Things for Texas Rangers Fans to do While Waiting on West Coast Baseball

Apr 6, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fans wait through a rain delay before the Duck Commander 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

I always feel like it has been a week since the Texas Rangers played when they have an off day, and it usually feels worse when the Texas Rangers have to play on the West Coast to start the weekend series. I want baseball to start at 7:05, not 9:05. So I thought I would take this opportunity to come up with a list of things to possibly do while waiting on the game to start on this long Friday evening. This list is, of course, assuming that, like me you all just sit at home waiting for the game to start instead of going out and doing something fun before the game starts. Some of you “younger people” may not need my list, because fun just follows you, but trust me, when you get to me my age you will enjoy the benefits of being a shut in hermit who only cares about baseball.

1. Read. I know that it’s a novel (see what I did there) concept, but sometimes I like to read when I am waiting on a ball game to start. A good book can pass the time quickly and there are plenty of good books out there. I like to read books that are baseball related, like “Ballgame” by Josh Lewin or “100 Things Rangers Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die” by Rusty Burson. You don’t have to read baseball books of course, but why wouldn’t you? If you are not into reading books, of course, you could always pursue more articles here on Nolan Writin’ and read about the Texas Rangers to your heart’s content!

2. Play Video Games. I strongly recommend the “MLB The Show” franchise for some light video game playing while waiting for the game to start. You can create a player and play through a whole season in two hours if you do it right! There is nothing like making yourself up as a player on your favorite team (the Texas Rangers in my case, you know, if I played video games) and working your way to the majors where you can make a real difference. Not that I have ever done that, because I am old, but it’s really fun. Um, so I have heard.

3. Have a Family Game Night. Instead of ignoring the kids or yelling at them for interrupting the game, you can throw the family a bone and do something with them to get them off your back for when the Texas Rangers are back to a normal schedule. It’s always nice to spend time with the kids when you’re not trying to focus on a baseball game. You could either play a board game or a video game system like a Wii or XBox 360 or something. My kids know that West Coast Friday night is one of the nights they get my attention. (I hope you all understand that this is sarcasm).

4. Nervous Pacing. This is the one that I do the most during nights like tonight. I wear out a spot on my carpet just walking back and forth mumbling to myself and running my fingers through my hair in angst just waiting for the game to start. It is very therapeutic in my opinion, but my shrink really seems to think that I need a new hobby (thus the reason for 1-3 on my list). You should try it sometime. It really is fun.

Jul 24, 2012; London, UK; Alphas Kishoyian, left, and Boniface Mweresa (KEN) take a nap in the grass area in victory park at athletes village. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports via USA TODAY Sports

5. Take a Nap. When you get to be my age, you will realize that naps are as important now as hanging out with buddies or dating was when you were younger. Naps are the only way I can make it comfortably through a West coast Texas Rangers game, another reason that I don’t like West Coast games. Naps are the life blood of any west coast baseball trips, and if you miss the opportunity to take a nap before the game starts, then you will have trouble getting through the game. Trust me. Watch my twitter account some late nights and you will realize that I didn’t run out of clever and witty things to say, I probably just fell asleep.

So what do you do when waiting for a west coast Texas Rangers

game to start? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to comment below and I hope you enjoyed reading my list!