The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, hosted the 2017 Texas League All-Star game Tuesday night. The event saw some of the best players throughout the Texas League gather together to share their love of the game.
Seven Frisco RoughRiders players saw time on the field. Jose Trevino, Jose Cardona, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Collin Wiles, Ariel Jurado, Cody Palmquist, and Shane McCain all participated in the All-Star game. The RoughRiders division won, as the South took a 10-3 victory over the North Division.
The Frisco RoughRiders organization put on a fantastic series of events. From a Fan Fest to a celebrity softball game, to the All-Star game itself. The club did a phenomenal job representing the Texas League and accommodating players from the entire league.
Players from the Tulsa Drillers, Midland RockHounds (including All-Star MVP B.J. Boyd), San Antonio Missions, Arkansas Travelers, Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Corpus Christi Hooks, Springfield Cardinals, and of course, the Frisco RoughRiders were all present at the game.
Despite success in the game, or success during the first half of the season, the All-Star game meant much more. It was a time for players who battle against each other day after day to come together as one. The relationships, friendships, and knowledge gained from an event like this are priceless. This was a time for fun and relaxation. Enjoying the game of baseball, and putting on a show for a great crowd, was the mission. And it was accomplished.
In speaking to the Frisco RoughRiders players after the game, you could tell that they enjoyed the experience, and were truly honored to be selected as All-Stars. They enjoyed hanging out and talking with players from other teams, and even learning a little from everyone who was present.
This was surely a day that these young players will remember forever.
Take a look at some pictures from the Texas League All-Star game:
Post game interviews with RoughRiders players and manager Joe Mikulik can be heard here:
Joe Mikulik, Frisco RoughRiders Manager
Collin Wiles, Frisco RoughRiders Pitcher
Jose Trevino, Frisco RoughRiders Catcher