Michael Young’s 10 Best Moments as a Texas Rangers

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After playing 14 seasons in Major League Baseball Michael Young has decided to retire.  Michael Young played 12 of those seasons with the Texas Rangers. Young is known for his leadership, work ethic and his loving generosity with the Texas Rangers and community.  As we say goodbye to one of the greatest players of all-time to wear a Texas Rangers uniform, let’s take a look at ten of Michael Young’s best moments as a Texas Rangers.

10. You can always depend on him

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In 2006, Michael Young played in all 162 games, leading the AL in games played.

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9.  Best in the American League

Young won the 2005 American League Batting Title.  He played in 159 games and had batting line of .331/.385/.513

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8.  7 time All-Star

Michael Young was named MVP of the 2006 All-Star Game he hit for a two-out, two-run triple in the ninth for a 3-2 AL win over the NL.

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7.  He’ll play anywhere and he’ll do his best.

In 2008, with 465 assists, 113 double plays and only 11 errors, Young won the AL Golden Glove at shortstop.

6.  ALDS Hero

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In the 2010 ALDS Game 2, Michael Young hit a 3-run home run to help extend the lead and win the game over the Tampa Bay Rays.

5.  Young continues to shine in the postseason

Rangers Celebrate at Home Plate – Photo Courtesy of Stacy Smith

Young shined throughout the 2011 ALCS, but in Game 6 against the Detroit Tigers he had 3 hits, including a HR and 5 RBI and became the first player postseason history to have two extra-base hits in the same inning.

4.  Moving past Ivan

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On June 16, 2010 Young hit a ground ball for his 1,748^th career hit, surpassing Ivan Rodriguez as Texas Rangers’ leader in hits.

2.  He’s played everywhere in the field but at catcher

September 8, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Michael Young (10) against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Texas Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Young is the only player in franchise history to appear in at least 75 games at each infield spot.

1.  You’d think he knew Ted Williams

Source: blogs.dallasobserver.com

Young accomplished something that only Hall of Famer Ted Williams had done. Each had a game-winning extra-base hit with the American League one out away from losing an All-Star Game.

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Michael Young is the epitome of a team player and is a class act.  We wish him nothing but the best.  He will be missed in Texas and in the game of baseball.