World Series Ranger Thoughts

Not much I can say about the Rangers’ Victory in the 2010 American League Championship that other writers like Jamey Newberg haven’t already written.

What I will say is this:

Wow!

Since I first became a Rangers fan back in 1990 at the age of 9, I’ve been hoping and praying that one day, I could say the following words.

Texas Rangers.  World Series.

In one sentence. 

But it’s happened.  The Texas Rangers will be in the World Series.

The only real time that I can remember the Rangers being possible contenders was during the briefy "dynasty" period of the late 90's, when the Rangers ran roughshod over their division (much like the Angels of the past decade), only to be destroyed by the Yankees once the playoffs began (much like the Angels were by the Red Sox).  And even then, that dynasty wouldn't last, mostly due to a poor farm system, a concentration on offense while hoping that a series of innings eaters would support that lineup, and a front office that, while respected, might not have been up to the task of finding a way to continually contend (witness the Milwaukee Brewers' progression and regression under Doug Melvin.) 

Then came the dark times of the Hicks' ownership, where nothing seemed to go right, as the Rangers spent and spent, but saw little return on their investment.  Alex Rodriguez began Chan Ho Park and Todd Van Popple, and several other bad deals, as well as the fall of a Ranger legend in Rusty Greer.  While there was a brief glimmer of hope in 2004, that would only turn out to be a mirage as the team regressed under the post-Melvin management, that was so wrought with intrigue, back door politics, and betrayal that was only seen as the product of a Roman Imperial Court.  Hicks did the franchise no favors, and singlehandedly set back the Rangers brand years as attendance dwindled and the Rangers became a mere punchline in the eyes of the national baseball fan.

However, Hicks did bring aboard the pieces that allowed the Rangers to return to prominence.  He hired Jon Daniels, who began the rebuilding process, though it did have some rocky beginnings at first.  He brought back Nolan Ryan as team president, which added a sort of credibility to the Rangers, as well as set up the current ownership of the Rangers.  And for that, some measure of thanks should be given to Hicks.

It looks like the Rangers will remain a player in the national scene, with a steady ownership, promising front office, as well as new cash flow that will come in, allowing Texas to sign and retain their own free agents, and continue to invest heavily in the draft.

It may not last.  For all I know, the Rangers will combust into flames next season. 

However, as all franchises do, we have our history.  We have our memories, our stories that we pass on to the younger fans. 

And what we are witnessing is that.  History.  Memories to be made.  And a story to tell.

But the ending hasn't been written for the 2010 Texas Rangers.

Let's hope it's a great one.