Texas Rangers (baseball)

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The Texas Rangers are an American professional baseball team based in Arlington, Texas. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division. The team's name is borrowed from the famous law enforcement agency of the same name.

History

The franchise was established in 1961 as the Washington Senators, an expansion team awarded to Washington, D.C., after the city's first American League ballclub moved to Minnesota and became the Minnesota Twins. After the 1971 season, the new Senators moved to Arlington, Texas, and debuted as the Rangers the following spring.

Early Years

The Rangers struggled in their early years in Texas, failing to post a winning record until 1974. The team saw its first taste of success in the late 1970s, but it wasn't until the 1990s that the Rangers began to consistently compete for division titles.

1990s and 2000s

The Rangers won their first division title in 1996 and followed it up with two more in 1998 and 1999. However, they were unable to advance past the first round of the playoffs. The team saw a resurgence in the late 2000s, culminating in back-to-back American League Championships in 2010 and 2011. Despite their success, the Rangers fell short in the World Series both years.

Recent Years

The Rangers moved to their new home, Globe Life Field, in 2020. The team has been in a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talent and building a competitive roster for the future.

Ballpark

The Rangers currently play their home games at Globe Life Field, which opened in 2020. The ballpark features a retractable roof, providing a climate-controlled environment for fans and players. Prior to Globe Life Field, the Rangers played at Globe Life Park in Arlington from 1994 to 2019.

Rivalries

The Rangers have notable rivalries with the Houston Astros, known as the Lone Star Series, and the Los Angeles Angels. These rivalries are fueled by geographic proximity and competitive matchups over the years.

Notable Players

Some of the most notable players in Rangers history include:

• Nolan Ryan
• Ivan Rodriguez
• Adrian Beltre
• Michael Young
• Josh Hamilton

Retired Numbers

The Rangers have retired the following numbers:

• 26 – Johnny Oates
• 34 – Nolan Ryan
• 7 – Ivan Rodriguez

Management

The current owner of the Rangers is a group led by Ray Davis and Bob R. Simpson. The team's general manager is Chris Young, and the manager is Bruce Bochy.

See also

• List of Texas Rangers seasons
• List of Texas Rangers team records
• List of Texas Rangers managers
• List of Texas Rangers owners and executives