![]() A sellout crowd of 38,387 that included baseball commissioner Rob Manfred saw stadium history in the fourth inning as the roof was closed for the first time during a game due to incoming showers in the area. Then at 3:09 p.m., home plate ump Jeff Nelson signaled to play ball, and the Rangers’ prized ace Jacob deGroom delivered a 99 mph strike to Phillies leadoff hitter Trea Turner. Then there was the introduction of both teams as they lined up on the foul lines in front of their respective dugouts.Īt precisely 3:05 p.m., Rangers public address announcer Chuck Morgan said the words people had been waiting for all day, “It is baseball time in Texas.”īut not quite, as the umpires’ home plate meeting prior to the game took longer than usual as the men in blue went over the new rules with both managers. After all, he was surrounded by baseball legends and 50 of his fellow Texas Rangers officers who lined the outside of the infield.įollowing the ceremonial first pitch, the National Anthem was performed by the Texas Tenors as large United States and Texas flags covered the outfield.Ī flyover that was scheduled to take place following the song had to be scratched because of the heavy overcast skies, although the stadium roof was open. Reuben Mankin, a 21-year veteran of the agency, was on the mound with Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan prior to throwing the ceremonial first pitch to Hall of Fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. ![]() In commemorating the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency, Lt. On hand to take part in the festivities were seven members of the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and two members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.Īlso taking part in the pregame ceremony were former President George W. Pregame ceremonies on Opening Day are festive, lively, and long, and this one was no exception. The most popular have to be the 2-foot Boomstick Burger and the brisket croissant. Once inside, they had the opportunity to buy and taste the new specialty food items at the stadium’s concession stands. Fans entering the stadium received a 2023 Rangers schedule magnet. The gates opened at noon for the 3:10 scheduled start. One thing that was not quick was the three hours fans had to wait for the start of the game. I believe fans will enjoy the new rules as they are geared to provide more offense also. Pitchers and batters will certainly have to make adjustments. All four infielders are required to be on the infield dirt with two on each side of second base prior to the pitch. It’s part of the league’s new rules to create a quicker pace of play.Īnother rule change is the shift. It will be something to watch next time you’re at a Major League game.Īnother new thing is the pitcher game clock posted in centerfield and behind home plate. ![]() We’re anxious to get it going.”īochy has been part of 26 Opening Days in his career.įollowing the manager’s press briefing, I headed to batting practice, but my main purpose for going to the field was to take a close look at the new bases, which are now 18 square inches, up from 15, which means that now home plate is 3 inches closer to first base. ![]() “There is anxiety and a little nervousness. “The excitement is always there,” he said. Bochy, who came out of retirement after winning three World Series championships as the San Francisco Giants’ manager - his first one against the Rangers in 2010 - said Opening Day excitement never changes. new Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy made an address and took some questions. I then headed to the media room, where at 11:15 a.m. I always like to walk around the ballpark - both indoors and outdoors - on Opening Day. as I headed to the ballpark to pick up my media credentials. The food aroma was overwhelming as tailgating is mostly about food, and there was plenty.įor me, it was my 23rd consecutive Rangers home opener, and it was certainly one of the most memorable. The cool overcast day made being outside comfortable and enjoyable.
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