Dallas Minor League Baseball: The Texas Rangers’ Affiliate Teams
Minor league baseball has been a part of the Dallas, Texas landscape since 1888, when the Dallas Hams played in the Texas League. Over the years, the city has had various teams playing in various leagues, but since 2003, the Texas Rangers have been the major league affiliate of all Dallas minor league teams. This article will provide an overview of the current minor league teams in Dallas, their affiliations, and the unique features that make each team special.
Round Rock Express
The Round Rock Express is the AAA minor league affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The professional baseball team plays in the Pacific Coast League and is based in Round Rock, Texas, just north of Austin. The Express was founded in 2000, and they’ve made the playoffs seven times since then. The team is owned by Ryan-Sanders Baseball, which also owns the Frisco RoughRiders, the AA affiliate of the Rangers.
The Express play their home games at Dell Diamond, a 10,000-seat stadium located in Round Rock. They boast one of the most comfortable stadiums in the minor leagues, featuring luxury suites, a grassy berm, and plenty of activities for kids and adults.
Frisco RoughRiders
The Frisco RoughRiders are the AA affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the Texas League and is based in Frisco, Texas, about a 45-minute drive north of Dallas. The team has made the playoffs seven times and won the league championship in 2014.
The RoughRiders play their home games at Dr Pepper Ballpark, a 10,500-seat stadium located in Frisco. The stadium is considered to be one of the best minor league baseball parks in the country, featuring a picnic area, a swimming pool, and plenty of activities for kids and adults.
Down East Wood Ducks
The Down East Wood Ducks are the High-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The team was founded in 2017 and is based in Kinston, North Carolina, about a four-hour drive east of Dallas. The team plays in the Carolina League and has made the playoffs four times since its inception.
The Wood Ducks play their home games at Grainger Stadium, a 4,000-seat stadium located in Kinston. The stadium is known for its old-fashioned charm, featuring a classic brick façade and a grassy playing field.
Hickory Crawdads
The Hickory Crawdads are the Low-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The team was founded in 1993 and plays in the South Atlantic League. The Crawdads are based in Hickory, North Carolina, about a three-hour drive east of Dallas. The team has made the playoffs seven times and won the league championship in 2002.
The Crawdads play their home games at L.P. Frans Stadium, a 4,500-seat stadium located in Hickory. The stadium is known for its friendly atmosphere, featuring a picnic area, playground, and plenty of activities for kids and adults.
Spokane Indians
The Spokane Indians are the Short-Season A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The team was founded in 1903 and plays in the Northwest League. The Indians are based in Spokane, Washington, about a six-hour flight west of Dallas. The team has made the playoffs four times and won the league championship in 2009.
The Indians play their home games at Avista Stadium, a 6,000-seat stadium located in Spokane. The stadium is known for its scenic views, featuring a grassy berm and plenty of activities for kids and adults.
AZL Rangers
The AZL Rangers are the Rookie-level affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The team was founded in 1996 and plays in the Arizona League. The Rangers are based in Surprise, Arizona, about a two-hour flight west of Dallas. The team has made the playoffs four times and won the league championship in 2006.
The AZL Rangers play their home games at Surprise Stadium, a 10,000-seat stadium located in Surprise. The stadium is known for its modern amenities, featuring luxury suites, a grassy berm, and plenty of activities for kids and adults.
DSL Rangers
The DSL Rangers are the Dominican Summer League affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The team was founded in 2007 and plays in the Dominican Summer League. The Rangers are based in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, about a two-hour flight south of Dallas. The team has made the playoffs four times and won the league championship in 2011.
The DSL Rangers play their home games at Estadio Quisqueya, a 5,000-seat stadium located in Boca Chica. The stadium is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring a grassy berm and plenty of activities for kids and adults.
Unique Features of Dallas Minor League Teams
All of the Dallas minor league teams offer something unique to their fans. The Round Rock Express boast one of the most comfortable stadiums in the minor leagues, Dell Diamond. The Frisco RoughRiders boast one of the best minor league ballparks in the country, Dr Pepper Ballpark. The Down East Wood Ducks feature a classic brick façade and grassy playing field at Grainger Stadium. The Hickory Crawdads offer a friendly atmosphere at L.P. Frans Stadium. The Spokane Indians boast a grassy berm and scenic views at Avista Stadium. The AZL Rangers offer luxury suites and a grassy berm at Surprise Stadium. And the DSL Rangers provide a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of activities at Estadio Quisqueya.
Dallas Minor League Team Highlights
- Round Rock Express: 7 playoff appearances since 2000
- Frisco RoughRiders: 7 playoff appearances and 1 league championship (2014)
- Down East Wood Ducks: 4 playoff appearances since 2017
- Hickory Crawdads: 7 playoff appearances and 1 league championship (2002)
- Spokane Indians: 4 playoff appearances and 1 league championship (2009)
- AZL Rangers: 4 playoff appearances and 1 league championship (2006)
- DSL Rangers: 4 playoff appearances and 1 league championship (2011)
Dallas Minor League Team Fans
The Dallas minor league teams have some of the most passionate and loyal fans in all of baseball. Whether they’re cheering on the Round Rock Express, Frisco RoughRiders, Down East Wood Ducks, Hickory Crawdads, Spokane Indians, AZL Rangers, or DSL Rangers, fans in Dallas know how to show their support for their favorite teams.
The teams also boast some of the best promotions in all of baseball. From fireworks shows to bobblehead giveaways, the teams always find ways to keep fans entertained.
Dallas Minor League Baseball: A Bright Future
Minor league baseball has been a part of the Dallas landscape for over 130 years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The teams are consistently competitive and boast some of the best promotions in all of baseball.
For fans in Dallas, the future of minor league baseball looks bright. With the Texas Rangers’ affiliate teams, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Round Rock Express, Frisco RoughRiders, Down East Wood Ducks, Hickory Crawdads, Spokane Indians, AZL Rangers, or DSL Rangers, there’s something special about each team that makes them unique.
Minor league baseball in Dallas is here to stay, and it’s sure to provide plenty of excitement and entertainment for years to come.
Conclusion
Dallas has a long and storied history of minor league baseball, and the city’s teams are all affiliated with the Texas Rangers. From the Round Rock Express to the DSL Rangers, Dallas has something for everyone. Each team boasts unique features, passionate fans, and plenty of promotions.
Minor league baseball in Dallas is alive and well, and it’s sure to provide plenty of entertainment and excitement for years to come.