Jeff Banister Top 10 moments in 2015
Apr 26, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister (28) argues a call with umpire Jim Reynolds in the seventh inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Texas Rangers, even though they lost in the American League Division Series, had an amazing 2015 season. Manager Jeff Banister was part of the reason the Rangers were able to do so well and turn things around so quickly. I think because of that, his leadership, heart, and fire are just some of the reason he was selected as the BBWAA award for the American League Manager of the year. Recently he talked about winning the award and said the following.
“I think we took all the clichés off the T-shirts and brought them to life,” Banister said Tuesday. “There were plenty of times where it would have been easy to jump off the message and change course. But when everybody outside of the clubhouse didn’t believe, those guys did. We had the same message over and over. And we were relentless with that.” – Evan Grant (Dallas News)
Here are a few of my favorite moments involving Jeff Banister from the 2015 season. I hope you enjoy reliving these moments as much as I do.
10. 10/17/14 – Rangers introduce Banister
9. 3/12/15 – Rangers on new manager Banister – Derek Holland, Neftali Feliz, Prince Fielder and other players share their impressions of their new manager Jeff Banister
8. 06/25/15 – Jeff Banister stands up Colby Lewis and other players after tough loss
7. 6/16/16 – Jeff Banister praises Chi Chi Gonzalez and Robinson Chirinos. They never quit.
6. 9/11/15 – Banister talks about Colby Lewis’ near perfect game
5. 8/23/15 – Jeff Banister talks about Cole Hamels‘ outing against the Tigers and being ejected along with Adrian Beltre in the 5th inning
4. 9/18/15 – Jeff Banister gets ejected from the game after he argues with the umpire that Ketel Marte‘s double went foul
3. 9/16/15 – Rangers manager Jeff Banister discusses his team getting hot down the stretch as they battle for the top spot in the AL West
2. 11/17/15 – Rangers manager Jeff Banister jokes about receiving a speeding ticket on his way to the ballpark for his Manager of the Year announcement
1. 7/18/15 – Rangers and Astros benches clear. Both managers go face-to-face.
Next: Grading the Leonys Martin Trade
Texas Rangers Jeff Banister was exactly what this team needed. Reliving this moments reminds me of why they picked him, why we love him, and most importantly why the players love him. He’s consistent, stands up for his players, always has their back, defends them, and is an motivator of men. His leadership skills echo past the clubhouse to the field for every game. One of the best things about Banister is that this was only the first year. There are many more memories yet to happen. I can’t wait to see them unfold. Congratulations Jeff Banister. You’re very deserving of the Manager of the Year award and I’m glad you’re the Manager for the Texas Rangers.