ARLINGTON, Texas — ”I can’t believe the Rangers are in the World Series,” Ranger fan Janet Stevens said before Game 3 on Saturday night.
“We’ve been coming to games for…” Janet’s husband Robert Stevens said as he looked to his wife for help, “ever. We never thought we would see a World Series here in Arlington.”
2010 has been a year of firsts for the Texas Rangers. First postseason series win. First postseason game won at home. And now the first time hosting the World Series. Coming into Game 3, however, the Rangers were still looking to get their first win down 2 games to 0.
They now sell “claw” T-shirts.
The energy in the stadium did not reflect the deficit as they were instructed before the game to get out their towels and put their claws up for the Rangers. The “claws” have been a hand gesture used by the players to unify the team and represents a good play. They now sell “claw” T-shirts.
Prior to the game starting, the Rangers showed a video of highlights for the organization over the years. Nolan Ryan getting his 5,000th strike out. Cheers. Ryan winning his 300th game. More cheers. Ryan pummeling Robin Ventura in the face. Insanity.
More insanity ensued when former Ranger Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez was announced as the catcher for the ceremonial first pitch thrown out by team president Nolan Ryan.
“Where did they find ‘Pudge?’” one fan said.
Ranger starting pitcher Colby Lewis pitched another gem for the Rangers only giving up 2 runs.
“Col-by! Col-by! Col-by!” the fans chanted sporadically throughout the game cheering their pitcher on.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Lewis said. “To think that many people came to see me and the Rangers play.”
Texas Rangers’ rabid fans.
“Playing at home is always better,” Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton said. “We got the fans behind us. We’re right where we want to be.”
The fans may be in disbelief with where the Rangers are, but they are also releived. “With the Longhorns being an embarrassment this year and the [Dallas] Cowboys suck so bad,” Ranger fan Josh Stewart said. “This is exactly what we need. It’s made it so much fun.”
The fans didn’t disappoint with almost a party-like atmosphere throughout most of the game. In the 8th inning San Francisco Giant Andres Torres hit a home run to put the Giants within two. The homer got a mild cheer revealing that the Giants had a good amount of fans in attendance. But the Ranger fans erupted when a fan threw the ball back onto the field.
The Rangers accomplished another first winning their first World Series game Saturday 4-2. Now they have one more first to go. Winning a championship.
Jason Black is a regular sports contributor on America’s Morning News and coincidently, or not, does movie reviews for KJ103 and102.1 Kissin’ Country. You can also follow Jason on Twitter @jasonblack23.
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