Prince Fielder “Captain Badass” Introduced

Oct 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder (28) reacts during batting practice prior to game four of the American League Championship Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Monday, November 25, the Texas Rangers formally introduced Prince Fielder at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

The press conference started off with Texas Rangers showing off the new Prince Fielder jersey, which featured some tweaks to last year’s jersey.  For 2014, the jersey removes a black strip around the arm and some grey around the lettering.

Fielder will wear number 84 next season, his old number was 28.  Joakim Soria currently has number 28. Jon Daniels started the conference by introducing Prince Fielder, who was joined by his wife and two sons, to the media.

"“We are very excited to have all of them here with the organization and looking forward to a lot of good times and a lot of W’s” said Jon Daniels"

The media quickly inquired about the trade details such as why he didn’t block the trade.   For the trade to happen, Fielder had to waive the no-trade clause in his contract in order for the deal to be approved.  The no-trade clause had a provision that included the Texas Rangers on the list of teams not to be traded to.  Fielder still has the no-trade clause in his contract with the Texas Rangers.  Fielder commented on the transaction.

"“I thought it would be best for both teams and for me and best for the Tigers.  I’m a team guy, so I said, ‘OK.'” said Prince Fielder"

Fielder was also asked a couple of times about the reason he changed his number.

"“It’s a new start I guess and 84 is the year I was born,”  said Fielder. “That’s as deep as I’m going to go into that.”"

Ron Washington also discussed his thoughts on the trade.

"“Number one his presence, number 2 he has been a very productive player.  We certainly where we have been searching to try to get some production out of our lineup and I think Jon Daniels really gave us an early Christmas present” said Ron Washington"

On reporter asked Fielder his thoughts on the right field, which was modeled after Tigers Stadium, Fielder replied with “I’m going to have to look in to that *laughs*” Fielder was also asked if he saw himself as the club house leader.

"“Yeah, I mean, I want to be part of the team,” said Fielder, also “I try to lead by example,…I’m not coming in and trying to be Captain Badass or anything,” Fielder said."

Ron Washington was asked about the potential line up for next season and stated that Fielder will bat third and Leonys Martin will lead off. Along with the jersey and leadership questions Fielder was asked about the Texas heat, and will he be able to play for the remaining for the contract.  Fielder stated that he had grown up in Texas and in Florida and he doesn’t see the heat as an issue. On the topic of his health, he said that he’s always been told if you can play, then you’ll play.

"“I’ll just take it year by year,”  said Prince Fielder. “It’s definitely not going to be a challenge. I love this game. Why would I do anything that would cause me not to play it the way I should?”"

Fielder over his career has been a solid player.  Since 2006, Prince has only missed 13 games and has played in 162 games for each of the previous 3 seasons.   After the press conference Fielder and his family put on the number 84 jersey and Prince went to the batting cages for some batting practice.

One of the key themes from today’s press conference with Prince Fielder was that his looking for a fresh start.  Also, you could tell from the conference that he is excited to be in Texas and is ready to get thing started next season.

The Texas Rangers started selling the new Prince Fielder jersey today at the ballpark as well as Texas Rangers pro shops.  Along with the Fielder jersey, the Texas Rangers will have a special on Black Friday.  Fans who purchase select 2013 jerseys from the club pro shop will receive a game used ball.

Prince Fielder for his career is hitting .286/.389/.527/.916 with 285 home runs and 870 RBIs.  Fielder has consistency been in the top of the league in batting average, home runs, and RBIs.