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September 6, 2004

Minor League Road Trip - Frisco, Texas
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Minor League Ramblings is produced by Bill Mitchell for Minor League Watch.

 

Road Trip: Visiting a Minor League Paradise in the 'Burbs September 9,  2004 One of the nine buildings that ring the concourse of Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark One of the nicest stadiums in organized baseball, and a great minor league experience, can be found in the Dallas-Ft. Worth suburb of Frisco, Texas. Located less than an hour from their parent team's home in Arlington, the Frisco RoughRiders pack Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark nearly every time that the Texas Rangers AA Texas League affiliate is at home. The "dancing umpire" does a somersault during one of many between inning promotions The RoughRiders are in their second year in existence, having relocated from Shreveport, Louisiana. The team averaged 9.296 fans per game in its inaugural season, the fourth best overall total in minor league ball. Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark was named the best new ballpark in the country by the ballparks.com web site. The Frisco facility is unique in its eye appeal from both inside and outside the stadium. The nine individual buildings that ring the concourse of the ballpark are reminiscent of an old Texas village. These buildings house the team offices, press box, luxury suites and, on the ground floor, restrooms and concession stands. Fans in the suites can step outside to view the game from chairs on a porch just outside the individual suites. The RoughRider mascot escorts Olympic gold medalist Carly Patterson onto the field The RoughRiders stage the usual run of wacky promotions throughout the game, and of course there's the inevitable mascot that mugs it up with the fans and takes part in between inning stunts. In addition to these normal promotions, the team hosted two local celebrities the night we visited Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark. Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and Olympic gold medal gymnast Carly Patterson were both honored during the game. Jason Botts slides into third base with a bases clearing triple Concessions run from your standard ballpark fare to more contemporary items like wraps. Of course, it wouldn't be Texas without BBQ; Teddy's (named after the original RoughRider himself) sells barbeque beef brisket from its location in the right field corner. The RoughRiders put a good product on the field, too, as the team made the league playoffs and swept its first series against Tulsa. Among the Rangers' top prospects on the Frisco roster are first baseman Jason Botts, second baseman Jason Bourgeois, shortstops Ian Kinsler and Drew Meyer, and pitchers Josh Rupe and Edwin Moreno. The Frisco area, and especially the land surrounding the ballpark, is in the midst of massive commercial development, so the homey atmosphere of Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark may not always exist. If you find yourself in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area next season, be sure to catch a game in one of baseball's more unique ballparks.  --- Bill Mitchell

 

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