Texas Rangers All-Time Team: The Final Reveal

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

After Texas acquired Adrian Beltre in 2011, the Rangers used Michael Young as the designated hitter and utility infielder. He played through the 2012 season; however, after the season Young waived his no-trade clause and was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Josh Lindblom and Lisalverto Bonilla.

It was clear the decisions being made by the Rangers were frustrating to Michael Young, but that did not stop him from great success in his final two seasons as a Ranger.

4/30/11: MY launches his first homer of the season at Oakland Athletics. (Always nice to get one off the A’s!)

Young went 3-for-5 with three RBI on June 10, 2011.

MY gets his 2,000th career hit on August 7, 2011. I love when this happens at home, makes the moment extra special.

You need a player to go 3-for-4 with a homer and drive in four runs? OK, just call Michael Young!

Relax, MY has it!

On June 23, 2012 Young hits his 400th career double and finished the season with 415, making him the Rangers career leader in doubles.

There are not enough (polite) words to express how Rangers fans felt about the…ahem, stuff Michael Young went through that ultimately led to his request to be traded. So, I’m just going to let that stay in the past and just say:

We love Michael Young

After playing for the Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013 Young announced his retirement on January 31, 2014.

Not gonna lie, I got teary-eyed watching this, again.

On May 5, 2014 many came to speak during his retirement ceremony about what a terrific player and teammate Michael Young was, but also what a remarkable human being he is.

Then on November 5, Texas fans celebrated the return of Michael Young as he was named Special Assistant to General Manager Jon Daniels. The press release stated he will work with JD

"and his staff in all areas of baseball operations, including player evaluation and player development at the major and minor league level, special assignments, and scouting trips.”"

He may not be wearing a Texas Rangers uniform, but I know many fans were thrilled to hear Young would be back with the club, even more so knowing he would help with the development of players. Especially since in 2008 and 2011 Michael Young won the Marvin Miller Award, which honors one MLB player

"whose on-field performance and contributions to his community inspire others to higher levels of achievement.”"

Young joined John Smoltz (2002, 2003) and Jim Thome (2001, 2004) as the only players who have won the award twice.

Young is the Rangers single-season leader for:

• At-Bats: 2006 (691)
• Plate Appearances: 2006 (748)
• Hits: 2005 (221)
• Doubles: 2006 (52)

More impressive Michael Young is currently the Texas Rangers career leader in:

• Games Played (1,823)
• At-Bats (7,399)
• Plate Appearances (8,047)
• Runs Scored (1,085)
• Hits (2,230)
• Total Bases (3,286)
• Doubles (415)
• Triples (55)
• Singles (1,583)
• Times on Base (2,783)
• Sacrifice Flies (70)

Next: All-Time Team Catcher