Most Memorable Moments for Texas Rangers Fans

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

With the Texas Rangers Baseball 2014 season just around the corner, I can’t help but remember growing up watching the Texas Rangers play and watching my favorite game moments. It seems like everyone is doing a countdown of all things baseball, so here is my top 9 most memorable moments as a Texas Rangers fan. I hope it triggers some good memories of your own and gets you pumped for the upcoming season.

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

8) The Washington Shuffle
Manager Ron Washington can be seen on the steps of the dugout during any exciting game play doing his dance. I first noticed this during the 2010 ALCS and the players love seeing him do this just as much as the fans do. “I just love the way he never holds his emotion back, especially when he’s managing. He hangs on every pitch, and it’s great to know that your manager is in every single pitch and cares that much.” –Ian Kinsler

Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

7) 2011 World Series: Texas Rangers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Game 4
Derek Holland pitched 8 1/3 innings giving up only 2 hits with zero runs. Derek Holland became one of the Texas Rangers best starters that night. When he left the mound he received a standing ovation from everyone attending the game and every fan watching at home as well. Rangers beat the Cardinals that night 4-0.

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6) August 4, 1993: Nolan Ryan vs. Robin Ventura
I have no idea what Robin Ventura was thinking running (not charging) the mound, but the 46-year old Nolan Ryan let him know whatever he was thinking, it wasn’t a good idea. Nolan Ryan put the 26-year old White Sox third baseman in a headlock and started pounding his head. Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez went running to the mound from behind the plate trying to save Ventura, as if to say “Buddy, you have no idea who you’re messing with up there!” Robin Ventura was ejected from the game and suspended for two games. Nolan Ryan stayed in the game and received no disciplinary action. Thank you Robin Ventura for sealing the legend of Nolan Ryan.

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5) June 20, 2007: Sammy Sosa hits his 600th home run.
This made my list because I was in attendance for this game and it was amazing to witness history in the making. It was also ironic that Sammy Sosa’s history making hit was against his former team, Chicago Cubs.

Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

4) The 1998 and 1999 Seasons: A.L. West Champions
Johnny Oates led the Texas Rangers to their first back-to-back A.L. West Division Titles, which gave Texas Rangers fans a taste of victory and hope that they will be Pennant winners one day, even World Series champions.

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

3) May 1, 1991 Toronto Blue Jays vs. Texas Rangers: Nolan Ryan’s Seventh No-Hitter
The 44-year old Texas Rangers starting pitcher, Nolan Ryan, threw is last no-hitter despite waking up that day finally feeling his age. He only grew stronger as the game went on. Once again, all of Texas fell in love with Nolan Ryan.

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2) July 28, 1994 Anaheim Angels vs. Texas Rangers: Kenny Rogers’ Perfect Game
Kenny Rogers pitched the 12th perfect game in the modern era of MLB (the first in Texas Rangers history) against the Angels. Kenny Rogers has said that he wasn’t thinking of the perfect game until the 9th inning. As soon as he did, he almost lost it until OF Rusty Greer saved the night by diving to catch the ball hit by Rex Hudler.

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

1) 2010 ALCS Game 6: New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers had faced the New York Yankees 4 times previously and the Yankees had the upper hand beating the Rangers 3-1. The Rangers always seemed to have beaten themselves before the previous series’ had even started. October 22, 2010 would prove different. Colby Lewis had given up only one run and the Rangers were ahead 1-6 going into the ninth. Neftali Feliz comes to close the game. Alex Rodriguez is at the plate. Neftali Feliz throws to the plate and STRIKES OUT ALEX RODRIGUEZ! TEXAS RANGERS GO TO THE WORLD SERIES FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!
I don’t know about you, but thinking about that last out against A-Rod get my blood pumping! I hope y’all are just excited about the 2014 Texas Rangers Baseball season as I am.