Midland Rockhounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Midland RockHounds a farm team for?

The Midland RockHounds are a Double-A minor league baseball team that serves as the farm team for the Oakland Athletics (often referred to as the A's) of Major League Baseball (MLB). As a farm team, the RockHounds play a vital role in developing young talent for the Athletics, giving promising prospects invaluable experience and training before they make it to the big leagues. Based in Midland, Texas, the team competes in the Texas League and is a crucial step in the Athletics' player development pipeline. Many players who eventually reach the MLB with the Oakland Athletics have spent significant time honing their skills with the Midland RockHounds, making the team an essential component of the A's organization and a fan favorite among minor league baseball enthusiasts.

What MLB team owns the Midland RockHounds?

The Midland RockHounds are affiliated with the Oakland Athletics, but they are not owned by the MLB team. Instead, the Midland RockHounds are independently owned and operated. Their status as a Double-A affiliate means the Oakland Athletics supply the players and coaching staff, but the local ownership group oversees business operations, ticket sales, and promotions. This model is common in minor league baseball, allowing local ownership to build a strong community presence while providing top-level prospects and coaches from the parent MLB organization. As a result, the RockHounds maintain a close and ongoing relationship with the Oakland Athletics, serving as a key development hub for future MLB stars.

How much do you get paid at Midland RockHounds?

Salaries for players at the Midland RockHounds, as with most Double-A minor league teams, are determined by Minor League Baseball's pay scale and the terms set by Major League Baseball. As of 2024, Double-A players typically earn approximately $600 per week during the regular season, which generally runs from April to September. This equates to roughly $12,000 to $15,000 for the full season, not including potential bonuses or stipends for housing and meals, which have been enhanced in recent years. Coaching and front office staff salaries vary widely, depending on experience and position. It's important to note that while minor league baseball salaries are modest compared to MLB pay, players have the opportunity to develop their skills and advance to higher-paying levels, with the dream of reaching the major leagues.

Who is the A's Double-A team?

The Midland RockHounds are the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. As the A's Double-A team, the RockHounds play a pivotal role in the Athletics' farm system, developing future major league talent in the highly competitive Texas League. Players assigned to the Midland RockHounds are typically among the top prospects in the Athletics' organization, working to refine their skills and prove they're ready for the next step in their professional careers. This Double-A level is often considered a major proving ground, where players face advanced competition and receive specialized coaching. The partnership between the Midland RockHounds and the Oakland Athletics has produced numerous major league players, making the RockHounds an essential link in the A's journey from the minors to the majors.

Who owns the Midland RockHounds?

The Midland RockHounds are owned by Midland Baseball, Inc., a local ownership group that has operated the team for many years. This independent ownership allows the team to maintain strong ties to the Midland, Texas community, focusing on family-friendly entertainment, community engagement, and high-quality baseball experiences at Momentum Bank Ballpark. While the RockHounds are the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, the business and operational side is managed by Midland Baseball, Inc., ensuring that the team's local roots remain strong. This structure is common in minor league baseball, where local or regional ownership groups manage day-to-day operations while the parent MLB club provides players and coaching staff, fostering both community support and player development.