The Texas Rangers have made many changes over the years. Two of their most recent changes have been the address and the name of their ballpark. They now play in the climate controlled Globe Life Field. From 1994 until 2018, the Rangers played their home games across the street in Globe Life Park. While the Rangers are looking forward to making many new memories in their new home, it’s always nice to look back fondly on some of the historical moments that the Texas Rangers have put into the history books.
Texas Rangers Top Five Memorable Moments from Globe Life Field
Spectacular Catches
On the afternoon of July 1, 2006, the Rangers were hosting the Houston Astros. With both Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte on their roster that year among others, the Astros had a lot going for them. Plus they were coming off a World Series appearance the year prior against the Chicago White Sox. They managed to shutout the Rangers 7-0 that day, but the Rangers did have an extraordinary moment late in the game. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Astros infielder Mike Lamb drove one deep to center field that looked to be headed over the fence, when out of nowhere Rangers centerfielder Gary Matthews Jr. scaled the wall in dead center to rob Lamb of a home run to end the inning. Rangers fans and baseball enthusiasts alike still watch it on YouTube and other highlight reels to this day.
Perfection
In Globe Life Park’s inaugural season in 1994, left-hander Kenny Rogers made his mark in Rangers lore. On July 28th in front of 46,581 fans in the park, Rogers took the mound on what seemed to be a normal evening, but it was far from it. Rogers brought his A-game with him that night, and the A stood for Angels. He proceeded to go 27 up, 27 down to pitch the first and only perfect game in Rangers history against the Los Angeles Angels. He did so while battling through six three-ball counts, using only 98 pitches to secure the perfecto. In addition, he got four runs of support.
3,000 Hits
On July 30, 2017, the man who hates to have his head touched hit one directly on the head. On this day, Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre got his 3,000th career hit against the Baltimore Orioles. The Rangers took the 10-6 loss that day, but fans had plenty of reason to celebrate. Beltre had a great career that spanned 20 years. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and the Boston Red Sox as well as the Rangers. Beltre was definitely a fan favorite in Arlington, and his retirement ceremony on June 8, 2019 was nothing short of emotional.
ALCS Greatness
It was quite a night on October 15, 2011 when the Rangers hosted the Detroit Tigers in the American League Championship Series at Globe Life Park. On this night the Rangers clinched their second AL Pennant by crushing the Tigers 15-5. The Tigers had a little spark provided by Miguel Cabrera, but they couldn’t hold on. Nelson Cruz went 2-4 in that game and took home ALCS MVP honors.
1996 AL West Champions
When Globe Life Park was in it’s third season, the Rangers were busy winning the division for second-year Manager Johnny Oates. It was a great accomplishment, but they needed some help. The Rangers lost in 15 innings to the Angels, but won the division thanks to a loss from the Mariners to the Oakland Athletics.
Main Image:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned: Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Mike Lamb, Gary Matthews, Kenny Rogers, Adrian Beltre, Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz.
Manager Mentioned: Johnny Oates.
