Photos and Notes from Rangers Fan Fest 2014

Ron Washington was up for the next question and answer session.

Texas Rangers Fan Fest 2014 – Photo by David Cash

Ron Washington talked about the starting rotation going into spring training and also talked about the ace of the club Yu Darvish.  At this point, Washington has Yu Darvish as the opening day starter.  After his performance last year, he’s earned the top honor going in to 2014.

He was also asked about Colby Lewis.  Lewis probably won’t be a starter anytime soon, but he is healthy and they have watch video of him pitching.

“He’s on schedule to compete and be ready, and we just have to see how the hip reacts to competition starts at spring training.  I certainly have a spot in the rotation open.”   said Ron Washington

Washington was also asked by about Prince Fielder.  Washington compared Prince Fielder to Adrian Beltre as a player that wants to be in the line up everyday.  He does plan on giving Fielder at least a half day rest by putting him in as DH.  Washington also joked that he’ll have a hard time making Fielder take a day off.

Washington was also asked by a kid why he traded away Ian Kinsler.  Washington replied by saying he was at home when he got the call that Detroit wanted to trade Prince Fielder.  He asked what they wanted in return and they said Ian Kinsler.  He said it wasn’t a quick decision and they had to weigh their options.  He said they had the chance to get Fielder before he went to Detroit, but it didn’t work out then.  He said they couldn’t pass it up again and moved forward with the trade.  He said Kinsler was a class act and appreciated his time with the Texas Rangers, but now he’s with Detroit, watch out.

Running the bases

Texas Rangers Fan Fest 2014 – Photo by David Cash

Along with the autograph and question/answer sessions, fans were allowed to run the bases and catch fly balls in the outfield.

Texas Rangers Fan Fest 2014 – Photo by David Cash

Fans catching foul balls.

Tom Grieve, Matt Hicks, Eric Nadel and Steve Busby held an announcers round table.

The announcers talked with fans about their experiences and thoughts about the Texas Rangers.  Also, they talked about the golden era of baseball.  Many fans consider that time was long ago, but all 4 of them agree that the golden era of baseball is happening now.  They see now how fans are more attracted to the sport today by the players and the game more than it has ever been in their careers.  They see it going and becoming even stronger in the future.

Current Texas Rangers and other alumni signed autographs for fans.

Texas Rangers Fan Fest 2014 – Photo by David Cash

Claude Osteen, former Texas Rangers pitching coach, Dan Smith and Ray Burris signed autographs for fans.

Also, Ken Hill, Mike Bascik, Sr., Kevin Belcher, Rich Billings, Steve Buechele,  Mark Brandenburg, Dave Chalk, Tim Crabtree, Danny Darwin, Cecil Espy, Benji Gil, Rusty Greer, Jose Guzman, Donald Harris, Rick Henninger, Dave Hostetler, David Hulse, Mike Jeffcoat, Mark McLemore, Kevin Mench, Mike Munoz, Luis Oertiz, Jeff Russell, Donnie Sadler, Mike Simms,  Don Stanhouse, Ken Suarez, Ellis Valentine, Curtis Wilkerson signed autographs.

Fans also got to get a look in the Texas Rangers Clubhouse.

Since the Nolan Ryan group took over ownership of the Texas Rangers, fans were no longer allowed in the clubhouse during tours of the ballpark.  Fans were treated to that experience during Fan Fest this year.  

Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation Sale

Texas Rangers Fan Fest 2014 – Photo by David Cash

Fans were also able to grab a part of the game. The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation sold mystery packages, game used bats, media guides, shirts, hats and other Texas Rangers items to raise money.  To learn more about the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, visit their site here