Roy Oswalt to be Inducted into Express Hall of Fame

Righty to Join Ensberg, Moore in Express Enshrinement

February 4, 2016

ROUND ROCK, Texas - Roy Oswalt is on his way to the Round Rock Express Hall of Fame. The right-handed pitcher beat out former teammates Dave Matranga and Keith Ginter to become the 2016 representative. Oswalt will be inducted on Saturday, July 30 as part of Alumni Weekend. He is the third member of the Express Hall of Fame, joining Morgan Ensberg and Jackie Moore.

The former Astros pitcher was selected following a two-week online fan vote and votes from Ensberg, Moore and a Hall of Fame committee.

Oswalt made two stops in Round Rock during his career, first pitching for the E-Train at the Double-A level in 2000. Playing an integral role in helping the team capture the 2000 Texas League Championship, the righty dominated from the very beginning, striking out 15 batters in his first Triple-A career start. He would go on to post an 11-4 record in 18 total starts that season. Oswalt finished his first stint in Round Rock with a 1.94 ERA, striking out 141 batters while walking just 22. He pitched two complete games with the Express, posting a shutout in both affairs. That same year, Oswalt was selected to play on the U.S. Olympic baseball team, eventually earning a gold medal. He struck out ten batters and allowed just two runs in his two Olympic starts.

After running through Houston's minor league system, Oswalt was promoted to the Astros in 2001 where he went on to have a successful 13-year Major League career with Houston, Philadelphia, Texas and Colorado. He earned All-Star honors in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He was named the 2005 National League Championship Series MVP and won the NL pitching title in 2006. He briefly returned to Round Rock on a rehabilitation assignment in 2012, posting a 1-1 record in three starts, striking out 10 batters in 15 innings pitched.

Last year's Hall of Fame inductee, Morgan Ensberg, was also a member of the 2000 Texas League Championship team. Ensberg had 95 runs, 145 hits, 28 home runs, 90 RBI and a batting average of .300 in 137 games. Following the 2000 Texas League Championship victory, Ensberg debuted for the Astros on September 20, 2000. His MLB career spanned eight years and included an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award.

Jackie Moore was the inaugural member of the Express Hall of Fame in 2014. Moore was the first manager in Round Rock Express history, combining a 655-607 record over seven seasons, including the Texas League Championship in the Express' inaugural season.

Alumni Weekend will take place on Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30 at Dell Diamond. The weekend festivities include Friday Fireworks on July 29 and the Hall of Fame replica plaque giveaway presented by St. David's Round Rock Medical Center on July 30.

The Express opens the 2016 season on the road before returning to Dell Diamond for the home opener on Friday, April 15 against the Iowa Cubs. For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!