Texas Rangers '07: Thank You!

It's always a pleasure when you get to be a part of history at a sporting event. It offsets what would otherwise be called a losing campaign, a year for cellar dwelling, and the like. The weather decided to play fickle just like the season, and I somehow STILL got a sunburn despite staying in the shade--DAMN UVA RAYS!!!

The final Ranger home game was memorable in that we saw six homers and a three hit game for Michael Young. Hit number three in the bottom of the 8th was special in that it would be hit 200 in 2007. In doing so Michael Young became only the 3rd player since 1940 (Ichiro Suzuki and Wade Boggs) to have five consecutive 200 hit seasons!

Young was given a standing ovation before he was removed in the 9th. The game was a 16-2 laugher as Texas swept the Angels. If you throw away a rotten 23-42 start, the Rangers had a decent record at home: 47-34. Pitching and defense were the main issues. I'll make no predictions for 2008 except to say that I will renew and enjoy seeing the likes of the Phillies and Braves come to Arlington in 2008. My thanks to my ticket reps Chad and Chip. You guys rock! Also thanks to Kevin Millwood for tossing two caps after the game. A nice gesture...

Friend Erik asked me (as we were preparing to leave) what one memory I'll carry with me on the '07 season. I was going to say seeing Sammy hit 600 on June 21st...Then I retracted and said the July night that we lost a game to the A's in 13 innings. The night when both Ron Washington and Michael Young were both ejected for the first time in their careers. I considered that night the phoenix to the turnaround in the second half. I'll also remember the four game sweep we had on Seattle in late July.

Walking away from the Ballpark wasn't as tough this time around. Mom once said that 'sometimes in life you have to sat goodbye before you get to say hello again!' April 8th against the Baltimore Orioles I will get that opportunity.

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will