A's extend player development contract with Double-A Midland
A's and Rockhounds agree on two-year extension through 2016
OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland Athletics have announced the club has extended its player development contract with Double-A Midland of the Texas League through the 2016 season. The Midland RockHounds have had a minor league affiliation with the A's since 1999.
"We are extremely pleased to continue our affiliation with the Midland RockHounds," said A's Vice President and General Manager Billy Beane. "Their owners, Miles Prentice and Bob Richmond, and their entire front office, led by Monty Hoppel, have been fantastic to work with over the last 16 years. I believe it has been a mutually beneficial relationship, and we look forward to playing at Security Bank Ballpark through 2016 and beyond."
The RockHounds, who face Tulsa in Game 3 of the Texas League Championship Series at Security Bank Ballpark tonight, posted a 77-63 record this season and advanced to the championship round by beating Frisco, three games to one, in the division series.
Security Bank Ballpark, a 4,709-seat venue that features grass berm areas that add substantially to the overall capacity, first opened in 2002. The A's affiliation with Midland dates back 16 years and is the longest tenure in franchise history. It is also among the longest active in all of Double-A Baseball. The RockHound's Monty Hoppel, a five-time Texas League Executive of the Year and the 2010 Minor League Baseball Executive of the Year, has served as team's general manager for 25 years.