Round Rock joins Astros’ organization

As expected, the Houston Astros and the Round Rock Express have signed a new Player Development Contract. The Astros are filling the void the Texas Rangers left as they signed with the Nashville Sounds.

With the signing of the PDC comes a new set of logos made by Brandiose. The new logos are a better fit for the Astros organization.

The new PDC will run through the 2022 season. The four-year agreement begins immediately and brings the club back within the Houston organization after it served as the Astros’ Double-A affiliate from 2000-2004 and the club’s Triple-A affiliate from 2005-2010.

Of course, several pleasantries were exchanged. “This is a great day for all Central Texas baseball fans,” Express CEO Reese Ryan said. “The Astros have been a big part of our family and this area for a long time. We’re excited to partner with them once again as we get ready for our 20th anniversary season at Dell Diamond.”

Reid Ryan, son of pitching legend Nolan Ryan stated: “This will be a great partnership for the Astros and the Express in a variety of ways. We now have our two highest minor league affiliates back in Texas, which is great for our fans and, logistically, for our Major League club when promoting players. And, it should be a big plus for the Express on the field as well. As an organization, the Astros take a great deal of pride in our player development efforts, the results of which can be seen with the success of our minor league clubs and by our Major League club.”

“On a personal level, this is certainly an exciting day for our family as well. We have made so many great memories in Round Rock with the Express over the years. From all the work that went into bringing a minor league club to Central Texas to the championships won along the way, this city and this team will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

After the new PDC agreement was announced in front of over 700 season ticket members, sponsors and media on Thursday night at Dell Diamond, the Express also unveiled a new brand identity that embodies the heart and soul of the Round Rock community. The team’s primary E-Train logo has been enhanced to more authentically represent the historic trains that came through Round Rock along the Chisholm Trail. The center of the E-Train is also a tribute to the iconic “Lone Star” that Texas is proudly known for.

 Also, the team’s uniforms got a makeover. The redesigned home white uniforms feature navy trim and showcase the team’s “Express” lettering across the chest and a 20th season sleeve patch. The new navy home cap features the reimagined E-Train. On the road, the club will don traditional gray uniforms with “Round Rock” displayed across the chest and navy caps featuring the new double-R logo. Two alternate looks include a navy two-button henley and a white pinstripe uniform.

The Round Rock Express saw the light in 2000 as AA team in the Texas League as part of the Astros’ organization. The team got an upgrade to AAA in 2006, then still part of the Astros. In 2011, the Express jumped Texan ships as it joined the Texas Rangers.

Speaking about the Rangers. The club decided not to join the San Antonio Missions because of the uncertainties of the Missions ballpark. It isn’t clear yet if they will ever get a new AAA suited ballpark even though the signs look better than a year ago.