To My Sweet Texas Rangers...

To my sweet Texas Rangers:

Words cannot express how much this season has meant to me and how happy and proud I am to say that I'm a Texas Rangers fan. This has been hands down the best season EVER. No, it didn't end with the "big" win that we wanted, but for the first time after the end of baseball season, I have a feeling of hope of bigger and better things to come from this ball club. The Rangers weren't supposed to have this good of a season. We started the season in bankruptcy. Two of our top pitchers didn't live up to their "hype". The hero of Opening Day, and our number one catcher, only played that one game before an injury sent him to the minors (he was eventually traded). We had a guy from the bullpen wanting to be in the starting rotation (again sweet C.J., I'm so sorry I ever doubted you). Our starting second baseman began the season on the disabled list. Injuries plagued our players throughout the season. The battle for ownership of the club made national headlines before Nolan Ryan and Chuck Greenberg were finally victorious in the auction that took place at the beginning of August. We were able to take ace pitcher Cliff Lee out of the hands of the Yankees and into a Rangers uniform (for hopefully more than just one season- please come back Cliff!!)

At the beginning of the year we were one of the few active teams in major league baseball to never have won a post season series. We had never beaten the Yankees in the post season. We had never won the American League pennant and gone to the World Series. People can no longer say that. The world has been introduced to the Texas Rangers that we have known and loved for years. I'm happy to say that I knew you before the world did. 

I attended more games this year than I ever have. I got to attend my first post season game. (along with my brother- so that was extra special). I also got to attend my first World Series game. I saw the first World Series game and win in the history of the Ballpark. What a year!

I know I'll probably leave some names off, but I'm going to try to thank those in the Rangers organization who made this season so special. Thank you to the team of Nolan Ryan, Chuck Greenberg, Jon Daniels, Thad Levine and company for all that you did to build this team. Thanks to The Ballpark announcer Chuck Morgan and TV announcers Tom Grieve and Josh Lewin. Also thanks to the great radio announcer Eric Nadel. To my sweet Rangers: Elvis Andrus, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton, Vladimir Guerrero, Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler, David Murphy, Bengie Molina, Mitch Moreland, C.J. Wilson, Cliff Lee, Colby Lewis, Tommy Hunter, Derek Holland (the Dutch Oven), Neftali Feliz, Julio Borbon, Jeff Francoeur, Andres Blanco, Matt Treanor, Taylor Teagarden, Darren O'Day, Darren Oliver,  Alexi Ogando, Dustin Nippert, Mark Lowe, Michael Kirkman, Frank Francisco, Matt Harrison, Scott Feldman, Rich Harden, Clay Rapada, Esteban German, Jorge Cantu (despite his awful walk up music) and yes, even you Chris Davis (just don't let it go to your head)!

Thank you to the great media coverage from Anthony Andro, Jeff Wilson, Richard Durrett, Jeff Caplan, Evan Grant, Mark Mclemore, Steve Busby, Emily Jones and Dana Larson. And a big thank you Ben and Skin on 103.3 ESPN radio in Dallas for your awesome talk show. I'm so glad I discovered you, I look forward to listening to you every day from now on! THIS BOAT IS STILL REAL!!!

All my love,

Rachel

Yes sweet readers, my constant talking of the Rangers is over, for now. 15 weeks until pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training though. The countdown has begun! I wanted to end my post today with some of my Rangers memories from 2010. Opening Day is April 1, 2011. I'll so be there!!

 

Opening Day April 5th, 2010

 

 

 

Meeting 2nd baseman Ian Kinsler when he was on assignment in Frisco

 

Sweet C.J. in the bullpen (not a stalker, just a fan!) :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Me and Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg

 

First playoff game for me and my Bubba!

 

 

Standing in line at 11pm to get our American League Championship shirts!

 

I am proud to say I was at the first World Series game at the Ballpark (and saw the first win!)

 Until next year sweet Rangers-  Love you all!