Dugout's reaction to Joc Pederson's first Rangers homer reflects respect he's earned

It took longer than anyone expected, but Joc Pederson went yard for the first time as a Texas Ranger last night. The long home run was great to see, but it was what happened afterward that has us feeling a lot better about Pederson, the Rangers and the bond that has formed with the off-season acquisition.

With one out in the top of the third and Wyatt Langford on base via a walk, it finally happened. Pederson got a fastball up in the zone and tattooed it 401 feet into the right field bleachers. As he rounded the bases with his arm lifted and pointing skyward, you could see the albatross fall from his neck. The anvil that he had been carrying on his shoulders had been lifted.

Texas Rangers' reaction to Joc Pederson home run show a team coming together

Everyone said that Pederson was a great locker room guy, but the way he has started this season may have made some Rangers fans doubt whether he was worth it. There is a reason that Pederson has been a member of multiple World Series teams, and the jubilation and camaraderie in the dugout was the encouraging reminder that everyone needed.

Pederson was visibly elated when he returned to the dugout but the best part of last night's win - and the last two weeks - was the childlike exuberance that he shared with his teammates and coaches, who were just as happy for the veteran slugger.

Lord knows it's been a rough first month for Joc, but seeing him bounce around the dugout and chest-bumping new hitting coach Bret Boone among others made it pretty clear that Pederson has some serious gravitas and charisma in the clubhouse that has this team bonded around.

In his last 15 games, he's slashing .263/.391/.500 with 10 hits, a homer, 4 runs driven in and seven walks in 38 at-bats. While he's still hitting below .200, it is good to see him coming around at the plate.

While there is no guarantee that last night's game is the start of his breakout but the team is ready to rally around his larger-than-life personality. As great as the Rangers' 10-3 win and four longballs were, seeing the team's chemistry as they celebrated with Pederson was the best part of the game.