Rangers And Nationals: A Shared History

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In 1972 baseball moved to Arlington from the nation’s capital. Originally they were the second incarnation of the Washington Senators. These Senators began the life of the franchise in 1961 after the original Washington Senators moved to Minneapolis in 1960 and became the Twins. As an expansion team the most they shared with the original team was the name but when the team another team was formed that became our biggest rivals, the Angels. At the time they were a continent apart but the two franchises are connected for life. After years of mismanagement, something that until recently was a franchise trait the team was moved to Arlington. They moved in to an old minor league stadium that was ill equipped to handle a Major League team that would become the Texas Rangers.

During this year the Texas Rangers will be doing giveaways at home games that will honor the past 40 years of Rangers history. This season I will be posting information on the history of the Rangers and the second Senators to help fans appreciate the top of the mountain that we are at now since for so long we have existed in pits of despair. But this article is about something else entirely. In this the 40th year of the Texas Rangers I would like to argue that given our shared history any person who is in need of a National League club to cheer for the Washington Nationals are the team for you.

Reason number one, the Houston Astros suck. Yes they are technically in Texas but the rivalry that has grown up between these two clubs is becoming more intense. Since the beginning of Interleague play the battle for the Silver boot has become something both fan bases aspire to win. Yet more importantly the impending move of the Astros to the AL West will make them a division rival, and cheering for a division rival is an unforgivable fan sin.

Reason number two, the Nationals curly W. The logo most recognized with the Nationals is the cursive upper case W. The second Washington Senators were the ones who first used that logo. When I wear my Senators throwback items they are often confused for Nationals gear. What a great way to support your Rangers at the same time as pulling for the Nationals?

Reason number three, the years of struggling and recent success. Misery loves company and fans that have been around a while have seen the low of lows. This similarity will allow Rangers fans to understand the path that long time Nationals have been on. In the history of the Senators/Rangers the franchise is 3843 wins and 4272 losses. The Nationals have 492 and 640 losses. For 47% win record versus a 43% win record. Yeah they feel our pain.

Reason number four, Ivan Rodriquez. Pudge was a fan favorite for both clubs. What else needs to be said about this wonderful man and a ball player?

As always Go Rangers, and for me Go Nationals too.

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