Hickory Crawdads

Last updated
Hickory Crawdads
HickoryCrawdads.png HickoryCrawdadscap.png
Team logoCap insignia
Minor league affiliations
Class Single-A (2025–present)
Previous classes
League Carolina League (2025–present)
DivisionSouth Division
Previous leagues
 South Atlantic League (1993–2024)
Major league affiliations
Team Texas Rangers (2009–present)
Previous teams
Minor league titles
League titles (3)
  • 2002
  • 2004
  • 2015
Division titles (4)
  • 2002
  • 2004
  • 2015
  • 2019
First-half titles (4)
  • 2002
  • 2003
  • 2011
  • 2015
Second-half titles (5)
  • 1994
  • 2004
  • 2007
  • 2019
  • 2023
Team data
NameHickory Crawdads (1993–present)
ColorsRed, black, Crawdad blue, white
    
Ballpark L. P. Frans Stadium (1993–present)
Owner(s)/
Operator(s)
 Diamond Baseball Holdings
General managerDouglas Locascio
ManagerChad Comer
Website milb.com/hickory

The Hickory Crawdads are a Minor League Baseball team of the Carolina League and the Single-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. They are located in Hickory, North Carolina, and play their home games at L. P. Frans Stadium, which opened in 1993 and has roughly 4,000 fixed seats.

Contents

Established in 1993 as members of the South Atlantic League (SAL), the Crawdads were affiliated with the Chicago White Sox through 1998. They became a farm club of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1999 and won the South Atlantic League championship in 2002 and 2004. Hickory has been affiliated with the Texas Rangers since 2009. The Crawdads won a third SAL championship in 2015. They moved to the High-A East in 2021, but this was renamed the South Atlantic League in 2022. They will be joining the Carolina League in 2025.

History

Several minor league baseball teams known as the Hickory Rebels played in Hickory, North Carolina, intermittently from 1936 to 1960. [1] Local businessman Don Beaver purchased the Gastonia Rangers and relocated them from Gastonia, North Carolina, to Hickory for the 1993 season. [2] Prior to the move, the Gastonia team had served as a minor league affiliate of both the Rangers and the Montreal Expos.

Fans were invited to submit suggestions for the team's name. Among the finalists were "Woodchucks", "River Rats", "Valley Cats", and "Hound Dogs". [3] The chosen name, "Crawdads", was selected because of the animals' strength and presence in local waterways. [3]

The Crawdads played in the South Atlantic League as the Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox in their inaugural 1993 season. The six-year affiliation regularly saw Hickory at or near the bottom of the standings, though they did qualify for the playoffs twice. On both occasions, however, they were eliminated without winning any games. The affiliation ended after the 1998 season with team accumulating a 374–464 record over that period. [1]

Hickory entered into a new affiliation with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1999. The Crawdads reached the postseason in five of ten seasons with Pittsburgh. They won two South Atlantic League championships, the first in 2002 and the second in 2004. [4] The affiliation ended after the 2008 season with Hickory going 705–677 over a span of 10 years. [1]

The Crawdads became an affiliate of the Texas Rangers in 2009. [1] Since then, they reached the SAL finals on two occasions and won the championship in 2015. [4] Following the 2017 season, the Rangers purchased the team from Beaver.

In conjunction with Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Crawdads were organized into the High-A East. [5] In 2022, the High-A East became known as the South Atlantic League, the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization. [6]

In July 2024, MiLB announced that the Crawdads, while remaining an affiliate of the Texas Rangers, will be demoted to class Single-A and join the Carolina League in 2025. [7]

Season-by-season results

SeasonRegular seasonPostseasonMLB affiliateRef.
RecordWin %LeagueDivisionGBRecordWin %Result
199352–88.37113th6th32+1⁄2——— Chicago White Sox [8]
199486–54.6142nd1st—0–2.000Won Second Half Northern Division title
Lost Northern Division title vs. Hagerstown Suns, 2–0 [9] 		Chicago White Sox [10]
199549–89.35514th7th35+1⁄2——— Chicago White Sox [11]
199655–85.39314th6th31——— Chicago White Sox [12]
199776–64.5434th2nd10–2.000Lost quarterfinals vs. Delmarva Shorebirds, 2–0 [13] Chicago White Sox [14]
199856–84.40013th6th33+1⁄2——— Chicago White Sox [15]
199970–70.5006th3rd12+1⁄23–2.600Won quarterfinals vs. Macon Braves, 2–0
Lost semifinals vs. Augusta GreenJackets, 2–1 [16] 		Pittsburgh Pirates [17]
200075–66.5324th (tie)3rd17——— Pittsburgh Pirates [18]
200167–73.47910th5th25——— Pittsburgh Pirates [19]
200283–56.5971st1st—5–2.714Won First Half Northern Division title
Won Northern Division title vs. Delmarva Shorebirds, 2–0
Won SAL championship vs. Columbus RedStixx, 3–2 [20] 		Pittsburgh Pirates [21]
200382–54.6032nd1st—1–2.333Won First Half Southern Division title
Lost Southern Division title vs. Rome Braves, 2–1 [22] 		Pittsburgh Pirates [23]
200485–55.6072nd1st—5–01.000Won Second Half Northern Division title
Won Northern Division title vs. Charleston Alley Cats, 2–0
Won SAL championship vs. Capital City Bombers, 3–0 [24] 		Pittsburgh Pirates [25]
200554–80.40315th (tie)7th (tie)24+1⁄2——— Pittsburgh Pirates [26]
200667–70.48910th5th16——— Pittsburgh Pirates [27]
200770–66.5156th2nd121–2.333Won Second Half Northern Division title
Lost Northern Division title vs. West Virginia Power, 2–1 [28] 		Pittsburgh Pirates [29]
200852–87.37415th7th27+1⁄2——— Pittsburgh Pirates [30]
200963–76.45315th7th19——— Texas Rangers [31]
201075–64.5404th (tie)2nd90–2.000Lost Northern Division title vs. Lakewood BlueClaws, 2–0 [32] Texas Rangers [33]
201179–58.5771st1st—0–2.000Won First Half Northern Division title
Lost Northern Division title vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers, 2–0 [34] 		Texas Rangers [35]
201274–65.5325th3rd9——— Texas Rangers [36]
201376–63.5475th3rd5+1⁄2——— Texas Rangers [37]
201480–59.5765th3rd6+1⁄2——— Texas Rangers [38]
201581–57.5873rd2nd5+1⁄25–1.833Won First Half Northern Division title
Won Northern Division title vs. West Virginia Power, 2–1
Won SAL championship vs. Asheville Tourists, 3–0 [39] 		Texas Rangers [40]
201674–66.5295th3rd9——— Texas Rangers [41]
201764–76.45711th6th13——— Texas Rangers [42]
201870–68.5076th (tie)4th (tie)17——— Texas Rangers [43]
201983–52.6152nd2nd5+1⁄23–3.500Won Second Half Northern Division title
Won Northern Division title vs. Delmarva Shorebirds, 2–0
Lost SAL championship vs. Lexington Legends, 3–1 [44] 		Texas Rangers [45]
2020Season cancelled (COVID-19 pandemic) [46] Texas Rangers [47]
202146–68.40411th6th34——— Texas Rangers [48]
202266–65.5046th3rd12+1⁄2——— Texas Rangers [49]
202370–55.5602nd1st—0–2.000Won Second Half Southern Division title

Lost Southern Division title vs. Greenville Drive 0-2 [50]

Texas Rangers [51]
Totals2,080–2,033.506———23–22.5113 league titles, 4 division titles, 9 half division titles—–
Franchise totals by affiliation
AffiliationRegular seasonPostseasonComposite
RecordWin %Apps.RecordWin %RecordWin %
Chicago White Sox (1993–1999)374–464.44620–4.000374–468.444
Pittsburgh Pirates (1999–2008)705–677.510515–8.652720–685.512
Texas Rangers (2009–present)1,001–892.52958—10.4441,009–902.528
All-time2,080–2,033.5041123–22.5352,103–2,055.506

Mascot

Conrad the Crawdad has been the official mascot of the Crawdads since 1993. Conrad, along with his wife Candy, entertain fans during games. The two got engaged on Mother's Day weekend in 2018 and were married in an on-field ceremony on June 24, 2018.

Roster

Hickory Crawdads roster
PlayersCoaches/Other

Pitchers

  • 35 Paul Bonzagni
  • 33 Aidan Curry
  • 19 David Davalillo
  • 22 Jose Gonzalez
  • -- Leandro Lopez
  • 38 Jacob Maton
  • 41 D. J. McCarty
  • 14 Brayan Mendoza
  • 22 Damian Mendoza
  • 40 Josh Mollerus
  • 16 Ivan Oviedo
  • 44 Luis Ramirez
  • 13 Adrian Rodriguez
  • 23 Florencio Serrano
  • 43 Victor Simeon
  • 15 Izack Tiger

Catchers

Infielders

  •  4 Cam Cauley
  • 17 Danyer Cueva
  • 30 Arturo Disla
  •  5 Gleider Figuereo

Outfielders


Manager

  • 21 Chad Comer

Coaches

  • 12 Justin Jacobs (development)
  • 31 Drew Sannes (hitting)
  •  9 Jay Sullenger (development)
  • 28 Julio Valdez (pitching)

60-day injured list

  • 21 Nick Lockhart (full season)

Injury icon 2.svg 7-day injured list
* On Texas Rangers 40-man roster
~ Development list
# Rehab assignment
∞ Reserve list
‡ Restricted list
§ Suspended list
† Temporarily inactive list
Roster updated October 17, 2024
 Transactions
→ More rosters: MiLB  •  South Atlantic League
→ Texas Rangers minor league players

Awards

Jurickson Profar won the SAL Most Valuable Player Award in 2011. Jurickson Profar on April 12, 2016.jpg
Jurickson Profar won the SAL Most Valuable Player Award in 2011.

Four players and two managers have won South Atlantic League awards in recognition for their performance with the Crawdads.

AwardRecipientSeasonRef.
Most Valuable Player J. R. House 2000 [52]
Most Valuable Player Walter Young 2002 [53]
Most Valuable PlayerJorge Cortes2003 [52]
Most Valuable Player Jurickson Profar 2011 [54]
Most Outstanding Prospect Walter Young 2002 [53]
Manager of the Year Fred Kendall 1994 [55]
Manager of the Year Tony Beasley 2002 [53]

Notable alumni

Joey Gallo batting for the Crawdads in 2013 Joey Gallo 2013.jpg
Joey Gallo batting for the Crawdads in 2013

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Hickory, North Carolina Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Conrad & The Hickory Crawdads" (PDF). At the Yard. January 2006. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  3. 1 2 Pollack, Lisa (December 3, 1992). "Fans Cheer, Cry Foul Over Baseball Team's Name". The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte. p. 4C – via Newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 "Playoff Champions". South Atlantic League. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
  5. ↑ Mayo, Jonathan (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues". Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  6. ↑ "Historical League Names to Return in 2022". Minor League Baseball. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  7. ↑ "South Atlantic, Carolina Leagues to realign in 2025". Minor League Baseball (Press release). July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  8. ↑ "1993 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  9. ↑ "1994 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  10. ↑ "1994 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  11. ↑ "1995 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  12. ↑ "1996 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  13. ↑ "1997 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  14. ↑ "1997 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  15. ↑ "1998 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  16. ↑ "1999 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  17. ↑ "1999 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  18. ↑ "2000 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  19. ↑ "2001 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  20. ↑ "2002 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  21. ↑ "2002 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  22. ↑ "2003 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  23. ↑ "2003 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  24. ↑ "2004 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  25. ↑ "2004 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  26. ↑ "2005 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  27. ↑ "2006 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  28. ↑ "2007 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  29. ↑ "2007 South Atlantic League (A)". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  30. ↑ "2008 South Atlantic League (A)". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  31. ↑ "2009 South Atlantic League (A)". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  32. ↑ "2010 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  33. ↑ "2010 South Atlantic League (A)". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  34. ↑ "2011 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  35. ↑ "2011 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  36. ↑ "2012 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  37. ↑ "2013 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  38. ↑ "2014 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  39. ↑ "2015 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  40. ↑ "2015 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  41. ↑ "2016 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  42. ↑ "2017 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  43. ↑ "2018 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  44. ↑ "2019 South Atlantic League (SAL) Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  45. ↑ "2019 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  46. ↑ "2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved". Minor League Baseball. June 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  47. ↑ "2020 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  48. ↑ "2021 High-A East". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  49. ↑ "2022 South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  50. ↑ "2023 South Atlantic League (SAL) Minor League Baseball Standings on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  51. ↑ "2023 South Atlantic League". Baseball Reference . Sports Reference. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  52. 1 2 Parker, Mark (June 27, 2017). "25th Anniversary All-Crawdads Team: A Look Back at Players' Success in Hickory". Hickory Record. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  53. 1 2 3 Cichalski, Dan (August 24, 2002). "Righty Floyd Left Off All-Star Team". Asbury Park Press. Asbury Park, New Jersey. p. C5. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  54. ↑ "Profar Voted Sal MVP, 'Dads Have Three All-Stars". Hickory Crawdads. Minor League Baseball. August 30, 2011. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  55. ↑ "Crawdads Alumni Report February 4". Hickory Crawdads. Minor League Baseball. January 29, 2013. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
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