Long road from Spokane Indians to World Series

In 2003, the Spokane Indians became the Class “A” Short-Season affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Since that time 26 players have made the journey from Spokane to major league rosters including more than half of them for the Texas Rangers. Now seven former Indians are playing in the World Series for the Rangers.

Ian Kinsler, 2B (2003)

In the 2010 postseason, Kinsler is 13 for 38 (.342) with three home runs and nine RBIs. He had the three-run home run that sealed the series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League division series. During his injury-shortened regular season he hit .286 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs.

Mitch Moreland, 1B (2007)

In postseason, he’s hitting 10 for 33 (.303) with four RBIs and four runs scored. He had a .255 average during the regular season with nine home runs and 25 RBIs.

Julio Borbon, OF (2007)

Doesn’t have a hit in seven at-bats this postseason but has scored three runs. He hit .276 during the regular season with three home runs and 42 RBIs.

Tommy Hunter, SP (2007)

Went 13-4 this season, tying Danny Darwin for the highest winning percentage in club history, at .765, the best percentage in the major leagues this season. Lost his postseason debut in the divisional series against Tampa Bay, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and striking out seven over four innings. Started Game 4 of the ALCS against the Yankees, lasting 3 1/3 innings and giving up three runs on five hits.

Derek Holland, RP (2007)

Holland entered Game 4 against the Yankees in the fourth inning in relief of Hunter with the bases loaded, but he was able to work out of a jam. He pitched 3 2/3 innings of one-hit baseball to pick up his first postseason victory as the Rangers defeated the Yankees 10-3 to take a 3-1 lead in the series. In all, Holland pitched 5 2/3 innings in the series against New York. He didn’t give up a run, allowed three hits and struck out four. He had a 3-4 record during the regular season with a 4.08 ERA.

Neftali Feliz, RP (2007)

In three ALCS appearances, he did not allow a run or a hit. In Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, Feliz needed 20 pitches to finish off Cliff’s Lee gem. In Game 6, Feliz shut down the Yankees in order, needing just 14 pitches. The game ended with Alex Rodriguez looking at a third strike. Feliz ranked fifth in the major leagues with a rookie-record 40 saves during the 2010 season. He is one of the favorites to win the A.L. Rookie of the Year award.

Michael Kirkman, RP (2007)

Saw his only action of the postseason in Game 5 at Yankee Stadium. He didn’t allow a run in two innings, giving up one hit, but also two walks. Recalled on Aug. 20 from Oklahoma City (PCL), he pitched 16 innings in 14 games for the Rangers and carried a 1.65 ERA.

Giants from northwest

Bruce Bochy, manager (1989)

Bruce Bochy began his managing career by leading the 1989 Spokane Indians to their third straight Northwest League title. He began his major league managerial career with San Diego and won one pennant in his 12 years there. He has been with San Francisco the past four years.

Jeremy Affeldt, RP

The reliever from Medical Lake, who played high school ball at Northwest Christian, played a big role in the deciding Game 6 of the NLCS. Affeldt came on in the third inning to strike out Ryan Howard with two on and nobody out. Compiled a 4-3 record in the regular season with a 4.14 ERA.