WFAA Rewind: The Rangers' first home opener in Texas in 1972
Apr 15, 1972
3 minutes
The Rangers' 1972 home opener marked the first time American League baseball was played in the state of Texas. WFAA's Jim Green and Verne Lundquist cover the game.
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On October 5th, 2001, the Texas Rangers faced off against the Seattle Mariners in what...
2001-Oct-05 • TEX/SEA • Texas Rangers vs Seattle Mariners - 115th Win - Radio Broadcast / On October 5th, 2001, the Texas Rangers faced off against the Seattle Mariners in what would become a significant game in Major League Baseball history. The Mariners were on the cusp of an unprecedented achievement, aiming for their 115th win of the season, a feat that would tie them with the 1906 Chicago Cubs for the most regular-season wins in MLB history. The Texas Rangers, though not in contention for the playoffs, were eager to play the spoiler and deny the Mariners this record-setting victory. The crisp, autumnal air of October baseball was heavy with anticipation as the game unfolded, a tension that was only heightened by the recent events of 9/11, which had led to a temporary suspension of the season and had imbued the game with a greater sense of unity and national pride.
5 minutes
Aug 22, 1989
Nolan Ryan strikes out Rickey Henderson for his 5000th career strikeout ...
Rangers - Nolan Ryan gets Strikeout #5000 / Nolan Ryan strikes out Rickey Henderson for his 5000th career strikeout
3 hours
Apr 11, 1978Apr 11, 1978
On a crisp evening at Arlington Stadium on April 11, 1978, the Detroit Tigers faced...
1978 Detroit Tigers vs Texas Rangers - Radio Broadcast / On a crisp evening at Arlington Stadium on April 11, 1978, the Detroit Tigers faced the Texas Rangers in what promised to be a compelling matchup. The Tigers, with Dave Rozema on the mound, were looking to capitalize early in the season against the Rangers, who countered with starter Doc Medich. Both teams were eager to set the tone for their respective seasons, each carrying aspirations of climbing their division standings. The Rangers, with a lineup that blended speed and power, aimed to leverage their home-field advantage to overcome the visiting Tigers.
The game began quietly, with both teams held scoreless through the first three innings. The Tigers broke through first in the fourth inning, signaling a shift in momentum, as they capitalized on key hits and a crucial double by Milt May that brought in two runs. The fifth inning proved pivotal, with the Tigers extending their lead by four runs, highlighted by a three-run homer from May that decisively swung the game in Detroit's favor. Texas struggled to respond, managing only a solo home run by Richie Zisk in the ninth inning, which was too little too late.
Detroit's victory was marked by effective pitching from Rozema, who went the distance, allowing just two runs on six hits while the team's defense turned in a solid performance despite an error. The Tigers' offense was led by strong performances from Ron LeFlore and Rusty Staub, providing the necessary run support. This game was indicative of the challenges Texas faced early in the season, struggling to convert opportunities into runs. For Detroit, the win was a positive step in building momentum as they aimed to be competitive in their division.
2 hours
May 17, 1977May 17, 1977
On May 17, 1977, under the lights of Arlington Stadium, the Texas Rangers hosted the...
1977 Detroit Tigers vs Texas Rangers - Radio Broadcast / On May 17, 1977, under the lights of Arlington Stadium, the Texas Rangers hosted the Detroit Tigers in a matchup that featured two teams navigating through the early part of the MLB season. The Rangers, aiming to build momentum, sent Doyle Alexander to the mound, a pitcher known for his durability and craftiness. The Tigers countered with Dave Rozema, a promising young arm seeking to establish himself in the league. This game came at a time when both teams were looking to assert themselves in their respective divisions, with the Rangers and Tigers both harboring aspirations of climbing the standings as the season progressed.
The game's early innings set the tone for a closely contested battle. The Tigers struck first, scoring a run in the opening frame, hinting at a potentially offensive showdown. However, Alexander settled in for Texas, effectively silencing the Tigers' bats as the game moved forward. The Rangers responded in the third inning, capitalizing on Rozema's mistakes to take a lead they would not relinquish.
Ultimately, the Rangers emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, a testament to their pitching strength and strategic execution on the field. Doyle Alexander's complete game highlighted his importance to the Rangers, as he navigated through the Tigers' lineup with precision. This victory for Texas was reflective of their season's aspirations, aiming to be competitive in a tough division. For the Tigers, the game underscored the challenges of capitalizing on scoring opportunities, a theme they would look to address as the season continued.
3 minutes
Jul 20, 1975
Billy Martin, a tempestuous man known as baseball's street fighter, was dismissed as manager of...
Billy Martin Discusses Being Fired by the Texas Rangers / Billy Martin, a tempestuous man known as baseball's street fighter, was dismissed as manager of the Texas Rangers today. He was replaced by Frank Lucchesi, the Rangers’ third base coach and a former manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. Martin had said on his daily radio program early today that he expected to be ousted.
Then, some two hours before the official Ranger announcement, Martin was cleaning out his locker in Arlington Stadium. His eyes reddened from a sleepless 48 hours, he said, “I've been fired and my top assistant, Frank Lucchesi, is my replacement.”
...
Texas Rangers Manager Billy Martin Discusses Coaching Gaylord Perry /
1 minute
1975
From our WFAA Newsfilm Collection: The wonderful Tom Grieve talks about team depth and his...
Tom Grieve interview from Spring Training in 1975 / From our WFAA Newsfilm Collection: The wonderful Tom Grieve talks about team depth and his choice to play baseball over football at Rangers spring training. March 1975.
2 minutes
Aug 27, 1974Aug 27, 1974
The Texas Rangers host a promotion to celebrate their 1 millionth fan....
Thanks A Million Night at Arlington Stadium / The Texas Rangers host a promotion to celebrate their 1 millionth fan.
59 seconds
May 29, 1974May 29, 1974
Rangers second baseman Lenny Randle lays down a bunt so he can intentionally attack Indians...
Lenny Randle Fight - Rangers vs Indians / Rangers second baseman Lenny Randle lays down a bunt so he can intentionally attack Indians pitcher Bob Johnson after he threw behind Randle one pitch earlier
2 minutes
Sep 7, 1973
The Rangers fire future Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog. The White Rat, who compiled...
Texas Rangers Fire Whitey Herzog - September 1973 / The Rangers fire future Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog. The White Rat, who compiled a 47-91 record during his six-month tenure in the Texas dugout,
3 minutes
1973
The Texas Rangers hire Billy Martin after firing Whitey Herzog, featuring interviews by Martin, Bob...
Texas Rangers Fire Whitey Herzog and Hire Billy Martin / The Texas Rangers hire Billy Martin after firing Whitey Herzog, featuring interviews by Martin, Bob Short, & footage of Texas v. Oakland. WFAA. September 1973.
3 minutes
Mar 22, 1972
Rangers business manager Joe Macko discusses construction and preparation of Arlington Stadium...
WFAA Story on the Final Prep for the First Texas Rangers Season / Rangers business manager Joe Macko discusses construction and preparation of Arlington Stadium
"This is home plate, Arlington Stadium, on the opening day of the 1972 Major League...
Verne Lundquist Reports on What Should Have Been the First Ever Rangers Game In Arlington / "This is home plate, Arlington Stadium, on the opening day of the 1972 Major League Baseball schedule." Verne Lundquist and Tom Vandergriff are featured.
As the calendar flipped to September 29, 1971, the New York Yankees were set to...
1971-Sep-29 • NYY/WAS • New York Yankees vs Washington Senators - Radio Broadcast / As the calendar flipped to September 29, 1971, the New York Yankees were set to square off against the Washington Senators in what was a routine late-season contest. The Yankees, having had a middling season, were trying to finish strong. The Senators, on the other hand, were in the midst of their final season before moving to Texas to become the Rangers, a fact that added a certain poignancy to every game they played. This particular match-up was notable for the fact that it was one of the last games the Senators would play in Washington D.C., a fact that was not lost on the fans or the players. The air was thick with nostalgia, and the typically straightforward game of baseball took on a different hue, as every pitch, every swing, and every cheer echoed with the weight of history.