Greeneville Astros Receive Championship Rings
Published on April 8, 2016 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Greeneville Astros News Release
Greeneville Astros GM David Lane Addresses the Crowd
(Greeneville Astros, Credit: Skip Stowers)
KISSIMMEE, FL - The 2015 Greeneville Astros received their Appalachian League Championship rings during a recent ceremony at the Houston Astros spring training complex in Kissimmee, Florida. The special banquet was attended by 27 players from last year's team as well as several staff members from both the Greeneville Astros and Houston Astros.
The event served as a celebration of the Astros' magical run to their first Appalachian League title since their inaugural 2004 season. After dinner was served, the Houston Astros' director of minor league operations Allen Rowin, began the festivities with a welcome message followed by a highlight video from the past season.
The video, which allowed everyone to relive the dramatic conclusion to the season, began with highlights from nearly every player on the team that carried the Astros to a 34-33 record and clinched a playoff berth on the final day of the regular season. Then, a clip of the come-from-behind series win against the Kingsport Mets in the first round was followed by a highlight and radio call of the final out in the Astros 8-7 series-clinching win over the Princeton Rays to claim the title.
Emotional and inspiring speeches from Greeneville general manager David Lane, Houston Astros minor league field coordinator Paul Runge, and Greeneville manager Lamarr Rogers followed the video. Then, each member of the field staff and each player in attendance was called up one-by-one to receive their ring.
Some of the players on hand included team MVP and Appalachian League All-Star Connor Goedert, first-round pick and playoff standout Kyle Tucker, fellow first-rounder Daz Cameron, league-leading base stealer Myles Straw, Appalachian League Pitcher of the Week Andrew Thome, Oscar Padron Award winner Ford Stainback, and outstanding playoff performer Rodrigo Ayarza among others.
Ring ceremonies have been quite frequent for the Houston Astros and their minor league affiliates in recent years. Houston's domestic minor league affiliates have more wins (1,682), a higher winning percentage (.550) and as many league titles (six) as any MLB organization since 2012, tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the most in baseball.
"This was really a fun night to celebrate all the team's accomplishments last year," said Lane. "The fan support was amazing throughout the year as we set single game and single season attendance records. We look forward to continuing the celebration with our fans when we begin our 2016 season."
In 2016, as the Astros look to defend their title, the celebration of the remarkable 2015 team will continue with giveaways and more commemorating the championship season. Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, June 23rd against the Johnson City Cardinals at Pioneer Park.
Ticket memberships are available for purchase at www.greenevilleastros.com or at the Astros administrative office located at Pioneer Park on the campus of Tusculum College. The office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:30pm.
The Greeneville Astros are the Appalachian League affiliate of the Houston Astros. For more information on the Astros, call (423) 638-0411 or visit www.greenevilleastros.com. For all the latest news and updates, follow the Astros on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Images from this story
 Greeneville Astros Show Their Championship Rings (Skip Stowers) |
 Greeneville Astros Championship Ring (Skip Stowers) |
 Greeneville Astros Pose with Championship Rings (Skip Stowers) |
 Greeneville Astros Manager Lamarr Rodgers Addresses the Team (Skip Stowers) |
 Greeneville Astros GM David Lane Addresses the Crowd (Skip Stowers) |
Appalachian League Stories from April 8, 2016
- Greeneville Astros Receive Championship Rings - Greeneville Astros
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