Heading for Texas
Midland, TX – While heading to Texas, I will be spending the day in airports making my way to Midland for tonight’s game three of the Texas League Championship series. Didn’t get more than a couple winks of sleep last night due to excitement of getting another chance to see my son pitch in his first full season effort.
Last night the Midland RockHounds managed to even up the series with a late inning win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Neither starting pitcher factored into the decision and Naturals were held to only a few hits in the loss before climbing into the bus for the long ride to Midland.
My guess is that the Springdale to Midland trip maybe one of the longest bus rides in the entire minor leagues. Can anyone think of a longer road trip?
The RockHounds, Double-A affiliate of the Oakland A’s, are the defending champs of the Texas League. This years match-up is identical to last year, but I know the Naturals are planning for different results.
The Naturals, Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will send John Lamb to the hill for tonight’s Texas League contest. This should be the last start of this professional baseball season for the young lefty. Tonight’s start will mark his 30th of the year. Still no word on any plans the Royals have for John during the off-season except a little rest.
John, including other teammates, have cleaned up their apartments and getting their affairs to say good-bye to the Springdale, AR community for now. Some will be returning to the Naturals next April while others maybe heading elsewhere.
Thanks to the kindness of a dear friend and associate in the game of baseball I am spending the day in airports to get my hinny in a seat behind the plate for game three of the Texas League Championship series. I hope to give some good news and share a few new pictures after the next few days in Midland, TX.
Go Naturals!
James Lamb
The Baseball Prospect Dad is now Baseball Practice Dad 
Well, the Royals AAA Omaha affiliate is in the Pacific Coast League, so they have Sacramento, Fresno, Tacoma, and Portland to play. The PCL’s easternmost team is in Nashville so any games between them and Tacoma would certainly make for a long trip. I assume that teams in the PCL fly, though, since there is often not an off day for travel.
glp,
Yes…the PCL has longer trips but like you indicated most travel is done with air. Bus rides and minor league baseball have always gone together and always will!
Just found this. It’s a week old, but I’m thinking that since you haven’t mentioned it maybe you didn’t see it.
http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100908&content_id=14449916&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc
glp,
Thanks for the link to the Mayo article. I did mention sometime back the good things that were happening off the field…that interview was one of the items which I could not discuss until released by Mayo! Good read and glad he seems to have an idea on how to answer the media questions about his team and career.