FORT WAYNE – Before they were stars, they were in the Fort. Forty-three former Fort Wayne TinCaps and Wizards played in the big leagues during the first half of the 2015 Major League Baseball season. Fort Wayne alums have appeared on the rosters of 21 of MLB’s 30 teams so far this year.

The list includes an original 1993 Wizard, LaTroy Hawkins, who was also the first Fort Wayne player to appear in the majors. At 42, Hawkins is the oldest player in Major League Baseball today, and one of only 16 pitchers to ever appear in 1,000-plus games.

Since Hawkins debuted for the Twins in 1995, 136 others have followed him from Fort Wayne to “The Show.” The number counts six former TinCaps who have broken through to the bigs this season.

“It’s always fun to follow these guys after their time with us in Fort Wayne,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said. “While the appeal of Parkview Field has a lot to do with what’s going on off the field, on it, there’s a lot of talent.”

This year’s crop of future big-leaguers with the TinCaps enters Thursday night in first place in the Midwest League Eastern Division. The TinCaps host the Lake County Captains (Indians) at 7:05 on Thursday and Friday. Fireworks will follow both games. Thursday is Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary Night, while Friday is Fairy Tale Princess “Knight” presented by Indiana Donor Network. Tickets are available online at TinCapsTickets.com, by calling 260-482-6400, or by visiting the Parkview Field Ticket Office.

Former TinCaps and Wizards with MLB Teams in First Half of 2015 Season
1.             INF Dean Anna (2009-10) – Cardinals
2.             P Anthony Bass (2009) — Rangers
3.             OF Mike Baxter (2005-06) – Cubs
4.             P Brad Brach (2009) – Orioles
5.             INF/OF Kyle Blanks (2006) – Rangers
6.             OF Michael Cuddyer (1998) – Mets
7.             P Jose De Paula (2010) – Yankees
8.             P Steve Delabar (2006-08) – Blue Jays
9.             INF Allan Dykstra (2009) – Rays
10.                INF Cole Figueroa (2009) – Yankees
11.                INF David Freese (2006) – Angels
12.                P Ernesto Frieri (2006-07) – Rays
13.                P Frank Garces (2012) – Padres
14.                P Brandon Gomes (2007-08) – Rays
15.                P Trevor Gott (2013) – Angels
16.                P Nick Greenwood (2009-10) – Cardinals
17.                INF Jedd Gyorko (2010) – Padres
18.                P LaTroy Hawkins (1993) – Rockies
19.                INF Chase Headley (2005) – Yankees
20.                C Austin Hedges (2012) – Padres
21.                C Nick Hundley (2005-06) – Rockies
22.                OF Torii Hunter (1994) – Twins
23.                P Colt Hynes (2008-09) – Blue Jays
24.                P Brandon Kintzler (2005) – Brewers
25.                P Corey Kluber (2008) – Indians
26.                P Mat Latos (2008-09) – Marlins
27.                C Jose Lobaton (2005-06) – Nationals
28.                INF Andy Parrino (2008-09) – Athletics
29.                P Jake Peavy (2000) – Giants
30.                P Oliver Perez (2001) – Diamondbacks
31.                INF Jace Peterson (2012) – Braves
32.                C A.J. Pierzynski (1995-96) – Braves
33.                P Kevin Quackenbush (2011) – Padres
34.                P Cesar Ramos (2005) – Angels
35.                INF Daniel Robertson (2009) – Angels
36.                P Joe Ross (2012-13) – Nationals
37.                INF Eric Sogard (2007) – Athletics
38.                P Joakim Soria (2006) – Tigers
39.                INF Cory Spangenberg (2011) – Padres
40.                P Matt Stites (2012) – Diamondbacks
41.                P Dale Thayer (2003) – Padres
42.                OF Will Venable (2006) – Padres
43.                P Matt Wisler (2012) – Padres

*As of July 16, 2015, 137 former Fort Wayne Wizards and TinCaps have played in the majors.