Wilmington Blue Rocks
Encyclopedia
The Wilmington Blue Rocks are a Minor League Baseball
team located in Wilmington, Delaware
. The Blue Rocks play in the Northern Division of the Carolina League
.
, an advanced Single-A league in minor league baseball. The name "Blue Rocks" was chosen because of the blue granite found along the Brandywine River in Wilmington. The Blue Rocks play at Judy Johnson
Field at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium
in Wilmington's growing Riverfront district and was instrumental in bringing commerce and public attention to the once ignored and dilapidated area of the city.
The Blue Rocks played their first season in 1993 when the Peninsula Pilots
were purchased and relocated to the riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware. Principal owner Frank Boulton and co-owner Bud Harrelson
bought the franchise in 1992, moved the team from Hampton, Virginia
, and changed their affiliation from the Seattle Mariners
' farm system to the Kansas City Royals
'. When the franchise moved to Wilmington in 1993, the ballpark was known as Legends Stadium, after the sports legends of Delaware. After Frawley, the Wilmington mayor who played a major role in the creation of the team, died while playing a recreational basketball game, the stadium was renamed Daniel S. Frawley Stadium in his honor.
The Blue Rocks have always been a Kansas City farm team, except for the 2005 and 2006 seasons when the team was affiliated with the Boston Red Sox
.
In 2005, the Blue Rocks were featured in Sportscenter
's 50 States in 50 Days. Matt Winer
reported from a set in left field where Sportscenter did stories on the many mascots of the Blue Rocks. The Aug. 19 game featuring SportsCenter drew the Blue Rocks' largest crowd in team history.
The Blue Rocks have three mascots. One is Rocky Bluewinkle, a blue moose. Another is Mr. Celery, a stalk of celery that comes out to "CEL"-a-brate when Wilmington scores a run. Finally, there is Rubble, a giant blue rock.
, including All-Stars
Carlos Beltrán
, Lance Carter
, Johnny Damon
, Zack Greinke
, Jon Lieber
, José Rosado
, and Mike Sweeney
. Other former Blue Rock players of note include:
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team located in Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States, and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities in the Delaware Valley...
. The Blue Rocks play in the Northern Division of the Carolina League
Carolina League
The Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
.
Franchise history
The Blue Rocks play in the Carolina LeagueCarolina League
The Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
, an advanced Single-A league in minor league baseball. The name "Blue Rocks" was chosen because of the blue granite found along the Brandywine River in Wilmington. The Blue Rocks play at Judy Johnson
Judy Johnson
William Julius "Judy" Johnson was an American third baseman in Negro league baseball.Johnson was born in Snow Hill, Maryland. Although his father wanted him to be a boxer, Johnson, who was 5 ft 11 in and only 150 lb , was far better suited for a career in baseball...
Field at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium
Daniel S. Frawley Stadium
Daniel S. Frawley Stadium is a stadium in Wilmington, Delaware. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league baseball team. The park was originally known as Legends Stadium when it was built in 1993. It was renamed in 1994 for Wilmington mayor...
in Wilmington's growing Riverfront district and was instrumental in bringing commerce and public attention to the once ignored and dilapidated area of the city.
The Blue Rocks played their first season in 1993 when the Peninsula Pilots
Peninsula Pilots
The Peninsula Pilots are an amateur baseball team in the Coastal Plain League, collegiate summer baseball league. The team plays its home games at the War Memorial Stadium in Hampton, Virginia...
were purchased and relocated to the riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware. Principal owner Frank Boulton and co-owner Bud Harrelson
Bud Harrelson
Derrel McKinley "Bud" Harrelson is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who played for the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers from to . After retiring, he served as a coach for the World Champion Mets, and as manager of the Mets in 1990 and 1991...
bought the franchise in 1992, moved the team from Hampton, Virginia
Hampton, Virginia
Hampton is an independent city that is not part of any county in Southeast Virginia. Its population is 137,436. As one of the seven major cities that compose the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, it is on the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula. Located on the Hampton Roads Beltway, it hosts...
, and changed their affiliation from the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
' farm system to the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
'. When the franchise moved to Wilmington in 1993, the ballpark was known as Legends Stadium, after the sports legends of Delaware. After Frawley, the Wilmington mayor who played a major role in the creation of the team, died while playing a recreational basketball game, the stadium was renamed Daniel S. Frawley Stadium in his honor.
The Blue Rocks have always been a Kansas City farm team, except for the 2005 and 2006 seasons when the team was affiliated with the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
.
In 2005, the Blue Rocks were featured in Sportscenter
SportsCenter
SportsCenter is a daily sports news television show, and the flagship program of American cable network ESPN since the network launched on September 7, 1979. Originally broadcast only daily, SportsCenter is now shown up to twelve times a day, replaying the day's scores and highlights from major...
's 50 States in 50 Days. Matt Winer
Matt Winer
Matthew Ward Winer is an American television personality for Turner Sports and formerly with ESPN.-Career:Turner Sports signed Winer in 2010 to contribute to coverage of sports across its networks. He became the primary studio host for Major League Baseball on TBS, replacing Ernie Johnson Jr., who...
reported from a set in left field where Sportscenter did stories on the many mascots of the Blue Rocks. The Aug. 19 game featuring SportsCenter drew the Blue Rocks' largest crowd in team history.
The Blue Rocks have three mascots. One is Rocky Bluewinkle, a blue moose. Another is Mr. Celery, a stalk of celery that comes out to "CEL"-a-brate when Wilmington scores a run. Finally, there is Rubble, a giant blue rock.
Players of note
More than 100 Blue Rocks have gone on to the major leaguesMajor League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
, including All-Stars
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
Carlos Beltrán
Carlos Beltrán
Carlos Iván Beltrán is a Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early life:In his youth, Beltrán excelled in many sports, with volleyball and baseball being his favorites. At his father's urging, he gave up volleyball to concentrate on baseball when he was seventeen...
, Lance Carter
Lance Carter
Lance David Carter is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He has pitched in Major League Baseball with the Kansas City Royals Tampa Bay Devil Rays , and Los Angeles Dodgers . He bats and throws right-handed...
, Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
, Zack Greinke
Zack Greinke
Donald Zackary "Zack" Greinke is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. Greinke won the American League Cy Young Award in 2009 with the Kansas City Royals.-High school & minor leagues:Greinke was born in Orlando, Florida...
, Jon Lieber
Jon Lieber
Jonathan Ray Lieber is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , New York Yankees , Philadelphia Phillies . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
, José Rosado
José Rosado
Jose Antonio Rosado is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Kansas City Royals from 1996 to 2000. He was drafted by the Royals in the 12th round of the 1994 amateur draft. He was a successful pitcher before his career was effectively ended by a torn rotator cuff...
, and Mike Sweeney
Mike Sweeney
Michael John "Mike" Sweeney is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. Sweeney played his first 13 seasons in the majors with the Kansas City Royals, originally as a catcher and then moving to first base. Sweeney has also played for the Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and Philadelphia...
. Other former Blue Rock players of note include:
- Jeremy AffeldtJeremy AffeldtJeremy David Affeldt is an American baseball professional pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He throws and bats left-handed. Previously, he has played for the Kansas City Royals, the Colorado Rockies, and the Cincinnati Reds....
- Angel BerroaAngel BerroaÁngel Maria Berroa Selmo is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. Berroa was selected as the 2003 American League Rookie of the Year.-Early career:...
2003 American League Rookie of the Year - Carlos BeltranCarlos BeltránCarlos Iván Beltrán is a Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early life:In his youth, Beltrán excelled in many sports, with volleyball and baseball being his favorites. At his father's urging, he gave up volleyball to concentrate on baseball when he was seventeen...
1999 American League Rookie of the Year - Brandon BergerBrandon BergerBrandon Charles Berger is a former Major League Baseball outfielder.Berger attended Beechwood High School in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in high school, but went to college and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 14th round of the 1996 Major League...
- Ryan BukvichRyan BukvichRyan Adrien Bukvich is a relief pitcher in Minor League Baseball who is currently with the Newark Bears. Bukvich attended the University of Mississippi....
- Tim ByrdakTim ByrdakTimothy Christopher Byrdak is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Mets. His previous major league experience came from to , when Byrdak played for the Kansas City Royals, an injury-plagued stint with the Baltimore Orioles, and one year with the Detroit Tigers.After playing for...
- Dee BrownDee Brown (baseball)Dermal Bram "Dee" Brown is a Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder for the Saitama Seibu Lions. He attended Marlboro Central High School in Marlboro, New York....
- Clay BuchholzClay BuchholzClay Daniel Buchholz pitches for the Boston Red Sox of major league baseball. On September 1, 2007, in just his second major league start, he recorded a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles, becoming the third MLB pitcher since 1900 to throw a no-hitter in his first or second start...
- Kiko CaleroKiko CaleroEnrique Nomar "Kiko" Calero is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-Professional career:...
- Lance CarterLance CarterLance David Carter is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He has pitched in Major League Baseball with the Kansas City Royals Tampa Bay Devil Rays , and Los Angeles Dodgers . He bats and throws right-handed...
2003 MLB All StarMajor League Baseball All-Star Game resultsEighty-two Major League Baseball All-Star Games have been played since the first one in 1933, with the National League winning 42, and the American League winning 38, with two ties. The National League has the longest winning streak of 11 games from 1972-1982; the American League held a 13-game... - Johnny DamonJohnny DamonJohnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
2-time World SeriesWorld SeriesThe World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
champion, author of "IDIOT", 2-time MLB All Star - David DeJesusDavid DeJesusDavid Christopher DeJesus is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.-Career:DeJesus was raised in Manalapan Township, New Jersey, and played high school baseball at Manalapan High School. He was drafted out of high school by the New York Mets in...
- Chad DurbinChad DurbinChad Griffin Durbin is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He has also played with the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians of the American League and the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies of the National League...
- Mark EllisMark Ellis (baseball)Mark William Ellis is an American professional baseball second baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball. He has played for the Oakland Athletics and Colorado Rockies.-Early career:...
- Jacoby EllsburyJacoby EllsburyJacoby McCabe Ellsbury ; born September 11, 1983) is an American professional baseball center fielder with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball....
Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
2005 first round draft pick, 2007 World Series Champion - Sal FasanoSal FasanoSalvatore Frank Fasano is a former Major League Baseball catcher who is currently the manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats of the Double A Eastern League, a Minor League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system. He is known to many for his famous Horseshoe moustache.Jeff Pearlman...
- Carlos FeblesCarlos FeblesCarlos Manuel Febles , is a retired professional baseball player who played second base in the Major Leagues.-Career:...
- Mike FyhrieMike FyhrieMichael Edwin Fyhrie is a former professional baseball player who played 5 seasons for the New York Mets, Anaheim Angels, Chicago Cubs, and Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball. He also pitched one season in Japan for the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2003...
- Raul GonzalezRaúl González (baseball)Victor Raúl González is a free agent Major League Baseball outfielder. He bats and throws right-handed....
- Zack GreinkeZack GreinkeDonald Zackary "Zack" Greinke is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. Greinke won the American League Cy Young Award in 2009 with the Kansas City Royals.-High school & minor leagues:Greinke was born in Orlando, Florida...
2009 MLB All Star, 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner, 2009 "The Sporting News" AL Pitcher of the Year - Rubén GotayRubén Gotay-Kansas City Royals:Gotay made his major league debut with the Kansas City Royals on August 4, , when they played the Chicago White Sox. He went 1-for-3 and got his first major league hit off José Contreras. Gotay played in 44 games for the Royals in 2004. He hit .270 with one home run and 16 RBI....
- Lance Jennings
- Shane HalterShane HalterShane David Halter is a former Major League Baseball infielder/outfielder and right-handed batter.-High school years:...
Became only the 4th person to play all nine positions in a Major League game on October 1, 2000 - Ken Harvey 2004 MLB All Star
- Runelvys HernándezRunelvys HernándezRunelvys Antonio Hernandez is a former right-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher .Hernandez made his major league debut July 15, , with Kansas City Royals...
- Eric HosmerEric HosmerEric John Hosmer is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball.-Early life:...
3rd overall pick in the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft2008 Major League Baseball DraftThe 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft continued Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, and was held on June 5 and 6, 2008.-First round selections:* Did not sign... - Jon LieberJon LieberJonathan Ray Lieber is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , New York Yankees , Philadelphia Phillies . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
first modern Blue Rock to appear in the Major Leagues, 20 game winner with the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National... - Mendy LopezMendy LopezMendy López Aude is a utility player who has played for many professional baseball teams including in the United States, South Korea, and the Dominican Republic.-Career summary:...
- Jed LowrieJed LowrieJed Carlson Lowrie is an American professional baseball infielder with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:Lowrie was born on April 17, 1984 and later attended North Salem High School....
- Ramon E. Martinez
- Mike MacDougalMike MacDougalRobert Meiklejohn MacDougal is a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, who is currently a free agent...
- Wes ObermuellerWes ObermuellerWesley Mitchell Obermueller is a free agent Major League Baseball pitcher with a career ERA of 5.82. He began his career in the Kansas City Royals organization when he was selected in the 2nd round of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft...
- Kit PellowKit PellowKit Donovan Pellow is a professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. He has played parts of three seasons in Major League Baseball as a utility player, and also played one season each in the Korean Baseball Organization and the Chinese Professional Baseball League.-Career:Pellow was...
- Paul PhillipsPaul Phillips (baseball)Paul Anthony Phillips is an American professional baseball catcher. He attended the University of Alabama. He is a first cousin of infielder Andy Phillips....
- Mark QuinnMark QuinnMark David Quinn is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and right-handed batter who played for the Kansas City Royals. Quinn was drafted in the 11th round of the 1995 Amateur Draft after playing two seasons for the Rice University Owls. He played for the Royals between 1999-2002...
- José RosadoJosé RosadoJose Antonio Rosado is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Kansas City Royals from 1996 to 2000. He was drafted by the Royals in the 12th round of the 1994 amateur draft. He was a successful pitcher before his career was effectively ended by a torn rotator cuff...
winning pitcher in 1997 MLB All-Star Game - Rudy RuferRudy RuferRudolf Joseph Rufer was a professional baseball player. He played in 26 games in Major League Baseball between the 1949 and 1950 seasons for the New York Giants, primarily as a shortstop....
- Glendon RuschGlendon RuschGlendon James Rusch is a left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He previously played for the Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres...
- Brian SanchesBrian SanchesBrian Sanches is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Florida Marlins.In 1996, Sanches graduated Nederland High School in Texas where he played baseball, basketball, football, and ran track. Sanches attended Lamar University in Texas where he played for the Lamar Cardinals Baseball team...
- Aníbal SánchezAníbal SánchezAníbal Alejandro Sánchez, Jr. [a-NEE-bal] is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher with the Miami Marlins. He is listed as 6 feet tall and 180 pounds...
Threw no hitter for Florida MarlinsFlorida MarlinsThe Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
in 2006 - José SantiagoJosé Santiago (2000s pitcher)José Rafael Santiago Fuentes is a Major League Baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Dorados de Chihuahua of the Mexican League. He bats and throws right-handed....
- Shawn SedlacekShawn SedlacekShawn Patrick Sedlacek is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played part of one season in Major League Baseball, primarily as a starting pitcher, for the Kansas City Royals in 2002....
- Andy Stewart
- Larry SuttonLarry SuttonLarry James Sutton is a former Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and Florida Marlins. He attended Mater Dei High School and the University of Illinois....
1994 Carolina League MVP - Mike SweeneyMike SweeneyMichael John "Mike" Sweeney is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. Sweeney played his first 13 seasons in the majors with the Kansas City Royals, originally as a catcher and then moving to first base. Sweeney has also played for the Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and Philadelphia...
Royals All-Star - Michael Tucker
- Hugh Walker
Retired numbers
- 33 Mike SweeneyMike SweeneyMichael John "Mike" Sweeney is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. Sweeney played his first 13 seasons in the majors with the Kansas City Royals, originally as a catcher and then moving to first base. Sweeney has also played for the Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and Philadelphia...
- 36 Robin Roberts (played for the original Blue Rocks franchise)
- 42 Jackie RobinsonJackie RobinsonJack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947...
(retired throughout baseball)
See also
- Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of FameDelaware Sports Museum and Hall of FameThe Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame is a membership-based organization founded in 1976. The organization runs a museum with exhibits at Daniel S...
- Daniel S. Frawley StadiumDaniel S. Frawley StadiumDaniel S. Frawley Stadium is a stadium in Wilmington, Delaware. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league baseball team. The park was originally known as Legends Stadium when it was built in 1993. It was renamed in 1994 for Wilmington mayor...
- Wilmington QuickstepsWilmington QuickstepsThe Wilmington Quicksteps were an 1884 late season replacement team in the Union Association. They finished with a 2-16 record and were managed by Joe Simmons. The team played home games in Union Street Park in Wilmington, Delaware....
- Wilmington ParkWilmington ParkWilmington Park was a ballpark in Wilmington, Delaware that was located at the corner of 30th Street and Governor Printz Boulevard. It was home to the University of Delaware football team from 1940 to 1952 and the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Class B Interstate League from 1940 to 1952...
- List of professional sports teams in Delaware