Until last night, the Texas Rangers (fka the Washington Senators) had never won a playoff series - not even close. In their three previous post-season appearances, they had compiled an anemic 1-9 record, playing all ten games against the New York Yankees, undoubtedly the most revered/hated team in all of baseball. But last night in St. Petersburg, as Tampa Bay Rays centerfielder B.J. Upton's pop-fly final out hung in the air above the eagerly awaiting (grinning?) Texas Ranger shortstop Elvis Andrus, the Rangers Nation (i.e. the players, manager, coaches, new owners, and long-suffering fans) felt a huge weight being lifted from their shoulders. And in that same moment, at least for this fan, came the realization that the Rangers have the chance to get some sweet revenge against the Yankees, and even more importantly - earn the respect of Baseballdom by representing the American League in the World Series. If that happens, it will not only allow me to cross off one of my Bucket List items, but also give hope to all the underdogs who work long and hard to achieve lofty goals, just to see their efforts always fall short of the perennial champions.
LET'S GO RANGERS!
UPDATE (10/25/10): The Rangers got their revenge in convincing style, out-hitting, out-pitching and out-running the Yankees, winning the ALCS in 6 games. I now own 4 tickets to Game 3 of the World Series in Arlington - Section 215, Row 8, Seats 5-8. Look for me and 3 boys on TV holding a sign that reads "ALDS Tickets....$100, ALCS Tickets....$150, World Series Tickets....$200, Re-signing Cliff Lee....PRICELESS" -rdj
UPDATE (10/31/10): We were witnesses to the first ever Texas Rangers World Series victory in the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Tom, John and Taylor were all smiles (see picture above right) after the Rangers took a 4-0 lead in the 5th inning via home runs by Moreland and Hamilton. Final score - Rangers 4, Giants 2, Bucket List -1. -rdj
UPDATE (11/1/10): Good thing we had tickets to Game 3. The Giants pitching staff dominated the Rangers, limiting them to a dismal .190 batting average for the 5-game series. At least now the Rangers are in the World Series Club, and there's only 150 days until Opening Day when they host the Boston Red Sox April 1, 2011. Hopefully the majority of their current roster will be on hand, including ace pitcher Cliff Lee who is now a free agent and a hot commodity, especially for the %$@! Yankees. -rdj
UPDATE (10/25/10): The Rangers got their revenge in convincing style, out-hitting, out-pitching and out-running the Yankees, winning the ALCS in 6 games. I now own 4 tickets to Game 3 of the World Series in Arlington - Section 215, Row 8, Seats 5-8. Look for me and 3 boys on TV holding a sign that reads "ALDS Tickets....$100, ALCS Tickets....$150, World Series Tickets....$200, Re-signing Cliff Lee....PRICELESS" -rdj
UPDATE (10/31/10): We were witnesses to the first ever Texas Rangers World Series victory in the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Tom, John and Taylor were all smiles (see picture above right) after the Rangers took a 4-0 lead in the 5th inning via home runs by Moreland and Hamilton. Final score - Rangers 4, Giants 2, Bucket List -1. -rdj
UPDATE (11/1/10): Good thing we had tickets to Game 3. The Giants pitching staff dominated the Rangers, limiting them to a dismal .190 batting average for the 5-game series. At least now the Rangers are in the World Series Club, and there's only 150 days until Opening Day when they host the Boston Red Sox April 1, 2011. Hopefully the majority of their current roster will be on hand, including ace pitcher Cliff Lee who is now a free agent and a hot commodity, especially for the %$@! Yankees. -rdj
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