Today’s minor leaguers become tomorrow’s major leaguers.

For proof, check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels alumni chapter. There are 16 former Flying Squirrels on this year’s big league opening day rosters. That includes seven players with the Squirrels’ major league affiliate, the San Francisco Giants.

Here’s the list of the players and the dates they played for the Richmond Flying Squirrels:

San Francisco Giants: Infielders Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt (2010); pitcher Austin Slater (2015-16); pitcher Logan Webb (2018-19); pitcher Caleb Barager (2019); pitcher Reyes Moronta (2017); and pitcher Tyler Rogers (2015-16).

Pittsburgh Pirates: Pitcher Chris Stratton (2014-15) and pitcher Kyle Crick (2014-15).

Oakland Athletics: Catcher Aramis Garcia (2017-18).

Boston Red Sox: Infielder Christian Arroyo (2016).

Texas Rangers: Infielder Charlie Culbertson (2011).

Toronto Blue Jays: Infielder Joe Panik (2013).

Miami Marlins: Infielder Adam Duvall (2019).

Atlanta Braves: Infielder Ehire Adrianza (2016-19).

Philadelphia Phillies: Pitcher Sam Coonrad (2019).

Many others figure to get called up to the majors sometime during the current season.

The 2021 Flying Squirrels roster won’t be determined until later this month. The Giants’ minor leaguers currently are training in Scottsdale, Ariz.

A member of the newly named AA Northeast League, formerly called the Eastern League, the Richmond Flying Squirrels open May 4 at The Diamond against the Hartford Yard Goats. There was no 2020 season due to the pandemic.