Full Description
Since the team was established in 1971, the Texas Rangers have built a rich history and identity that makes them unique among MLB teams. The Texas Rangers and Me takes readers on a journey through the incredible highs and lows and the unforgettable moments that have shaped the franchise through the eyes of beat reporter T.R. Sullivan, who covered the team for thirty-two years, longer than any reporter in franchise history. Sullivan attended thirty-two spring trainings, covered some four thousand regular season games, traveled the country over many post-season Octobers, and spent thousands of hours in the clubhouse and press box.
Sullivan was there for Nolan Ryan's final two no-hitters, his three hundredth win and five thousandth strikeout, and his famous brawl with Robin Ventura. He covered José Canseco, Alex Rodriguez, and Josh Hamilton. He was there for Kenny Rogers's perfect game and his assault on two cameramen. He was at the 1989 Earthquake World Series and was on the road with the Rangers on September 11. Sullivan covered sixteen World Series, including the first two ever for the Rangers. He reported through the steroids era and saw firsthand how it impacted the Rangers.
Sullivan covered the team's ascent to their first World Series, led by manager Bruce Bochy and shortstop Corey Seager, as well as the less-known players and people who have influenced the team's history. Sullivan portrays the heart and soul of a team that embodies the spirit of Texas itself: gritty, determined, and always fighting for glory. With firsthand stories from players, coaches, and fans alike, Sullivan brings the history of the Texas Rangers to life in a way that honors the team's unique legacy and their dedicated following.
Contents
Introduction
1. The Bay Bridge Has Collapsed
2. Bobby V and the Rise of the Rangers
3. Pete Incaviglia: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
4. The Wild Ride of Bobby Witt
5. The Rise, Fall, and Many Returns of Rubén Sierra
6. Tom Grieve: Mr. Ranger
7. Following Nolan
8. The Manager and the Rock Star
9. Pudge
10. Juan González: Rangers Royalty
11. "T.R., I didn't come here to lose"
12. Championship Manager
13. Baseball's Biggest Scandal
14. In Pursuit of the Biggest Free Agent of Them All
15. The Shotgun Marriage of John Hart and Grady Fuson
16. The Rangers' Worst Free Agent Signing Ever
17. What Buck Showalter Found in Texas
18. White Flag over Arlington
19. Mark Teixeira and Promise Unfulfilled
20. Jerry Narron's Battle for Michael Young
21. Why Kenny Rogers Vowed to Kill Me
22. The Two Most Underrated Pitchers in Rangers History
23. Josh Hamilton: A Player Like No Other
24. Jon Daniels Takes Over
25. Ron Washington and Vince Lombardi
26. Winning Doesn't Come Easy
27. Elvis
28. Stormy Weather
29. A World Series Comes to Arlington
30. Daniels versus Young
31. Game Six
32. Adrian Beltré's Road to Cooperstown
33. Yu Darvish: The Regal Warrior
34. Ryan and Washington Depart
35. A Man Called Choo
36. Cole Hamels and Two Division Titles
37. The Last Dance
38. And Then They Won the World Series
Acknowledgments
