Texas Rangers…Hoping To Become A Winning Squad
The Texas Rangers were established in 1961 as the Washington Senators to replace the
team of the same name that had just vacated the area to become the Minnesota Twins.
In 1972 they moved to Arlington, Texas and were renamed the Rangers after the famous
law enforcement agency.
The team is one of only three that have never played in a World Series, and is the
oldest team of any North American league that has never won a league championship.
They have won three West Division Titles, but lost in the playoffs all three times
to the Yankees. Despite their less than perfect history, the Texas Rangers do
seem to be improving, giving the team and their fans hope for a better future.
In 1994, the Rangers moved from their original home in Arlington, the Arlington
Stadium, to their new home, The Ballpark in Arlington. From 2004 to 2006 the stadium
was known as the Ameriquest Field in Arlington, but the 30 year naming rights deal was
terminated by the team in 2007.
The decision was said to have little to do with any trouble Ameriquest was having, and
was more about keeping their name on their stadium and getting back the advertising
space that was being used by Ameriquest as part of the deal.
Now called Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, the stadium boasts seating for more than
49,000 fans, including 5,704 club seats and 126 luxury suites. With construction costs
of 191 million dollars, the stadium doesn’t have a roof, causing the team to play most of
their home games at night to fight off the oppressive heat that can cover the area during
the season.
Out in the community, the Texas Rangers are active in helping those less fortunate,
especially the youth. The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation focuses on youth
education, health, baseball programs, and those in crisis. They donate both time and
money to worthy causes around the community in the hoped of giving a helping hand to
area children.
The Rangers Legacy is a program designed to allow former members of the team to
be involved both in the community and in the current team activities. The Rangers
Wives, mascot, and staff are also involved in the team’s efforts in the community.
Although they may not be the top rated team in the league, the Texas Rangers are
exciting to watch on the field, and an asset to the community off the field. Their fans love
them and the team seems to be on the rise, due for a championship or title in the near
future.
2009 Season
Ticket sales dipped below two million for the first time since the 1989 season and management has taken notice. This off season, the Rangers signed SS Omar Vizquel, C Adam Melhuse and RHP’s Derrick Turnbow, Casey Daigle and Elizardo Ramirez. The team hopes to bounce back from a 79-83 2008 season. Team Manager Ron Washington can rest assured that he has the full confidence of Team President Nolan Ryan who said recently “I think Ron’s fine. I don’t see anything he’s don that concerns me.” Led by Michael Young, the franchise looks to get back to winning and make the Rangers ticket one of the hottest in MLB.
