2008 Texas Rangers

The 2007 MLB season wasn’t the turn around that the Texas Rangers had hoped for, and they finished a disheartening last place in the AL West. But with manager Ron Washington more comfortable now that he’s in his second year at the helm, and Nolan Ryan as the newly appointed president of the team, the 2008 season promises to be a real improvement. The team made some good moves in the off season, including adding Milton Bradley, Josh Hamilton, Jason Jennings and Kazuo Fukumori to the roster, and now all they need is encouragement from loyal fans. Get your tickets to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and help cheer the Texas Rangers on to a winning 2008 season!

From Washington to Texas

The Texas Rangers were created in 1972 when the second incarnation of the Washington Senators was moved to Arlington, Texas. The Senators brought their losing ways with them to Texas and the Rangers struggled to become respectable, finishing under .500 more often than not. Things slowly began to change by the late 1980’s with the addition of Nolan Ryan, and the Rangers started to put together competitive teams. Ryan came over from across the state in Houston and made an immediate impact by almost tossing a no hitter in his first start and racking up 15 strikeouts. Ryan would go on to throw 2 more no hitters, lead the league twice more in strikeouts, and reach both 300 wins and 5,000 strikeouts with the Rangers. He is now working as a special assistant to the team.

Success at Last

After a couple of third place finishes under Manager Bobby Valentine, the team finally broke through in 1996 under new manager Johnny Oates. Oates was given the reigns of an offensive juggernaut. With sluggers like 2 time MVP Juan Gonzalez and All Star Ivan Rodriguez, the Rangers proceeded to win the AL West 3 out of 4 years. Despite their offensive prowess, the team struggled from the mound and they were bounced from the first round of the playoffs each year managing to win only 1 game in all three years.

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

The team currently plays its home games at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Opened in 1994 this beautiful baseball only stadium features all of the amenities modern fans look for. The Rangers continue to fill the Ballpark despite not reaching the playoffs recently.