Flashback Fridays: Borchard Shined with Knights
For four-straight seasons, Joe Borchard was a staple in Charlotte's lineup. He hit 78 home runs with the Knights and added 227 RBIs over that four-year span. He was one of the finest players in Charlotte Knights franchise history. In 2019 -- nearly eight years after he played his final
For four-straight seasons, Joe Borchard was a staple in Charlotte's lineup. He hit 78 home runs with the Knights and added 227 RBIs over that four-year span. He was one of the finest players in Charlotte Knights franchise history.
In 2019 -- nearly eight years after he played his final professional game and 14 years after wearing a Knights jersey -- he took his rightful place into the Charlotte Baseball Round Table of Honor. It was an honor that was well-deserved.
A first-round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox in the 2000 MLB June Amateur Draft (12th overall), Borchard called Knights Stadium home from 2002 to 2005. A talented two-sport star at Stanford University in football and baseball, he made his way to Fort Mill, SC in 2002 after hitting 27 home runs with the Double-A Birmingham Barons in 2001. Once he arrived in Fort Mill., he went on to become one of the most dependable offensive players in the International League over his four-year stretch with the Knights -- consistently racking up 100+ hits in each season.
As a 23-year-old with the Knights in 2002, he hit .272 with 35 doubles, 20 home runs and 59 RBIs, which propelled him to Chicago for a September call-up with the White Sox. He made his major league debut on September 2, 2002 in Toronto with the White Sox and homered in his very first big league game.
A year later, he was back with the Knights and appeared in 114 games with the club. He compiled 110 hits that season with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs. His home run output increased with the Knights in each of the next two seasons as he swatted 16 long balls in 2004 and a career-best 29 in 2005.
The 2005 campaign was his final one over his four-year career with the Knights, but it was one of his most impressive. During the course of his four years with the team, he ranked as one of the best offensive players in franchise history.
WHERE HE RANKS
He finished as the all-time franchise leader in nearly all offensive categories, including games played (2nd), at-bats (2nd), home runs (1st), doubles (1st), RBIs (227), runs scored (2nd), and walks (156).
A devoted family man, he retired in 2011 after racking up a total of 1,067 hits and 182 home runs combined over parts of 10 seasons in the minors and six in the majors.
HALL OF FAMERS
The Charlotte Baseball Hall of Fame opened its doors to members in 1982 thanks to Frances Crockett and the Charlotte O's. The committee held inductions in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1987. Former players such as Harmon Killebrew, Hoyt Wilhelm, Tony Oliva and Minnie Mendoza were among the inaugural class in 1982.
In 2016, with the Triple-A All-Star Game set to take place in the Queen City, the Charlotte Knights revived the Charlotte Baseball Hall of Fame and renamed it to the Charlotte Baseball Round Table of Honor.
The members of the Charlotte Baseball Round Table of Honor are:
2016: Charlie Manuel, Jim Thome & Frances Crockett
2017: Don Beaver & Drungo LaRue Hazewood
2018: Brian Daubach
2019: Joe Borchard
2020: Billy McMillon (season was cancelled due to COVID-19. Induction ceremony was not held)
2021: No induction ceremony was held
WHO'S NEXT
An announcement for the 2022 Charlotte Baseball Round Table of Honor will be coming soon. Who will it be? Stay tuned!
Enter to Win at our July 2nd Game
Win a car for $1! Must be 18+, OR resident with valid ORDL & insurance. Winner pays taxes & fees. Register at the July 2nd Eugene Emeralds home game. See full terms HERE By participating in this car giveaway, entrants agree to the following terms and conditions: 1. Sponsor: This
Eugene Emeralds Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
The Eugene Emeralds have announced their coaching staff for the 2025 season. Manager Jeremiah Knackstedt will lead the team for the 2nd straight season. Hitting coach Jared Walker & pitching coach Mario Rodriguez will also return to Eugene for their 2nd season. Drew Martinez will be joining the staff for
Unmissable Moments in Sports: Emeralds Style Revealed
Sports fans from all walks of life know that certain events transcend the game, offering moments of triumph, tradition, and excitement. For supporters of the Eugene Emeralds, we’ve curated a guide to the biggest and most prestigious sporting events worldwide. From motorsports to tennis and college athletics, each event showcases
Emeralds Home Clubhouse Manager Danny Okada named 2024 Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year
Minor League Baseball today announced the winners of the head groundskeeper of the year and home and visiting clubhouse managers of the year awards for each of the full season Minor League teams. The Emeralds home clubhouse manager Danny Okada has been named as the Northwest League home clubhouse manager
Joe Holstedt: A life of service
Joe Holstedt was a little nervous for this interview. He’s the most gregarious, loud, overtly friendly person in the Emeralds’ orbit. But the very nature of his job forces him into the background, where he operates far more comfortably. Watching the game — the man only called upon by injury.
Emeralds Announce Specialty Nine Jersey Honoring the Negro Leagues and Eugene’s Black Community
The Eugene Emeralds are excited to announce a new speciality jersey that honors the Negro League and Eugene’s Black Community. The Emeralds put together a focus group with Black community leaders to create something that represented them. The NAACP of Eugene-Springfield, the Black Cultural Initiative and former Emeralds player George
Emeralds Visiting Clubhouse Manager Takes Home Clubhouse Attendant Award
Minor League Baseball has announced the 2023 groundskeeper and clubhouse attendant awards. Travis Wong, the Emeralds visiting clubhouse attendant, has been given the award in the Northwest league. The winners were selected using the results of league managers, players and executives throughout the 2023 season. “We are extremely proud of
Emeralds Win Golden Bobblehead Award For Best Promotion
The Eugene Emeralds were announced as the winners of the Golden Bobblehead award for the best promotion or event after honoring their local history with the Exploding Whales identity. It was announced the Emeralds won the award at the MiLB Fall meetings that are taking place in Las Vegas. Allan
Emeralds Baseball Submits Funding Options for New Facility to MLB, Seeks Additional Time for Completion
EUGENE, OREGON - October 2nd, 2023 - In accordance with the Major League Baseball (MLB) September 30th deadline, the Eugene Emeralds announce the submission of all current funding options for their proposed new multi-use facility. With approximately two-thirds of the estimated $90.4 million funding identified, the team is cautiously optimistic
In honor of National Hat Day, here are 10 of MiLB's most popular caps of '24
We are celebrating the small yet mighty canvas that is the Minor League cap for National Hat Day. Clubs across the Minors utilize them as a fun way to represent their teams, regions and sometimes even their parent organizations. Not to mention they also look pretty sweet. Here's a close
Here are 10 of the top Minor League jerseys in 2024
Fans typically buy a sports jersey because of who's wearing it. But in the Minor Leagues, what’s on a jersey can often mean so much more. Teams have a way of making fans part of franchises by bringing local culture into their jersey and theme nights. “It's taking pride in
Eldridge among Giants prospects on AFL stage
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Bryce Eldridge has plenty of ingredients to become a frontline starter. He's a 6-foot-7 left-hander with a 92-94 mph fastball that reaches 96 and a low-80s slider that misses bats, and he dominated as a reliever while helping Team USA win the 2022 World Cup at the
Minor League Player Spotlight: Giants' Eldridge
Bryce Eldridge feels like he always plays up to the competition. It could explain how his numbers have improved with every new level of the Minors he has reached since being drafted by San Francisco No. 16 overall in the 2023 Draft. He even has his chance to show it
Top Minor League moments from 2023
In 2023, Minor League Baseball featured thrilling prospect debuts, electric performances and moments that went beyond the box score. All commemorated by the inaugural MiLB Awards on MLB Network. Let's look back on the year in MiLB.
The Road to The Show™: Giants’ Whisenhunt
Each week, MiLB.com profiles an elite prospect by chronicling the steps he's taken toward achieving his Major League dream. Here's a look at third-ranked Giants prospect Carson Whisenhunt. For more stories about players on The Road to The Show, click here. There’s been a lot working against Carson Whisenhunt over
MiLB honors top promotions of '23
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.
MiLB honors Golden Bobblehead Award winners
LAS VEGAS -- Minor League Baseball announced the winners of the 2023 Golden Bobblehead Awards for top promotional activities and events in six categories.
Ben's Biz eats: Best of the Pacific Northwest
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.
Some of the Minors' most popular jerseys
Jerseys can be gateways. And in the Minor Leagues, there’s plenty to explore. The kit can represent the town, a favorite food, the local culture, an important issue. And with longer affiliation partnerships, more teams have used them to connect with their parent clubs. Not to mention, they’re nice to
Hops Take Series Finale Against Eugene
The Eugene Emeralds dropped the series finale against the Hops by a final score of 7-1. With the loss today the Emeralds take a series split this week in Hillsboro. The Ems record now sits at 61-59 on the season and 27-27 in the 2nd half. The Hops jumped out
The best of the Giants' Minor League ballparks
The Minor League Ballpark Guides series presented by Wyndham brings all the most fun features of Minors ballparks across America (and one in Canada!) onto your desktop, tablet or mobile device, whether you're interested in taking a virtual tour from where you sit or planning a trip to catch some
MiLB clubs embrace communities on Juneteenth
Over the past week, Negro League Baseball has had a welcome presence on the Minor League landscape. Teams have taken on alternate identities, worn Negro League-inspired jerseys and welcomed special guests to the stadium in honor of Juneteenth. Declared an official holiday in 2021, Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery
Emeralds make themselves at home on the road
As the University of Oregon baseball season was winding down, the High-A Eugene staff couldn't help but scoreboard watch. While the Ducks' success didn't directly impact the Emeralds’ standings, there’d be a ripple effect, as the two clubs share PK Park in Eugene, Ore. “It kind of just became more
Copa de la Diversión en la comunidad
Copa de la Diversión is a multi-faceted fan engagement platform focused on embracing the cultures and values that resonate most with local Latino/a communities. Indeed, some of the greatest success stories within Copa -- sponsored by Nationwide, the platform's official insurance partner -- relate to each club’s ability to make