MY TEXAS RANGERS
A Fans Point Of View
"This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains."
The quote is from the movie Bull Durham
Spectacularly, the Texas Rangers' 2023 baseball season started off with a bang. Winning became the new normal. It's exciting to see the Rangers play. It has been fun, fabulous, and fantastic watching them win game after game.
However, dark ominous clouds are figuratively forming on the horizon. There are noticeable changes. For example, recently losing the series to the Yankees and the Red Sox, it's a bit disconcerting. When the pitcher allows home runs, I scream at the TV which doesn't help. Maybe, it does. When I scream, Bruce Bochy, manager of the Texas Rangers, walks onto the field and changes pitchers. Whether it is a coincidence or not, it's not up for debate.
Notably, five of the Texas Rangers will be participating in the MLB All-Stars Game. This has to be a first in the Ranger's history.
Hopefully, after the All-Stars break the Texas Rangers will be back on track by putting more games into the win column. Fans want to watch their team win! Right? Heck yes!
Unfortunately, twelve long years have elapsed since the Rangers played in the World Series Game. Thirteen years ago, we were able to cross an activity off our bucket list. That happened on the 1st of November 2010. On that day, we were able to score tickets for a World Series game. Recalling, the game was Monday evening game, and for six fast and furious innings, the game remained scoreless. When the Giants scored, my heart was broken. At the end of the game, the Giants won. The final score was 4 to 1. As you may know, the Giants won the World Series that year.
Unsurprisingly, our favorite television entertainment was watching sports programs and movies. Besides the Mavericks, we watched Texas Rangers baseball. Almost overnight, all the sports programs were gone. As time dragged on, we started to feel that we were never ever going to see the Texas Rangers on television again.
When our local cable service company no longer provided the local sports team's games, it was frustrating. It felt as if we were ostracized from the DFW sports teams. It was unsettling and dreadful. If memory serves me correctly, we signed up for cable for the movies and the local sports programs.
Experiencing a three-year span without our local teams' televised sports programs, we watched more movies and series. Then, last September, we dropped our local cable. Now, we have Direct TV streaming. We can watch all the local sports games.
Since March, I've familiarized myself with some of the names on the team's roster. It's a learning curve. Garcia and Lowe are two standouts on the 2023 team. The Rangers have four grand slams this year. On the 10th of April, Garcia came up to bat and hit a grand slam. It was awesome!
Other outfield players are Semien, Seager, and Jung. Three of the pitchers are Gray, Smith, and Dunning. Of course, there are more players on the roaster. By next year, should know all the players. Watching, Jung, Seager, and Semien hit a home run, it's fabulous. When they hit a double or triple home run, the thoughts of October and the World Series play in my mind.
It's a new year and a new chapter for the 2023 Rangers team. Hitting it out of the park, with home runs or small ball, the stats are looking good.
2023 Texas Rangers Statistics
"Record: 51-37-0, 1st place in AL_West (Schedule and Results)
Playoff Odds: 91.4% to make the postseason, 12.3% to win World Series
Manager: Bruce Bochy (51-37)
General Manager: Chris Young (Executive Vice President & GM)
Farm Director: Josh Bonifay
Scouting Director: Kip Fagg
Ballpark: Globe Life Field
Attendance: 1,334,566 (6th of 15)
Park Factors: (Over 100 favors batters, under 100 favors pitchers.)
Multi-year: Batting - 103, Pitching - 103
One-year: Batting - 107, Pitching - 104
Pythagorean W-L: 58-30, 519 Runs, 366 Runs Allowed"
Let's Go Rangers! Keep those wins coming! We're ready for another World Series.
Writer's notes: Thank you for reading my first story for the Unbalanced Community! You are appreciated!
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TEX/2023.shtml
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Happy Trails....
About the Creator
Babs Iverson
Barbara J Iversen, also known as Babs Iverson, lives in Texas and loves her grandkids to the moon and back. After writing one story, she found that writing has many benefits especially during a pandemic and a Texas-size Arctic Blast.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Babs Iverson and writers in Unbalanced and other communities.
Vikings slide past Hayes
In a period of seven days, Northland (7-4) has had two games that have been decided by a two-point margin. The Vikings are 2-0 in those contests as seniors Diante James and Daneal Krylov have made big shots that won both games respectively. On Jan. 3, at Columbus Academy, James knocked down a shot with less than two seconds remaining to deliver Northland to its biggest win so far this season. On his way to 19 points, James has proven to be one of the most confident shot makers in central Ohio. His big time basket led Northland to a 58-56 win over Westland which is currently 7-2.
By Winners Onlya day ago in Unbalanced
Alex Eala
Tennis has always been a sport where stories of discipline, sacrifice, and quiet resilience shape champions long before trophies do. In recent years, one name has steadily gained international attention for embodying those qualities with grace and ambition: Alex Eala. Still early in her professional journey, Eala represents more than individual success. She symbolizes a shift in global tennis, where talent now rises from regions once considered outside the sport’s traditional power centers. From junior Grand Slam glory to appearances on the professional tour, Eala’s path reflects patience, planning, and belief. Her performances, including moments connected to tournaments like the Auckland Open and the ASB Classic, show a player learning to translate promise into lasting impact. Early Foundations of a Rising Star Alex Eala’s story begins with a strong foundation built on family support and access to elite training. Unlike many players who rise through local circuits alone, Eala’s development was guided by a long-term vision. That vision led her to the Rafa Nadal Academy, an environment known for shaping technically sound and mentally strong athletes. At the academy, Eala refined her baseline game, improved her court movement, and learned how to compete with intention rather than emotion. These lessons were evident in her junior career, where she achieved milestones that placed her among the most promising young players of her generation. What stood out was not only her results but her composure. Eala played with a maturity that suggested she understood tennis as a marathon, not a sprint. Junior Success and Global Recognition Eala’s junior achievements opened doors to the international tennis spotlight. Winning major junior titles placed her name alongside players who would later become tour regulars. For many fans, this was the first time they encountered Alex Eala, and it quickly became clear she was not just another short-term prospect. Her left-handed style added variety to her game, creating angles that disrupted opponents. Combined with strong court awareness, this made her matches engaging to watch and difficult to predict. Junior success, however, is only a stepping stone, and Eala approached the professional transition with measured expectations. Rather than rushing into high-pressure events, she balanced growth with experience, a strategy that often separates sustainable careers from fleeting hype. Stepping Into the Professional Arena The move from juniors to the professional circuit can be unforgiving. Higher intensity, physical demands, and mental pressure test even the most gifted athletes. For Alex Eala, this transition has been deliberate rather than dramatic. She has taken part in ITF and WTA-level events, gaining experience against seasoned players. Each match has contributed to her understanding of pace, consistency, and endurance at the professional level. Losses have been treated as lessons, and victories as confirmation of progress. Events connected to the Auckland Open and the ASB Classic are particularly meaningful in this phase. These tournaments attract a competitive field while still offering young players exposure to high-quality opposition. For Eala, participation in such events represents an opportunity to measure herself against established professionals. Auckland Open and ASB Classic: Learning on a Bigger Stage The ASB Classic, held in Auckland, is more than just a warm-up event for the tennis season. It has a reputation for blending experienced tour players with emerging talent. Competing in or around the Auckland Open environment allows players like Eala to experience elite tournament structures, media attention, and crowd energy. For a young athlete, these elements matter. They teach how to manage nerves, expectations, and recovery over consecutive matches. Even brief appearances in such tournaments contribute significantly to development. Alex Eala’s connection with events like the ASB Classic highlights her gradual integration into the professional ecosystem. Each appearance adds confidence and clarity about what needs improvement, whether it is serve consistency, shot selection, or physical conditioning. Style of Play and Competitive Identity Eala’s game is built around controlled aggression. She prefers constructing points rather than rushing winners, relying on precision and movement. Her left-handed forehand remains one of her most effective weapons, creating angles that pull opponents off the court. Equally important is her defensive awareness. Eala often turns defense into offense, a trait that reflects her disciplined training background. While power tennis dominates many modern matches, her style emphasizes balance and adaptability. As she continues to evolve, adding strength and depth to her serve and net play will likely be key areas of focus. These improvements often come with time, experience, and physical maturity. Representation and Inspiration Beyond the Court Alex Eala’s rise carries significance beyond rankings and results. She represents hope for aspiring players from underrepresented regions, proving that access to global stages is possible with commitment and support. Her journey inspires younger athletes to believe that tennis is not limited by geography. Every appearance she makes, whether in major tournaments or developmental events, reinforces the idea that talent can emerge from anywhere. This broader impact gives Eala a unique position in the sport. She is not only building her own career but also helping expand tennis’s global narrative. The Road Ahead The future for Alex Eala remains open and full of possibility. Tennis careers are shaped over years, not seasons, and her measured approach suggests a focus on longevity rather than quick success. Continued participation in international tournaments, including those linked to the Auckland Open and ASB Classic, will provide valuable benchmarks for growth. As rankings fluctuate and competition intensifies, the true test will be consistency and resilience. Based on her journey so far, Eala appears well-equipped for both. Final Thoughts Alex Eala’s story is still being written, but its early chapters reveal a player grounded in discipline, learning, and quiet confidence. From junior triumphs to professional challenges, she has approached each step with intention. In a sport where pressure can derail even the brightest prospects, Eala’s calm progression stands out. Whether competing in global events like the ASB Classic or continuing her steady rise through the tour, Alex Eala represents a future built on patience, skill, and belief. For tennis fans watching the next generation take shape, her journey is one worth following closely.
By Saboor Brohi 3 days ago in Unbalanced
Violence Begets
"Any last words, cowboy?" "None you'd understand, sodbuster." "Funny. That's Marshall Sodbuster to you. But I meant some last nugget that would help us in the adjudication of the myriad offenses counted against you and your gang. I wasn't asking for penitence."
By Adam Diehl5 days ago in Fiction
Comments (12)
Hi Babs — As a Dodger Blue fan — I still have to say the Rangers new Stadium is just assume..! - C/U in the Series - j.in.l.a. ⚾️
Just saw this on the vocal society thread. Let me guess, you are a Rangers fan 😀. I haven’t had a chance to go to any games yet this year but can’t wait! I loved the excitement of the grand slams. Awesome when they can pull that off. Great article, Babs.
Enjoy this story, Fabulous 🥰🥰🥰🥳You are definitely a fabulous fan as well.
Heyyyy Babs! Congratulations on your first piece in this community!
I don’t know much about baseball but I love how serious you fans get hahaha. Great article my friend 💕
Interesting, not a fan of baseball but Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service is a favourite album of mine. I also think Cleats and Unbalanced should be merged and given a better title. Good article.
Good article, my friend. However, Go Jays Go!
Well done!
Way to support your team, Babs! I've pretty much quit watching sports, though baseball is my game of choice. Played football in high school and played city league softball for about a decade with a league championship in my last year. We have our own minor league team here now, but I haven't been to a Sod Poodles game yet, either. I guess I'm more of a player than a fan.
You should write more for the Cleats community. It is very well with this article. I wish your team well. Although I am rooting for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Nice! I have a brother living in Texas and my nephew loves all the Texas teams! I'm a Vikings, Twins and Wild fan! Great story Babs!😊💕
Go Ranger’s ! Good story Babs ! 🥰