Ian Kinsler Highlights Exciting RoughRiders Opening Day

FRISCO, Texas (April 30, 2021)– The Frisco RoughRiders are going all out when baseball returns on May 4th, bringing out one of the best players in franchise history, Ian Kinsler, to Riders Field.

Kinsler, a 17th-round selection by the Texas Rangers in 2003 out of the University of Missouri, played 71 games for the RoughRiders in 2004 and hit .300 with 21 doubles, nine home runs and 46 RBIs after being called up from High-A. Kinsler broke into the big leagues just two years later with the Rangers, where he completed his rookie campaign hitting .286 with 27 doubles, 14 home runs and drove in 55. He finished seventh in the American League Rookie of the Year balloting.

"It was such a joy to watch Ian arrive in the big leagues with the Rangers in 2006 while I was broadcasting games for them," said RoughRiders President and General Manager, Victor Rojas. "He never took a play or at-bat off and ended up carving out a really nice career for himself. He did not hesitate when I asked him if he'd do us the honor of welcoming back our fans with our first ceremonial pitch since September of 2019. We're thankful he and Tess are bringing the family out to Riders Field on Opening Day."

The former Texas Ranger, who was selected to four All-Star games and won two Gold Gloves, has the highest MLB career WAR (54.1) of any RoughRiders alumnus.

Along with Kinsler, Prophets and Outlaws, a Texas-country band from Dallas, will play the national anthem before the game.

Fans can make their way to Riders Field early and stay late, as the first 5,000 fans will receive a magnet schedule giveaway courtesy of Carpet Tech and everyone will enjoy a postgame fireworks show.

Tickets are now available at RidersBaseball.Com and over the phone at 972.334.1993.

Opening Week presented by Baylor Scott & White:

-May 4th: Magnet schedule giveaway to first 5,000 fans presented by Carpet Tech and postgame fireworks. 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

-May 5th: Cinco de Mayo Celebration featuring drink specials, a Mariachi band and specialty jerseys. Also, Wiener Wednesday presented by Texas Chili Company. 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

-May 6th: Thirsty Thursday with drink specials. 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

-May 7th: Fireworks Friday. 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

-May 8th: Paint the Park Pink Awareness Night benefitting Susan G. Komen® where cancer fighters and survivors will be honored. Also, Sky-Lit Saturdays presented by Lexus. 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

-May 9th: Mother’s Day Celebration with a special gift to the first 500 moms. Kids Sunday Funday presented by Children’s HealthTM. 4:05 p.m. first pitch.

The RoughRiders start off the 2021 season at home on May 4th against the Oakland A’s affiliated Midland RockHounds. For more information and to stay up to date on all things Frisco RoughRiders, visit RidersBaseball.com or call (972) 731-9200.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 15 seasons (2005-2019). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world's largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest's prestigious "Best Ballpark Renovation" award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 160 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including current Rangers players Jose Trevino, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Joey Gallo. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact [email protected]