Express News and Notes
May 31, 2006 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
It's been nearly four years since he last pitched in the minors, but seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens will role back through the farm system starting June 6.
Clemens, who inked a one-year, $22 million pro-rated contract with the Houston Astros on Wednesday, will pitch alongside his son, Koby, at Single-A Lexington on June 6. He'll then make a stop in Double-A Corpus Christi before swinging into The Dell Diamond on Friday, June 16.
As of late Wednesday, berm seating remained for Clemens' scheduled stop in Round Rock.
Forty-three years-old, Clemens pitched for the University of Texas and was the 19th overall pick by the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the 1983 draft. He has more wins (341) than any active pitcher.
Clemens posted a 13-8 record with a 1.87 earned-run average in 32 regular-season games for Houston last year. He is scheduled to return to the Astros rotation on June 22 to start against the Twins.
Recent Transactions: Delete P Mark McLemore to Extended Spring Training, May 25; Add OF Brian Gordon from Disabled List, May 27.
Current Homestand Schedule
Wednesday, May 31 vs. Memphis (St. Louis Cardinals), 7:05 p.m.
Express cooler bags for the first 3,000 fans
Player autograph session from 6:00 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.
Thursday, June 1 vs. Memphis, 7:05 p.m.
Thirsty Thursday, half-price beer and $1 sodas
"School of Rock" show from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
"Skills for Bills" benefiting The Miracle League
Friday, June 2 vs. Memphis, 7:05
Post-game fireworks
"The Blue Brothers Act"
Saturday, June 3 vs. Omaha (Kansas City Royals), 7:05 p.m.
"Used Car Night" - five to six cars will be given away throughout the game, must be 18 with a valid Texas drivers license and proof of insurance
Sunday, June 4 vs. Omaha, 7:05 p.m.
"Kids Day"
"Faith Night" - pre-game concert in the parking lot featuring Shaun Groves and the Veggie Tales from 5:30 p.m. to 6:40 p.m.
Monday, June 5 vs. Omaha, 7:05 p.m.
Dollar hot dogs and sodas
Tuesday, June 6 vs. Omaha, 7:05 p.m.
Half-price group night
2-for-1 tickets with ad from the Austin American-Statesman
Junior's Grill and Icehouse Express Autograph Session
Fans will have the chance to get up close and personal with several Round Rock players before Wednesday's game (May 31) against Memphis.
Round Rock will host the first Junior's Grill and Icehouse Express Autograph session between 6:00 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. before the game, near the home plate entrance to The Dell Diamond. Two Express players will be on hand, signing autographs and mingling with fans.
Voice Your Vote
For the first time in 19 years, fans will have a chance to vote online for their favorite players to be selected to the Triple-A All-Star game.
Triple-A Baseball and MLB Advanced Media, LP announced this week that baseball fans, who have long had the privilege of voting for the Major League All-Star Game's lineups, will now be given that chance at Minor League Baseball's highest level.
The online balloting program will help determine the players in both the International League and Pacific Coast League who will be honored with a trip to the annual showdown between the two Triple-A Leagues. The 19th annual Triple-A All-Star Game will take place at Toledo's Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, July 12 at 6:00 p.m. CST.
The fan balloting, which will be held from June 1-23, will account for one-third of the total vote, along with ballots cast by members of the media (1/3) and each club's field manager, coaches, and general manager (1/3). Fans can select one player for each of the infield positions, plus three outfielders, a designated hitter and four pitchers - two starters and two relievers. Nominees will be chosen by the PCL and IL offices from players active as of May 26. Write-in votes for players not listed on the ballot will also be accepted.
The voting will begin June 1 on several websites, including www.rrexpress.com, www.MiLB.com, www.ILBaseball.com and www.PCLBaseball.com.
Spots Still Available In Express Baseball Camps
The first round of Round Rock Express Baseball Camps in underway, but there's still time to sign up for the next two sessions. Express coach Spike Owen and three-time All-American Kirk Dressendorfer brings their expertise and experience to the finest minor league baseball stadium in the nation, The Dell Diamond. These two "Texas Legends" will conduct multiple camps for beginner through advanced skill levels. All campers are given individual, "hands-on" instruction in the fundamentals of hitting, fielding, throwing, base running, and pitching, as well as a positive mental approach to the game. HAVING FUN, while learning & improving, is the camp's goal.
Each camp is four days, starting daily at 9:00 a.m and wrapping up and 12:00 p.m. (half-day) or 9:00 p.m. (full-day/overnight). The camps will be limited to a maximum of 120 campers per week. Campers must be between the ages of 6-14 and are responsible for brining Little League or turf shoes, a baseball glove, baseball pants and a cap. Parents (and cameras) are welcome at all times.
Full Day / Overnight Camps
Four days of instruction (9AM-9PM) in All Skill Levels for ages 8-18 year olds. High School campers will be separated from other age groups to receive the most advanced, intense instruction. Overnight camp will be limited to 50 campers max. There will be advanced instruction in hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching, catching & base running, as well as theory, strategy & positional development. Daily Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner provided for the Overnight Camp; Lunch and Dinner provided for the Full Day Camp. Lodging & night practices will be held at The Dell Diamond. Campers will be fully supervised throughout camp hours. Camp instruction ends at 12:00pm Thursday.
The next camp kicks off June 12 at The Dell Diamond. For more information, or to sign up, visit http://www.roundrockexpress.com/community/camps/.
Hit a Home Run for Reading Program
Hit a Home Run for Reading by signing up for the Summer Reading Program, sponsored by the Round Rock Express, A+ Federal Credit Union and the Austin American-Statesman. To build excitement about reading and learning over the summer break, the Austin American-Statesman will publish a 10-week summer reading program beginning June 5th, 2006.
The summer series will include a "Twisted Tales" serial story by Carla Birnberg, special student news features, activities, book reviews, author biographies, and much more. Each discounted Austin American-Statesman subscription comes with a Parent Guide and Interactive Journal for students. Program participants who read four books over the summer will receive Round Rock Express tickets, a T-shirt, and other great prizes. Students will also be helping their school win $500 for library books.
For more information, or to sign up for the program, visit www.statesman.com/NIE.
Express Birthday Bash
Youngsters can celebrate their special day at a Round Rock Express baseball game. The Express Birthday Bash, presented by Buddy & Al's Take 'N Bake Pizza, is just $200 for 10 guests and includes the following:
--Berm tickets for the entire group, which may be upgraded to reserved seating
--Two reserved picnic tables on the third base concourse
--Hot dogs and chips OR pizza, plus sodas for the entire group
--A baseball themed birthday cake
--A special birthday gift from the Express
--An opportunity to run on the field with Spike between innings
--A scoreboard birthday greeting
--Party favor packages are also available beginning at $5.00 extra
Please contact the Express Director of Community Relations, Heather Tantimonaco at 512-238-2217 to reserve a date for your child's birthday party at The Dell Diamond.
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 31, 2006
- Sky Sox edge Beavers, 4-3 - Portland Beavers
- Isotopes fall in 11 at Oklahoma, 3-2 - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Trzesniak delivers 3-2 win for RedHawks - Oklahoma City Comets
- Sounds Blast Way Past I-Cubs, 6-5 - Nashville Sounds
- Giant Opportunities Available Now for Visually Impaired Children - Fresno Grizzlies
- Catch the Fever at the Fresno Grizzlies Third Annual Grizzlies Junior Giant Glove Drive - Fresno Grizzlies
- Express slide continues - Round Rock Express
- Astacio allows three runs in first rehab start - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Padres purchase contract of Brian Sikorski - Portland Beavers
- Individual tickets for Coventry City game on sale June 1 - Portland Beavers
- RedHawks to build Habitat for Humanity house - Oklahoma City Comets
- Express News and Notes - Round Rock Express
- Sky Sox announce vocalist tryouts - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Royals game notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Clemens Scheduled For Express Start - Round Rock Express
- Grizzlies walk away from Tucson in a 3-2 victory - Fresno Grizzlies
- Hansen's homer drops Tucson - Tucson Sidewinders
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