Home Runs Are Bigger in Texas!
The Texas Rangers joined the league in 1971 after receiving approval to relocate to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Robert E. Short – the former DNC treasurer and majority team owner – ditched the nation’s capital and moved the franchise to Arlington, Texas, for the 1972 season.
The hasty decision sparked massive backlash throughout the district as the approval marked the Washington Senator’s second departure since their inception into the league. The Texas-bound Senators forfeited their final contest against the Yankees after hundreds of fans stormed the field in protest.
Although fans were optimistic another club would land in D.C., diehards still mourned their team’s departure and draped a banner that read “Short Stinks” across the far-end bleachers.
Ironically enough, the Arlington-based squad experienced a rocky inaugural season, concluding in sixth place with a daunting 54-100 record. It wasn’t until 1996 that the Lone Stars would rise to Major League prominence – securing their first playoff run (later falling to the New York Yankees). The Rangers have appeared in the World Series twice, but have yet to bring the championship title back home to Texas.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BScYvKShEOA/
The Rangers current revved-up roster boasts exceptional batters Rougned Odor, Nomar Mazara, Joey Gallo, and Mike Napoli, who take the plate at Globe Life Park to launch long balls into the grandstands.
Arlington lives up to its hype and reputation as the home of sports in the Lone Star state, hosting both the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. While the Cowboys toss pigskin over at AT&T Stadium, the Rangers receive opponents at Globe Life Park.
As the adage proclaims: “Everything’s bigger in Texas!” And believe us, this includes ballparks. Globe Life Park is capable of hosting over 48,000 fanatics and features a four-story office complex on park grounds, a 12-acre lake, and extra recreational space along the perimeter.
The entrance to the ballpark flaunts a redbrick facade and arches – a nod to the timeless appearance of Ebbets Field. As fans enter the stadium, they immerse themselves in the “Walk of Fame,” which posts roster information of every Texas Rangers team and extends around the entire park.
Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas Rangers, Arlington, Texas
Globe Life Park is no stranger to home runs, as the park birthed an impressive 213 homers in the 2016 season. Rougned Odor is responsible for blasting the longest dinger into the bleachers that season – traveling a true distance of 464 feet.
If you’re hoping to snag a home run ball, there are a few home run hot spots in Globe Life where the odds tend to be in your favor. The heat map of Globe Life suggests the right and left field are hubs for home runs – specifically sections 4, 5, 6, 45, 46, and 47. Situating yourself next to the bullpens is also a sound option, but unless you’re a pitcher or a part of the coaching staff, your chances remain slim.
Whether you’re going for the ultimate game day experience or want the chance to catch that memorable home run ball, be sure to come prepared. Check out Fanatics.com today for the latest Texas Rangers fan gear and apparel!
