Brockton Rox - History

History

The Rox began play in the 2002 season as members of the Northern League, before switching to the Can-Am League for the 2003 season.

In 2006, the Rox celebrated the team's fifth anniversary season by finishing the season 49-43 and qualifying for the #3 seed in the Can-Am League Playoffs. The Rox defeated the New Haven County Cutters 3-1 in the opening round best of 5 series. In the Championship Series, the Rox fell behind 2 games to 0 against the Quebec Capitales before rallying to tie the series at 2-2. In the deciding game 5, the Rox took a 3-2 lead into the 8th inning, but a late rally by Quebec left Brockton on the losing end 5-4 giving Quebec its first ever Can-Am League Championship.In 2009 the team won 56 games, a franchise record which was also best in the league. They lost in the first round of the playoffs 3-1 to the eventual champion, the Quebec Capitales.

Rox DH Guye Senjem was named the Rox Most Valuable Player for 2006, and RHP John Kelly was named the team's Most Valuable Pitcher.

Senjem, a Minnesota native, began his professional career with the St. Paul Saints in 1997. Before arriving in Brockton in 2005, he spent time in the Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies organizations. He set an early tone for a successful 2006 campaign with a game-winning solo home run in the 10th inning on Opening Night at Campanelli Stadium. He went on to tie the franchise mark for home runs in a single season with 14, and led the team in home runs, and runs batted in. Twice, the left-handed hitter was named the Can-Am League’s Batter of the Week. In addition, he was named to the League's post-season All-Star team.

John Kelly was acquired by the Rox in a trade with the New Jersey Jackals in the month of June. The right-handed veteran made an immediate impact, and was nearly perfect after joining the team. He recorded a save in his first appearance, and proceeded to win his first five starts with the Rox. In 15 appearances with Brockton, he was 8-1 with a 1.92 ERA. He posted double-digit victories for the second consecutive season, finishing with 10 wins overall this year.

Before the 2009 season, the Rox hired former Atlantic City Surf President and Director of Baseball Operations Chris Carminucci as field manager. He has since been named President, and is the new managing partner.

Towards the end of the 2009 season, it became known that owners and management were $300,000 in debt, and they were looking to the city to restructure their lease commitments. However, with Carminucci Sports Group, which holds stock in several other minor league baseball teams in the Can-Am's sister league the American Association, taking control. as the club's new managing partner, the Rox have been stabilized have had a tremendously successful 2010 season, working hard toward the playoffs.

On January 4, 2011 the Rox announced the signing of Bill Buckner as their new manager.

In December 2011, it was announced that the Rox would become an amateur collegiate summer baseball team and play in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League in 2012.