Isotopes Retire Jason Wood's Number 19

For the first time in franchise history, the Albuquerque Isotopes honored a former player with a retired number. Never again will a member of the Albuquerque Isotopes wear Jason Wood's number 19.

Now manager of the Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, Wood had no idea the surprise ceremony would take place.  

"Jason Wood may be wearing a different uniform, but we won't let him forget how much he means to this organization and this city," said Isotopes General Manager John Traub.

Wood, 46, was a member of the Isotopes for parts of five seasons, suiting up for the club during the 2003-06 campaigns and once again during 2008. The Fresno, CA native appeared in a record 597 games with the Isotopes, holding the all-time club records for at-bats (2,087), runs scored (316), RBI (328), doubles (102), home runs (60), and hits (588.)

Wood's best year as an Isotope came in 2005 when he batted .301 with 21 home runs and 77 RBI in 129 games. He received his first call-up to Majors after seven professional seasons on September 5 when the Florida Marlins came calling. He stayed in the Big Leagues for the rest of that season and spent the entire 2007 campaign with the Marlins.

"The years I spent there in Albuquerque were just tremendous. The fact I got to go play in front of some family that I have in Albuquerque was great, but the fan support I got my entire career there was just second to none."

Wood could not stay away from the diamond for long, as he began his coaching career in 2009 as hitting coach for the Texas Rangers' High-A affiliate the Bakersfield Blaze.

In 2011, Wood became the first Isotope to ever be inducted into the Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.

Wood received his first opportunity to manage in 2011 with High-A Myrtle Beach and has led every team he has managed since to a winning record. In his first season as Round Rock's manager in 2015, he guided the Express to the Pacific Coast League Championship Series for only the second time in the club's history.

Saturday was Wood's first chance to manage at Isotopes Park, where he once again gets to show his passion for the game at a place he once called home.

"It will bring chills to me standing in that third base box. It will be tough being out there and trying to stay away from reliving some of those memories."