As the clock continues to tick down towards the end of the Rangers’ time at Globe Life Park, it’s becoming more and more surreal that it’s almost time to say goodbye to the stadium that I grew up in throughout the 2000’s. As a fan born in the early 90’s, there’s something so very special to me about Globe Life Park because I have no recollection of any other baseball venue in town besides the beautiful ballpark that opened in 1994.
We’re being nostalgic this month at Dallas Sports Fanatic and our Rangers staff is sharing their favorite memory at Globe Life Park before the Rangers say goodbye to it on September 29th. For me, it’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite. I’ve been to several Opening Day’s, Sammy Sosa’s 600th home run game, probably at least five or six walk-off wins, the one-game playoff (game 163) back in 2013, several ALDS games throughout this decade and the clinching game in the 2011 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers. Countless memories throughout all of those times, but I think the most important moment I’ve ever witnessed at the stadium was when I attended game four of the 2011 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
2011 was quite a milestone year for me. I graduated high school that year so of course I felt like I was on top of the world. On top of that, the Mavericks marched their way through the end of the playoffs that spring to their first ever NBA title. Like I mentioned before, I was born in 1992 so this was the first experience I had with a DFW team winning it all since I was too young to remember the Cowboys Super Bowl wins of the 90s.
After the Rangers surprised us all with a run to the Fall Classic in 2010, there was no sneaking up on success with the 2011 squad. By the time the AL West was clinched in September, I was ready to pounce on the opportunity to attend some playoff baseball in person again. I was disappointed when I saw them lose to the Rays in game 1 of the ALDS. All good though since they won the series. I was also able to make it to the clinching-game in the ALCS against the Tigers and getting to see confetti shot into the air while seeing the team dogpile by the pitchers mound was pretty great. Now all I needed to do was get my hands on some tickets to the World Series.
Well, those were pretty expensive for a kid in his freshman year of college. I was in true “YOLO” mode at the time, that was a thing then, and was willing to spend what it would take to make it happen. The problem was that none of my closest friends really felt the same way, so I was going to have to do this alone. I had already attended Game 5 of the NBA Finals that year by myself at a hefty price, so I wasn’t even worried. My approach to attending both of these sporting events alone: “Who knows when these teams will ever reach this stage again, don’t worry about the awkwardness of going alone. Just get there and experience it.”
I was definitely right. With my mindset and foolish handling of money at a young age, I was able to attend both a NBA Finals and World Series game in the same year.
Globe Life Park in Arlington dressed up to the nines for big games is truly a thing of beauty. The dark night sky allowing the lights to shine brightly onto the green grass. The white towels handed out to every fan twirling around in the air. It was a sight to behold.
The game itself was incredible with Derek Holland having a career night on the biggest stage possible. The Rangers entered game four down 2-1 in the series and to see them come back with a tremendous performance with their backs against the wall was an experience I’ll never forget.
As we get ready for the final week of Rangers baseball at Globe Life Park, there are tons of memories I’ll forever cherish. I’ve been able to share moments with friends, family and now my wife and kids the last few years. It will be odd driving out to Arlington and not entering “the Globe.” It won’t be easy to say goodbye, but like they said in 2010: “It’s time.”
“Farewell, Globe Life Park” series
2012 Rangers/Twins Lightning Scare
1998/2010 Rangers/Yankees Playoff Battles
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