7/27/2009 - Rangers Ballpark in Arlington - MLB Ballpark #26

2009 Game #24 - Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers

Final Score: Rangers 5, Tigers 2

Hot Dog - 4/5

Driving into Rangers Ballpark was a snap, as was finding a primo parking spot.  This could be because of the well-planned infrastructure of the Arlington area (outside Ft. Worth), or it could be because of the evening’s forcast of thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Well, in a continuation of our “good weather” theme (we’ll post about that one later on), the rain held off until late in the game and we were never really in danger of a rain out (or even a delay).  The sun even poked through just before first pitch (the tarp was already off the field).  Since attendance was so small, by the time the steady stuff started falling, we just moved up to two of the many unoccupied covered seats.

All of the park employees were very friendly (we had a lovely conversation about our trip with the woman working the ticket counter), but none friendlier than the usher (ush-ette?) in our section.  She took a liking to us (for some reason) and stopped by to chat every half inning or so.  She said she was happy to talk to real fans of the game and, as we were two of only six people in the section, we fit the bill.

The ballpark is a very nice one.  The concourses are nice and big, although most of the concession stands were closed, due to our game’s very low attendance.  The park has some interesting views, including the giant, white-trimmed building behind the centerfield walls (I had always assumed it was a warehouse or something, but it’s part of the park), and the right field bleacher decks that are a clear homage to the old Tiger Stadium in Detroit.  There’s also a nice statue of Hall of Famer and Texas player (twice over) Nolan Ryan, who now works for the Rangers.  (I’m sure you all know how much I love statues.)

The game was a good one; it was quick and reasonably well-pitched.  It was our second game in a row where the winning pitcher settled in after a rocky first inning.  Here, it was Rangers starter Tommy Hunter.  After giving up a home run on the second pitch of the game, he locked in and pitched very well the rest of the way.  That includes pitching out of a one-out bases-loaded jam in the fifth.

Oh, and one more thing… The Ranger’s Captain [a horse].  Finally, a mascot that makes sense.  If you’re the Rangers and you’ve gotta have a walking stuffed animal, this one’s okay by me.

-Rich