Texas Rangers: Thank you, Elvis (and for letting us win in your return!)

Thank you, Elvis! Your impact on the Texas Rangers franchise will be more than you will ever know.

June 21, 2021 will display an 8-3 Rangers victory in the ledger, but this night was more special than just a win in the box score. It was the first time Elvis Andrus returned to Arlington since Texas traded him to the A’s this past winter, infamously in exchange for the now-departed Khris Davis.

And Rangers nation made sure one of its icons was greeted with a thunderous ovation prior to his first at-bat in the game.

Elvis Andrus’ return had Texas Rangers fans in their feels Monday night

It was a heartwarming and ultimately nostalgic moment that the fans in attendance that night won’t soon forget, and neither will Andrus, we presume.

But sorry Elvis, as much as we love you, we love our team more, and our squad came out with a victory in the homecoming.

It all began with ace Kyle Gibson‘s laborious but ultimately effective 5.1 innings of two-run ball, before handing off to the bullpen, which would allow just one run the rest of the evening.

The offense jumped on the board early for Gibson, highlighted by the first career home run of Andy Ibanez, just called up prior to the contest.

That early spark extended the Rangers’ lead, and they’d never look back the rest of the game.

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In total, Texas plated eight runs in the win, something of a rarity given how cold the bats had gone recently. Perhaps that outburst could be attributed to being in the presence of Rangers greatness once again. Or Frankie Montas, the A’s starter in the game, being bad.

Regardless, June 21, 2021 was a memorable night for the Texas Rangers and their fans. The shortstop who wore No. 1 for so many years in Arlington and was an integral piece of two AL pennant-winning clubs in 2010 and 2011 will always have a home here, even if we’re relegated to watching him wear rival colors.

Dare we say his replacement, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, is doing an admirable job in Andrus’ former stead. The Rangers appear to be in good hands when it comes to a shortstop succession plan.

Even so, walking down memory lane with Elvis was an absolute joy on Monday night, and we should enjoy the next two games while his Oakland A’s are in town.