Tombstone
Born: June 21, 1987 – Midwest League expansion franchise1ASSOCIATED PRESS. “Rockford to join Midwest League in ’88”. The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA). June 24, 1987
Affiliation Change: 1993 (Rockford Royals)
First Game: April 8, 1988 (W 5-4 @ Beloit Brewers)
Last Game: September 3, 1992 (L 7-6 @ Kenosha Twins)
Midwest League Championships: None
Stadia
Marinelli Field (4,300)21992 Rockford Expos Program
Opened: 1988
Dimensions (1990): Left: 335′, Center: 400′, Right: 335′
Ownership & Affiliation
Owners: William McKee and John Wendel
Major League Affiliation: Montreal Expos
Attendance
Background
The Rockford Expos were an Illinois-based Class A farm club of the Montreal Expos from 1988 until 1992. When Rockford’s owners were awarded a Midwest League expansion franchise in June 1987, it marked the return of professional baseball to the city for the first time since the departure of the Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1954.
Notable future Major League stars who spent time in Rockford during the Expos era included:
- Shortstop Delino DeShields (Rockford ’88)
- Relief pitcher Mel Rojas (Rockford ’88)
- Outfielder-First Baseman Matt Stairs (Rockford ’89)
- Shortstop Mark Grudzielanek (Rockford ’92)
Following the 1992 season, the franchise dropped its affiliation with the Montreal Expos in favor of the Kansas City Royals and became the Rockford Royals for the 1993 Midwest League season.
Rockford remained a member of the Midwest League until 1999, at which point the franchise was sold and relocated to Dayton, Ohio. The former 1988-1999 Rockford franchise remains active the Midwest League today as the Dayton Dragons.
Trivia
Rockford Expos alum Matt Stairs (’89) holds the all-time Major League Baseball record for most pinch-hit home runs in a career with 23.
Rockford Expos Shop
Downloads
1988 Rockford Expos vs. Kenosha Twins Midwest League Playoffs Game Notes
1988 Rockford Expos vs. Kenosha Twins Playoff Game Notes
Links
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