For the Love of the Game!

My sixth Season Ticket Holder day was the hottest one by far, but a joy nevertheless!

A day when Texas Ranger season ticket holders get to spend a day at the Ballpark as a 'Thank You' by the staff to the fans. A day to get some inside scoop from the people themselves. Nolan Ryan, Jon Daniels, Ron Washington were on hand to discuss strategy, the state of the team, the future of the team, the minor league beat, who's coming, who isn't. It's pretty cool to be up close and personal with the triumvirate think-tank of the team you root for. The three shot straight, to be sure.

I then got some insight from pitching coach Mike Maddux and hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Two minds that are the best at what they do in creating a mindset that best befits the makeup and core of the Rangers. I was able to get pictures with both gentlemen.

The best speech of the day that caught me right between the eyes was Dale Petrovsky. Having served in the Hall-of Fame, it was a treat to listen to story after story after story. He had my attention when he spoke about Phil Rizzuto and Yogi Berra. I met Rizzuto at his Hillside home in NJ back on 11/4/77. As nice a man as can be. He talked proudly about his MVP year in 1950.

Petrovsky then spoke about Stan Musial. One story Dale shared had me in stitches. Dale was nice enough to answer all questions after he spoke. A great spokesman for baseball.

Then it was a fun field day of getting autographs. Michael Young, Marlon Byrd, Eddie Guardado, CJ Wilson, Jeff Grilli, Brandon McCarthy, Larry Hardy, Donnie Harris, Pete O'Brien, Kevin Millwood, Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, Ken Suarez,  Frank Lucchesi, Dave Chalk, Rich Billings, Mike Simms, Rusty Greer, Kevin Belcher, Johnny Narron, Gary Pettis, and Jackie Moore! Almost as good as Fan Fest!

The water was available every 100 yards as the mercury topped 103. The afternoon picnic was mighty fine BBQ! It went down smoothly on an afternoon for the fans.

This years was the hottest. I can't wait for next year.

My thanks to the Ranger brass for the hospitality and for allowing this fan to live his dream. THANK YOU!

Now for a win!

Time for a ballgame!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will