and developing a highlyranked farm system at the same time. In fact, only 12 of the last 50 playoff teams in Major League Baseball have started the next season with a top10 farm system, with three of those 12 instances being Houston.

With a wealth of top talent not only in Round Rock, but in Double-A Corpus Christi, Class A-Advanced Fayetteville and Class A Quad Cities, the Astros stand to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Express fans will likely get to reap the rewards of a new golden age of Houston Astros baseball.

“I love playing with these guys. This team is so talented, it seems like we can just wake up, go to the field and win a game, but in reality, we do a lot of hard work and it definitely shows with how well we’re doing.”

- KYLE TUCKER Round Rock Express

41

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GEORGETOWN 12 Waters Edge Cir, Georgetown 78626

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CEDAR PARK 1801 E Whitestone Blvd (FM 1431), Cedar Park 78613

SOUTHEAST AUSTIN 3 Drive-Thru Lanes at Austin Federal Credit Union 1900 Woodward St, Austin 78741

ROUND ROCK 301 Mays Crossing Dr, Round Rock 78664

SOUTH AUSTIN 6400 Manchaca Rd, Austin 78745

NORTH AUSTIN 12208 N Mopac Expy, Austin 78758

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BY ANDREW FELTS MANAGER, PR & COMMUNICATIONS

From Club Baseball to a Triple-A Club Tanner Duncan’s Incredible Path to the Pros Amidst all the top prospects, first-round draft picks and players with major league service time on Round Rock’s roster, one name might not look as familiar – Tanner Duncan. Despite his lack of notoriety, at least for now, Duncan carries perhaps the most impressive story of any player on this year’s Express team.

Prior to signing with the Houston Astros as a non-drafted free agent in 2017, the height of Duncan’s playing experience came via four years on the club baseball team at East Carolina University. The right-handed pitcher tried out as a walk-on three times for the Division-I program at ECU but was turned down each time.

Duncan hails from Tabor City, North Carolina, a small community of less than 4,000 on the southeastern edge of the North and South Carolina border. Like most athletes in high school, Duncan aspired to play Division-I baseball with hopes of ultimately getting drafted.

“I had a few small Division-III and junior college offers out of high school, but a lot of my friends were going up to ECU, and I wanted to play Division-I baseball, so I thought I would go to school there and try to walk on,” Duncan said. “The majority of high school seniors in their mind think they’re good enough to play Division-I baseball, and I was one of them.”

After failing to make the Division-I team as a walk-on during his freshman year, Duncan joined the school’s club baseball program, where after two successful seasons, he once again attempted to walk-on to the Pirates’ varsity squad, only to be cut again. After a third and final attempt prior to his senior season, Duncan placed his focus solely on club baseball.

“It’s unfortunate that I didn’t make it. I was disappointed at the time, but to a certain extent, I started to expect it. It was sort of a longshot, I guess,” Duncan said. “After I was cut again, I tried to use that to motivate me to get better.”

That motivation fueled Duncan in his final season on the club team, where he led ECU to the 2017 Club National Championship. After a dominant, 10-inning shutout performance against Central Florida, Duncan was named the 2017 National Club Baseball Association World Series MVP. Following the successful campaign, Duncan held out hope that a team might take a chance on him in the upcoming MLB Draft.

“The last few days of the Draft were on my radar. I was monitoring it because I knew that there were people out there that knew about me and might waste a pick on me, but I watched round 38, 39 and 40 and nothing happened,” Duncan said.

Two days after the Draft, Duncan received a text message from former Houston Astros scout Tim Bittner, inviting him to a tryout at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.

Three days later, Duncan made the four-hour trip to prove he had what it takes to compete for a major league club.

After a small, somewhat informal tryout, Duncan hopped back in the car and headed back to Tabor City. Less than 30 minutes into the drive home, he received a call from Bittner, offering him the chance to sign with the Houston Astros as a non-drafted free agent.

“It was a whirlwind. Everything happened very quickly after I went to the tryout. I drove home, then the next day I was on a plane at 6:00 a.m. to West Palm Beach, Florida,” Duncan said, referring to the home of the Astros’ Spring Training facility. “The next two days, when

46

Round Rock Express

all my information was cleared after my physical, I threw one more time before signing. It all happened very quick.”

The 24-year-old then appeared in 11 games with the Astros’ rookie-ball team in the Gulf Coast League, where he posted a 2.17 ERA in 37.1 innings with the club. The following season, he began the year at Class A Quad Cities, where he pitched well enough to earn a promotion to the Class A-Advanced Buies Creek Astros, just over 100 miles from his hometown.

He finished the 2018 campaign with a 4-3 record and a 2.82 ERA between Buies Creek and Quad Cities. Following a solid first full professional season, not even Duncan could have predicted the sequence of events that ultimately led him to Round Rock, on the doorstep of the major leagues.

After beginning the 2019 season in Extended Spring Training, Duncan was assigned to join the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks on April 7. He flew from West Palm Beach to Houston, only to see his connecting flight to Corpus Christi get cancelled. Duncan ultimately had to drive the 208-mile stretch from Houston to Corpus Christi, where he joined the Hooks in the fourth inning of their game against the Amarillo Sod Poodles. Following the game, Duncan and his Hooks teammates boarded the team bus for a seven-hour trip to Frisco to take on the RoughRiders the following evening.

Duncan made his Double-A debut on April 8, allowing an unearned run in 1.1 innings of relief. Just 48 hours after making his Double-A debut, Duncan received word that he was being promoted to Triple-A Round Rock to join the club’s bullpen after LHP Reymin Guduan was called up by the Astros.

The morning of April 11, Duncan boarded a plane from Dallas to Austin, where he joined the Express in the afternoon before the team’s contest against the Nashville Sounds. The righty made his Triple-A debut just hours later, holding the Sounds scoreless on one hit in 2.0 dominant innings of relief.

In the span of 109 hours, Duncan went from the backfields of Extended Spring Training to completing both his Double-A and Triple-A debuts.

“I came to Round Rock knowing I was going to be a fill-in. They just needed a guy to eat some innings, but I’ve been here for longer than I expected. It’s unreal to be here, coming from my situation and my circumstances,” Duncan said. “No matter if I’m here for another day, or for the rest of the season, this has been a great experience and I am so happy and so thankful for it.”

Through the first month of the season, Duncan made six appearances with the Express, going 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA. Now on the doorstep of fulfilling his lifelong goal of playing Major League Baseball, Duncan wouldn’t change a thing about this unique career journey.

“Looking back at it, I wouldn’t change my career path for anything. I made a lot of great friends, met a lot of great people and had a lot of great experiences on the club baseball team. It all worked out for the best,” Duncan said. “I’ve learned a lot of this game is mental. You just have to control what you can control, focus on yourself and your craft, and not let all the external factors affect that. It’s tough at times, but at the end of the day, I’m sitting in Dell Diamond, at a Triple-A stadium, and two years ago I was playing on a high school field with a five-inch deep hole in the mound.”

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Down on the Farm

Houston Astros

Major League Baseball

Round Rock Express Triple-A Affiliate

Corpus Christi Hooks

Fayetteville, North Carolina Level: Class A-Advanced Founded: 2019 League: Carolina Division: Southern Home Field: Segra Stadium Opened: 2019 Capacity: 4,786

Double-A Affiliate

Fayetteville Woodpeckers

Class A-Advanced Affiliate

Quad Cities River Bandits

Top Astros Prospects

Class A Affiliate

Tri-City ValleyCats

Short Season Affiliate 50

Round Rock Express

#10 INF/OF Seth Beer

#25 INF Jonathan Arauz

#28 RHP Enoli Paredes

BY TAYLOR SHIPP SPECIALIST, DIGITAL CONTENT

A Rivalry Renewed

O

nly 115 miles separate Dell Diamond in Round Rock and Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium in San Antonio, home of the Missions. By far the shortest distance between any two teams in the Pacific Coast League, the Express and Missions, Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, are reigniting an age-old battle for the coveted “traffic cone trophy” with the I-35 Rivalry Series.

While both clubs were members of the Double-A Texas League from 2000-2004, Round Rock and San Antonio competed in a season-long showdown up until the Express joined the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2005. With the Missions joining the ranks of Triple-A in 2019, the two teams are bringing back their original rivalry series.

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome our friends in San Antonio to the Triple-A level, and we're looking forward to renewing our rivalry with the Missions in 2019," Express President Chris Almendarez said. "Central Texas is home to the best baseball fans around and with a pair of very competitive clubs in our backyard, we can't wait for a fun and exciting I-35 Rivalry Series for years to come."

Round Rock and San Antonio will be battling for a custom, four-foot tall trophy featuring a construction-grade orange traffic cone. The Brandiose-designed logo for the I-35 Rivalry Series features Round Rock's "Spike" and San Antonio's "Ballapeno" mascots facing off for the fluorescent prize.

"The San Antonio Missions and Round Rock Express had a great rivalry at the beginning of the century that included many intense Texas League battles and we are thrilled to be able to renew this rivalry," Missions President Burl Yarbrough said. "The short distance between the two teams is unlike any other two teams in the Pacific Coast League. I know our two passionate fan bases will really enjoy watching their favorite teams compete in the I-35 Rivalry Series."

54

Round Rock Express

Round Rock was victorious in the first two I-35 Rivalry Series in 2000 and 2001 before the Missions responded with two straight series victories in 2002 and 2003. The Express took the final Texas League series between the two teams in 2004.

Round Rock and San Antonio kicked off their 16game season series in the Alamo City on Friday, May 3.

The Missions will make their first trip to Round Rock as a Triple-A club for a four-game series from Tuesday, May 21 - Friday, May 24. The final two meetings between the rivals are set for the last week in June in San Antonio and the last week of August in Round Rock.

As part of Minor League Baseball's Copa de la Diversión campaign, the Round Rock Chupacabras and San Antonio Flying Chanclas will meet three times during the 2019 I-35 Rivalry Series. The only game at Dell Diamond with the two club's alternate identities is slated for Friday, May 24.

With a roster full of top prospects, Round Rock is poised to be victorious and bring home the cone in this renewed I-35 Rivalry Series.

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OPPONENT

POSI T IONS BY T H E NU MB E RS

SCORING THE GAME Over the years, the game of baseball has evolved and so have methods for scoring the game. Different fans have different ways of keeping a scorecard, and many use their own notations. Our simple method involves using the symbols on the next page to record each play depending on the outcome. The different numeric positions listed to the right can be used to add further detail.

For example, if a batter flies out to center field, "F8" could be written in the box. If a batter grounds out to third, "G53" would show the third baseman throwing to the first baseman to record the out. Finally, if a shortstop makes an error, "E6" could be used to describe the play.

8 7

6

4 1

5

As runners progress around the bases, darken the appropriate line in each box. When a runner scores, shade the entire box to illustrate the run being scored.

2 58

Round Rock Express

9

3

1-Pitcher 2-Catcher 3-1st Base 4-2nd Base 5-3rd Base 6-Shortstop 7-Left Field 8-Center Field 9-Right Field

2b

3b

1b single

bb

HR double

triple

home run

walk

HBP hit by pitch

WP wild pitch

OT H E R AB B RE V IAT IONS

CS

SB

K

K

E_ ERROR

stolen base

caught stealing

swinging strikeout

called strikeout

f_

FO_

L_

G_

U_

fly out

foul out

line out

ground out

unassisted put out

BK - Balk CI - Catcher's Interference DP - Double Play GRD - Ground Rule Double IBB - Intentional Walk PB - Passed Ball PO - Picked Off SF - Sacrifice Fly Sac - Sacrifice Hit FC - Fielder's Choice IFR - Infield Fly Rule

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Ballpark Food

HIGHLIGHT

BULLPEN BAR Located along the center field concourse

The Bullpen Bar by Dripping Springs Vodka doubles as a full-service bar and a restaurant. The bar has a great view of the field at Dell Diamond, and will be open for all Round Rock Express home games and on weekend non-gamedays. The food menu features gourmet ballpark classics and the drink menu contains specialty cocktails, Texas craft beers and Texas wines. This venue can serve as a great place for a date, happy 4 hour or any special occasion.

Wedge Salad

1 Pulled Pork Sandwich

paired with sweet lemon coleslaw

2 Nacho Business

tri-color tortilla chips + BBQ pork + fresh jalapeĂąos + queso + pico de gallo

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blue cheese crumbles + bacon + tomatoes + red onion + fresh parsley + blue cheese dressing

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15 Minutes @ Closing

BRENT SMITH JR. Loan Officer / NMLS 814896 O 512.354.4540 / C 281.408.5825 / BrentSmith@CrestmarkMortgages.com www.BrentMSmith.com 1101 Satellite View, Suite 105 / Round Rock, TX 78665 / Branch NMLS 1649027 *Some closings may take longer than 15 minutes and not all loan products may qualify.

Not a commitment to lend. Borrower must meet qualification criteria. Equal Housing Opportunity.

W W W. CHLH OMETEAM.CO M

More Time for Other Stuff

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Minor League Baseball Trademarks and Copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Visit MiLB.com

Express Brand Story EXPRESS

Our name is a nod to our owner and MLB Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, who earned the nickname “The Ryan Express” during his record-setting 27-year professional career.

The name is a perfect fit as it relates to the railroad and its proximity to the ballpark.

E-TRAIN

The team’s s primary E-Train logo has nced to more authentically been enhanced represent the historic trains that came ound Rock along the Chisholm through Round Trail.

BOLTS S

The three bolts in our E-Train logo represent the three pillars outlined in our atement that truly hold us mission statement together: our fans, our partners, and our players.

E COLOR SCHEME

naugural We’re throwing it back to our inaugural season with navy blue and adding a deep red with silver accents to kick off our 20th anniversary season celebration.

EXPRESS FONT The custom R featured in our new logo is part of a newly-designed font created by Brandiose for exclusive use by the Round Rock Express.

ROUND ROCK The focal point of our 20th anniversary logo is the historic round rock for which our city is named. We are proud to call Round Rock home and celebrate two decades in this great city.

STEEL The steel design prominently featured in our E-Train logo is representative of railroad tracks that keep our brand true and straight, providing dependable means to move forward.

Additionally, steel silos still remain on the ballpark grounds today, where we broke ground in a cornfield in 2000.

TEXAS STAR We’re proud to call the Lone Star State home and honor the State of Texas with the Texas Star at the center of our mark.

PILOT We strive to be on the cutting edge of innovation in professional sports. The train’s pilot pushes forward and symbolizes our core values of embracing and encouraging improvements and change and to be bold, courageous, creative and effective.

DOUBLE-R The double-R logo not only celebrates our proud history in the City of Round Rock, but also resembles a cattle brand in a subtle nod to the Ryan family’s love of ranching.

RAINBOW SUNRISE Behind the iconic round rock is an Astros-inspired rainbow sunrise commemorating the dawn of a new affiliation for the Express.

Round Rock Express

67

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF ROUND ROCK EXPRESS

GO EXPRESS

FROM THE BEST TEAM IN OUR INDUSTRY TO THE BEST TEAM IN YOURS

When it comes to specialty repairs Odyssey is who you want at bat with the game on the line…

The largest dedicated repair facility in the world (RF, DC, MW equipment).

Serving the Semiconductor and Industrial Markets for Almost 20 Years!

Located in Round Rock- Hometown Heroes

Odyssey Technical Solutions 2000 Steam Way, Round Rock, TX 78665 512-989-7007

www.odysseyrf.com

Technical degrees pay off.

TSTC in Williamson County offers:

• • • • • •

Culinary Arts Cyber Security HVAC Technology Industrial Maintenance Precision Machining Technology Welding Technology

Texas State Technical College Learn more at: tstc.edu

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STOP BY OUR BOOTH

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for a chance to win

100,000 plus other fabulous prizes!

See wyndhamsweeps.com for Official Rules and free methods of entry. Certain methods of entry are void in states where prohibited by law. Verifiable retail value of prizes range from $534.00-$100,000 USD. Open to residents of U.S. and Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, age 21 or older. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. No purchase necessary. A purchase will not improve your odds of winning. Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Inc., WorldMark by Wyndham, Shell Vacations, LLC., and Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham, Inc., 6277 Sea Harbor Dr., Orlando, FL 32821.

THIS ADVERTISING MATERIAL IS BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING THE SALE OF TIMESHARE PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN TIMESHARE PROPERTY.

THE ROUND ROCK EXPRESS SALUTE OUR 20-YEAR SEASON MEMBERS.

Thank you for your support!

Full Season Members

Jan Achilles

Jeff Klaas

Bob Wilson

ABC Home/Commercial Services

Barbara Alarcon

Ken Kornblum

Avis Wukasch

Alpha Painting & Decorating Co.

Bill Allaway

Grace Krienke

June Young

Austin Telco Federal Credit Union

David Allen

Debby Krueger

Fireworks Members

Austin White Lime

James Baros

Ginger Krueger

Anchor Ventana Glass

BTX Global

Brian Barringhaus

Larry Krupicka

BMC Software

Budweiser/Brown Distributing

Jim Bast

Gordon Leeks

Rich Allen

Casa Mechanical Services

Glynn Bloomquist

Randy Livingston

Roy Beard

Catapult Systems

Cindy Brouillette

Drew Marcks

Craig Courville

Chuy's

Bill & Chick Canet

Mendy Marshall

Melba Fesmire

Dell, Inc.

Bill & Liz Caskey

Frank Martin

Allen Fletcher

Dynamic Systems, Inc.

Martin Cirkiel

Nyle Maxwell

Katherine Galloway

ETS-Lindgren, Inc.

Martin & Josephine Cooper

Amy Mifflin

First State Bank Central Texas

Rox Covert

Ron Moellur

H-E-B

Joseph Crawford

Brian Moore

Hill Country Dairies

Charlie Culpepper

Trey Morales

Hilton Garden Inn

Cindy De La Cruz

David Moskowitz

Huebinger Studios

Chris Doggett

George & Constance Munley

Ideal Signs

Mike Doyle

Jan Opella

Kaufman Communications

Kevin Driskill

Mike Parker

Taylor Auto Credit

Thomas Dunn

Mike Parks

L&O Electric, Inc.

Melba Fesmire

Alex Parma

Locke Lord

Richard Gaines

Will Peckham

Moman Design

Larry & Francis Garner

Brian Pitman

Mrs Baird's

John Gavurnik

Darren Quick

Oakwood Surgery Center

Robert Green

James Ratzman

Pendleton Tax/Financial Services

Anthony & Gwen Grigsby

Jim Reed

Property Management Company

Bill Hall

Peter & Carol Sajovich

SportClips

George Henry

Phil Savage

St. David's RR Medical Center

Big Boy Hester

Steve Sheets

Texas Corrugators

Andy Hines

Ab & Dinah Schuler

Thomas Sebring

The Brigadier Group, LLC

Matt Hobbs

Bob Stephens

Jim Spates

The Rock Group

Cliff Hodgins

Sean Stevens

David Strickland

The Skidmore Family

Levi Holfield

Rocky Suda

Dorothy Sullivan

United Heritage Credit Union

Byron Howard

Wade Todd

Kent Thompson

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Debbie Jeffrey

Chris Toliver

Wayne & Barbara Weathersbee

Wag-a-Bag

Gregg Johnson

Elias Villanueva

Mike Woydziak

YMCA of Greater Williamson Co.

Allen King

Lucas Wilson

Gordon Graham Justin Greenhalgh Michael Hill Darold Hobbs Harrell Hoffman Dorothy Jarnigan Jim Jarvis Milton Jez Karen Kistler Douglas Laws Rick McCown Paul Mechler Chris O'Dell Jerry Oxford Lisa Quintero Randall Ray Madison Scholl

"We look forward to every game and are very excited to once again be part of the Houston Astros organization. We have "ballpark friends" who have become our best friends over the years, and we know many of the ushers and staff very well. Our favorite parts of being at Dell Diamond for all these years is certainly the relationships we have made, the community minded organization, and of course baseball!"

- LOUANN & KEN KORNBLUM

Round Rock Express

71

Jessica McComas 512.434.9394

Stephanie Lovato 512.466.8745

If our name isn’t on your RV, you probably paid too much.

3 Great Locations 512-282-3516

512-931-7500

BUDA

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254-857-3525 HEWITT / WACO

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Austin 71

EXIT 220 Next to Cabela’s San Marcos

Buda Lockhart

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• Acres and acres of RV’s!

• VIP preferred customer package • Indoor showrooms • 70-site campground (Buda location) • 15 Service bays in Buda • 32 Service bays in Georgetown • 60-ton lifts • Engine / Transmission service • Certified technicians • FREE 790 page parts catalog • Service all brands and makes • We buy used RV’s • After-hours service drop-off • Low price guarantee • Open 7-days year around • National Dealer of the Year • Member: RVDA / TRVA

Want your chance to walk away from an Express game a little richer? Thanks to the passing of Proposition 5 in 2018, the Express, Nolan Ryan Foundation and Cook-Walden Funeral Homes & Cemeteries are joining forces to host a 50/50 raffle every home game.

A 50/50 raffle means that half of the net proceeds from 50/50 ticket sales each night will go to one lucky fan while the other half will go back to the Nolan Ryan Foundation!

Fans will be able to purchase raffle tickets from the time the gates open until the end of the 6th inning. The winner will be announced in the 7th inning.

At the end of the season, the Nolan Ryan Foundation will make a donation to a variety of local nonprofit organizations in Central Texas through their recently-founded community grant program. Every night is a new chance to not only win, but help a great cause in the process.

Tickets can be purchased at the 50/50 raffle kiosk on the concourse behind home plate or from one of the roaming vendors throughout the stadium. All raffle ticket purchases must be made with cash or a debit card. Credit cards will not be accepted, per state law.

T H E LAR GEST P RIZE FROM THE 2018 S E AS ON 74

Round Rock Express

Cleveland Pittsburgh Columbus

Indianapolis

Las Vegas

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LIVE LOOK-INS AND ANALYSIS ON MLB TONIGHT™ PLUS 5 LIVE GAMES EACH WEEK

© 2019 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PROPERTIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

42 FLAVORS Catering & Events

of old fashioned ice cream, shakes, sodas, floats and over 400 different kinds of candy.

Come see us in Section 115 703 S. Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626 | 512.868.2659 | allthingskids.us/scoops

AROUND THE BALLPARK

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BIRTHDAY AREA

4

COOP & KENNEL

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ONO PACIFIC GRILL

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PEPSI REFRESHMENT ZONE

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AUSTIN’S PIZZA

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SCOOPS ICE CREAM

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METRO DELI

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HOME PLATE GATE

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FIRST BASE GATE RIGHT FIELD GATE FIRST AID

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SEASON MEMBER HQ RAILYARD TEAM STORE GEAR

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ROUND ROCK ROOM

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TEXAS ROOM

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BRUSHY CREEK ROOM

TEXAS BACKYARD 18 H-E-B PICNIC AREA TEXAS BACKYARD 19 H-E-B POOL & SPA BAR BY 20 BULLPEN DRIPPING SPRINGS VODKA 22 FUN ZONE

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16 FRANK’S HOT DOGS

21 HOME RUN DUGOUT

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TICKET WINDOW GUEST SERVICES

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TEXAS LEGENDS GRILL

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BREW AT THE ROCK BEER GARDEN

10 FAIRLANE’S DINER

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23 ROCKERS

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WOMEN’S RESTROOM

13

24 HOME RUN PORCH* 25 BUDWEISER PARTY PORCH* 26 INTEL CLUB* 27 LONE STAR SUITE* 28 ASHTON WOODS PARTY DECK*

MEN’S RESTROOM

* ON THE SECOND FLOOR BLUE = STADIUM FEATURES RED = FOOD & BEVERAGE OPTIONS

FAMILY RESTROOM BREASTFEEDING ROOM ALL RESTROOMS HAVE CHANGING STATIONS

For more details, visit