Montgomery Biscuits
The Montgomery Biscuits are a professional baseball team based in Montgomery, Alabama, competing as the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays in the Southern League.[1][2][3] Established in 2004 following the relocation of the Orlando Rays franchise from Florida, the team adopted its unique name through a public contest that evoked Southern culinary traditions, particularly biscuits and gravy, to reflect the region's culture.[4][5] The Biscuits play their home games at Riverwalk Stadium, a waterfront venue along the Alabama River that opened in 2004 and has a capacity of approximately 4,500 spectators.[3][6] The franchise traces its roots to 1973, when it began as the Orlando Twins, a Minnesota Twins affiliate in the Southern League, before evolving through several name changes and affiliations in Florida until the move to Montgomery revitalized professional baseball in the city after a hiatus since the 1980s.[3][2] The Biscuits quickly achieved success, capturing Southern League championships in both 2006 and 2007, with standout performances from future Major League stars such as Evan Longoria, who earned league MVP honors in 2007 with a .307 batting average and 21 home runs, and Delmon Young, the 2005 MVP who hit .336 with 20 homers.[3] Other notable alumni include B.J. Upton, Scott Kazmir, and Andy Sonnanstine, who contributed to early team successes like Kazmir's 1.44 ERA in 2004.[3] Known for their fan-friendly promotions, quirky branding—including mascot "Biscuit"—and community engagement, the Biscuits have drawn consistent attendance and occasionally adopted thematic alternate identities, such as the "Alabama Peanut Runners" in 2025 to honor local agricultural history tied to George Washington Carver.[4][7] In the 2025 season, the team finished second in the Southern League with a 78–60 record, winning their division before losing in the championship series, maintaining their role as a key developmental hub for Rays prospects while fostering baseball's growth in the Southeast.[1]Team overview
League affiliation and current status
The Montgomery Biscuits have competed as a Double-A team in Minor League Baseball since the franchise's inception in 1973 as a member of the Southern League.[3] Following Major League Baseball's reorganization of the minor leagues, the Southern League was temporarily rebranded as the Double-A South for the 2021 season before reverting to its original name in 2022; the Biscuits have remained in the league's South Division throughout this period.[8] The team relocated from Orlando to Montgomery in 2004 but has maintained its Double-A status uninterrupted.[3] The Biscuits have served as the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays since 1999, a partnership that continued after the franchise's move to Montgomery. Over the franchise's history, including its Orlando-based eras, it has secured five Southern League championships in 1981, 1991, 1999, 2006, and 2007.[9] The team has also claimed multiple division titles—including those in 2024 and 2025—along with numerous first-half and second-half titles in the league's split-season format. In the 2025 season, the Biscuits compiled a 78–60 record, earning the South Division crown and advancing to the league championship series, where they fell to the Birmingham Barons in three games.[10] This marked the second consecutive year the Biscuits reached the finals but came up short of a title.[11]Ballpark and facilities
The Montgomery Biscuits have called Riverwalk Stadium home since the team's relocation to Montgomery in 2004, with the venue serving as the primary site for their Double-A Southern League games.[12] Located at 200 Coosa Street along the Alabama River in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, the stadium offers a scenic backdrop that enhances the fan experience through its proximity to the city's riverwalk trail and adjacent entertainment districts.[13] With a seating capacity of 7,000, including fixed seats, lawn areas, and standing room, it accommodates a mix of spectators during the baseball season.[14] Constructed in 2004 as part of Montgomery's broader urban revitalization efforts, Riverwalk Stadium was built within the shell of a late-19th-century train shed, preserving its historic brick architecture while integrating modern amenities to draw visitors to the downtown area.[15] The $26 million project, designed by Populous, transformed the site into a multi-purpose venue that supports community engagement alongside baseball.[16] Key features include 20 luxury suites—six of which are embedded in the original train terminal structure—expansive picnic areas capable of hosting up to 4,000 fans, a children's playground, and The Club Car Bar, all positioned to leverage the riverfront location for pre- and post-game activities.[14][17] In recent years, the stadium has undergone targeted upgrades to improve facilities, including a new batting tunnel completed in 2025 and ongoing construction of a $3.48 million player clubhouse behind center field, set for completion in 2026.[18] These enhancements, part of a multi-million-dollar renovation initiative, aim to elevate both player and fan experiences without altering the venue's core historic design.[19] Beyond baseball, Riverwalk Stadium hosts non-sporting events such as concerts and community gatherings, with past performances including country artists like Jamey Johnson and Jake Owen, underscoring its role as a versatile downtown hub.[20] The stadium has also featured alternate team identities during select 2025 games, notably as the "Alabama Peanut Runners" on August 28 and 31, a temporary branding in collaboration with Tuskegee University to honor agricultural innovator George Washington Carver and his peanut research legacy.[21] This initiative included special jerseys and promotions, tying into broader exhibits like the planned 2026 permanent annex of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum at the venue.[22]Ownership and management
The Montgomery Biscuits have been owned by a group led by Lou DiBella since May 2017, when the sale from previous local ownership under Sherrie Myers was finalized.[23][24] DiBella, a New York-based boxing promoter and founder of DiBella Entertainment, which specializes in combat sports events and television production, brought his experience from owning the Class AA Richmond Flying Squirrels to the Biscuits' operations.[25][26] This acquisition marked a transition from community-rooted stewardship to a more diversified entertainment portfolio, with DiBella serving as managing owner and emphasizing long-term stability for the franchise.[27] No major ownership changes have occurred since 2017, allowing DiBella to guide the team through Major League Baseball's 2021 Minor League reorganization, which restructured affiliations and leagues while keeping the Biscuits as the Tampa Bay Rays' Double-A affiliate in the Southern League.[17] In June 2025, the Biscuits secured a 15-year lease extension at Riverwalk Stadium with the City of Montgomery, extending operations through 2040 and underscoring DiBella's commitment to the local market amid broader league shifts.[28] His multi-team ownership model has contributed to operational continuity, including coordinated front-office strategies across properties. The front office is led by General Manager Michael Murphy, who oversees daily operations, including player development and facility management.[29] Key executives include Justin Ross as Director of Ticketing, handling sales and fan engagement, and Jay Jones as Director of Corporate & Military Partnerships, focusing on sponsorships and outreach.[29] Under this structure, the Biscuits prioritize community ties, forging partnerships with local businesses through events like Chamber of Commerce after-hours gatherings and maintaining strong connections with nearby Maxwell Air Force Base via tours, appreciation nights, and joint initiatives that recognize military personnel.[30][31] These efforts, including a 2025 military heroes celebration attended by servicemembers, enhance the team's role in Montgomery's economic and social fabric.[32]Franchise history
Orlando era
The franchise was established in 1973 as the Orlando Twins, serving as the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins in the Southern League after relocating from Charlotte, North Carolina.[33] The team played its home games at historic Tinker Field in Orlando, Florida, a venue that had hosted minor league baseball since 1918 and also served as the Minnesota Twins' spring training site until 1990.[34] Over the next 16 seasons, the Orlando Twins built a competitive presence, culminating in a Southern League championship in 1981 with a regular-season record of 79–63, the best in the East Division; they defeated the Nashville Sounds in the playoffs to claim the title.[35] In 1990, the team underwent a name change to the Orlando Sun Rays while retaining its affiliation with the Minnesota Twins through 1992.[36] The Sun Rays achieved another league championship in 1991, finishing the regular season at 77–67 before sweeping the Birmingham Barons in the finals.[37] Following the end of the Twins affiliation, the franchise shifted to the Chicago Cubs from 1993 to 1996 and adopted the name Orlando Cubs during that period. In 1997, it became the Orlando Rays under continued Cubs affiliation, later partnering with the Seattle Mariners in 1998 and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays starting in 1999.[38] The Orlando Rays captured their third Southern League title in 1999, despite a regular-season mark of 70–68 that placed them third in the East Division; managed by Bill Russell, they advanced through the playoffs to defeat the West Division champion West Tenn Diamond Jaxx.[39] However, by the early 2000s, the team faced significant challenges from persistently low attendance, averaging just 2,113 fans per game in 2002—well below the league average of 3,300—exacerbated by competition from Major League Baseball's 1993 expansion, including the nearby Florida Marlins, which drew regional fans away from minor league play.[40][41] These factors, combined with the expiration of the Tinker Field lease, prompted the sale and relocation of the franchise after the 2003 season.Relocation to Montgomery
In 2003, the Orlando Rays franchise was sold to Professional Sports Marketing, an Alabama-based group led by Sherrie Myers and Tom Dickson, prompting the announcement of its relocation to Montgomery for the 2004 season.[42] The move was driven by Orlando's saturated sports market, which included competing minor league teams, major league spring training, and extensive entertainment options, making it challenging for the Rays to sustain attendance and viability.[43] The team arrived in Montgomery, Alabama's capital, as the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, bringing Southern League baseball back to the city after a 24-year absence.[16] The relocation included a rebranding effort, with the new name "Montgomery Biscuits" selected through a fan-submitted contest in late 2003 to reflect the city's Southern culinary traditions, particularly its love for biscuits as a staple food.[5] The name, proposed by a local fan, was chosen for its fun, approachable appeal and ties to regional culture, helping to foster immediate community connection in a city eager for professional baseball's return.[4] The Biscuits' inaugural 2004 season at the newly opened Riverwalk Stadium marked a period of adjustment, with the team finishing fifth in the Southern League West division and posting a 57-83 record amid the transition to the 7,000-seat facility built from a historic train shed.[44] Community welcome events, including opening-day festivities and promotional giveaways, helped integrate the team into Montgomery, drawing strong local support from the outset.[45] The franchise maintained its affiliation with the Tampa Bay organization, providing early stability as player development continued smoothly. Attendance reflected growing enthusiasm, totaling 322,946 fans in 2004—second in the league—and remaining above 300,000 through 2007 at 311,872, underscoring the team's successful establishment in its new home.[46][47]Championships and achievements
The Montgomery Biscuits franchise, originally established as the Orlando Twins in 1973, has a storied history of success in the Southern League, including five league championships. The first came in 1981 when the Orlando Twins defeated the Nashville Sounds in the playoffs to claim the title.[48] In 1991, as the Orlando SunRays, the team won their second championship by besting the Birmingham Barons in four games.[9] The Orlando Rays secured the third title in 1999, overcoming the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx in the finals.[9] After relocating to Montgomery and rebranding as the Biscuits in 2004, the team captured back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007, sweeping the Jacksonville Suns in the division series each year before defeating the Huntsville Stars in the league finals.[3] Division titles include first- and second-half winners in the league's split-season format. The franchise has earned 9 division titles, reflecting consistent excellence: 1981 (Orlando Twins, East Division), 1991 (Orlando SunRays, East Division second half), 2006 (Montgomery Biscuits, South Division second half), 2007 (Montgomery Biscuits, South Division second half), 2012 (Montgomery Biscuits, South Division overall, 74-63 record), 2013 (Montgomery Biscuits, South Division overall, 71-69 record), 2019 (Montgomery Biscuits, North Division both halves, 88-50 record), 2024 (Montgomery Biscuits, South Division second half, overall 80-57 record), and 2025 (Montgomery Biscuits, South Division overall, 78-60 record).[48][9][49][50][51][52][53]| Year | Team Name | Division/Half | Record | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Orlando Twins | East (overall) | 79-63 | MiLB Champions |
| 1991 | Orlando SunRays | East (second half) | 77-67 | MiLB Champions |
| 2006 | Montgomery Biscuits | South (second half) | 77-61 | Baseball-Reference |
| 2007 | Montgomery Biscuits | South (second half) | 74-64 | Baseball-Reference |
| 2012 | Montgomery Biscuits | South (overall) | 74-63 | The Baseball Cube |
| 2013 | Montgomery Biscuits | South (overall) | 71-69 | The Baseball Cube |
| 2019 | Montgomery Biscuits | North (both halves) | 88-50 | StatsCrew |
| 2024 | Montgomery Biscuits | South (second half) | 80-57 | MiLB News |
| 2025 | Montgomery Biscuits | South (overall) | 78-60 | MLB Standings |