Students enjoy Rangers Opening Day

Opening Day for the Texas Rangers, which was on Monday April 5, against the Toronto Blue Jays was a sold out game, but some A&M-Commerce students were able to be there. The Rangers won in dramatic fashion with a walk off hit by catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

"This Opening Day was the first one I've ever been to," senior R/TV student Garrett Hale said. "After experiencing it, I will definitely go back to it next year if possible."

After they were poised for a playoff run last year until finishing the season with a 15-17 record spoiled their chance at a playoff bid, students believe that this season could
be the year where the Rangers make it back to the postseason after a 10
year drought.

"I don't think a wild card spot in the playoffs is too far out of reach," junior music education major said Colin Murphy.

Others think they can finally win the elusive AL West, which has for the better part of the last decade been dominated by the Los
Angeles Angels.

"I expect them to finally get that division title this year," senior health, human performance and kinesiology major DeRon Bethea said.

Opening Day had many other activities other than the baseball game. There is usually a concert on the North Lawn after the game, and many fans show up well before the game to tailgate and get ready for the season. There is also the introduction of the new roster as well as bringing back some Ranger legends and introducing them prior to the first pitch.

The Rangers did make some key offseason moves in the offseason bringing in Rich Harden and long time Ranger killer Vladimir Guerrero. These moves have increased the excitement of this year's team over recent ones.

Even with these additions, injuries can still cripple a team. Murphy said he still thinks, on the surface, this ball club appears to have the depth to overcome it.

"There will be injuries, and pitchers will struggle," he said. "I think that they are deep enough that even with all that, come September they will still be in the thick of things."
Even if they do not win the division, both Murphy and Bethea expect the Rangers to make the playoffs.

"I definitely expect them to make the playoffs but I don't think they will win the World Series this year," Bethea said. "The Yankees and Boston are both too good."