Whitney and I are on a pilgrimage to Arlington this weekend to see our Rangers for the first time since they won the World Series. Carrie-Anne and I watched the Rangers and Astros in Houston last month, but this is our first time to see the championship banner hanging from the Globe Life Field rafters. It’s the first time to see all the championship logos and bunting around the outside of the stadium and around the concourses. And it was the first time in our lives to hear the legendary Chuck Morgan say, “Your World Series Champion Texas Rangers!”

Goosebumps.

The promotional giveaway last night was a replica Nathan Eovaldi World Series ring. Whitney and I arrived at 4:30 to make sure we were one of the first 29,000 fans to receive our bling. I’ve got to tell you, I got emotional when I pulled it out of the box. To see Big Game Nate’s name on the side of that ring and his number 17, to see the World Series trophy on the other side with the 2023 mantra “Go and Take It!” The Rangers logo surrounded by all that shine. It was another tangible reminder that it really did happen. The Rangers won the World Series last year. They really did. It finally really happened.

I need to preach in this thing Sunday, don’t I?

As for the game, the Rangers scored two runs in the first inning and then put up eight straight goose eggs to lose 3-2 to the Twins. Unbelievably, it’s the 10th time this year Texas has scored in the first inning and been blanked the rest of the way. Leody turned a Minnesota triple into a little league home run with a brutal error in centerfield. Seager had the night off. Lowe and Jung looked lost at the plate. Adolis Garcia was the bright spot, going  three-for-four and nailing a thrilling putout for a double play from right field. But they just can’t score any runs. It was tied 2-2 going to the 9th, but Kirby Yates put two on, wild-pitched them to second and third, and gave up the game-winning sac fly.

It was brutal. They’re ten back now in a race that’s been over for a while.

But, like I’ve always said, a bad day at the ballpark is better than a good day almost anywhere else.

But it wasn’t a bad day. It was a glorious day. For another two-and-a-half months, the Texas Rangers are the defending World Series champions. And every time Chuck Morgan said it, we smiled.

Carley and Collin are joining us for tonight’s contest. World Series short-sleeved hoodies are the giveaway. Pappasito’s is on the docket. And whether they win or lose tonight, we are going to have an absolute blast!

Peace,

Allan