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Stay the course

July 31st, 2014

It has no doubt been a tough year for the Texas Rangers, and that’s an understatement almost as big as the state of Texas itself. The Rangers have experience one fluke accident after another and to make matters worse, the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels (of Anaheim, or whatever the heck they want to be called now) are dominating the American League West, and the rest of baseball for that matter.

About a month prior to the season, things were looking great for Texas. We had what appeared to be an All-Star cast and the hopes of a World Series were sky high. In fact, that’s one of the things most talked about in the clubhouse.
That is, until the bad luck got worse. Pitcher Derek Holland had a freak accident after tripping over his dog and falling down the stairs and forced to miss almost all of the entire 2014 season. That was just one of many, many injuries to the team.

General Manager Jon Daniels spent a fortune on a long-term contract for Prince Fielder, and after a handful of games, he’s out for the season. There were high hopes for Jurikson Profar, and now, he’s gone.
It’s not just the injuries either. The team has had a total face lift, and as of now, not a good one. Fan favorites like David Murphy, Ian Kinsler and others are gone. Heck, even the legendary Nolan Ryan cut ties with the team.

It’s times like now that really test our loyalty, and our fandom. We must remain strong, stay the course and remain with the team through thick and thin, wins and losses, injuries and health.

Play Ball

March 31st, 2014


You know the scene in Field of Dreams where they’re throwing the ball around and one guy asks, “Is this Heaven”?

Well, that’s kind of the effect baseball has on people, and now it’s officially underway.

It provides an atmosphere unlike any other. What’s not to like about the sound of the at hitting a ball traveling 90 miles per hour? And the smell of the freshly cut grass? Where else do you go where you high five and become great friends with complete strangers?
I’m not talking about the Texas Rangers specifically. I’m talking about the sport itself, America’s Pastime. Now that it’s officially here, American’s everywhere can enjoy.

This season, many Tylerites will hit up I-20 and head west to Arlington to watch the Rangers. Others may go to the ballpark to watch whoever the Rangers are going up against that particular day. Others may just watch on TV from the comfort of their own homes or restaurant.
There are many ways to keep up with your team throughout the year.

I like other Tylerites, will watch the MLB from the beginning and throughout the year and will attend several games, because, well, how can you not? I truly believe that those who aren’t sports fans just haven’t given sports a fair shot. Why not try this year? You just might catch yourself asking yourself and others if you’re in Heaven.

Baseball season underway

February 28th, 2014

I don’t know how many times I’ve run into people I know at a Texas Rangers game. You would think the 90 miles or so between Tyler and Arlington would be enough of a buffer zone to where that doesn’t happen much but it does, even though there are thousands of fans at the loudest ballpark cheering on their beloved Rangers.

It just comes to show one thing; Tylerites, among millions of other Texans, love their Rangers. It’s been a long wait for baseball season to start back up but the good new is the wait is almost over.

The Rangers open the season at home Monday, March 31 against the Philadelphia Phillies. I’m not crazy about opening up on a Monday night nor about opening the year against a National League team but I’m pumped about the season either way.

There are a lot of new faces this year as the team has had a complete makeover. Ian Kinsler is a Tiger and Prince Fielder is a Ranger. David Murphy is an Indian. Nolan Ryan is out. Shin-Soo Choo is in.

It’s going to be different for sure, and perhaps a bit sad. OK, there’s no perhaps about it and it will take a long time getting used to it, but I’m ready to watch the Rangers take part in America’s pastime. So all I can say is, “Take me out to the ballgame.”

Carter Blood Care

September 3rd, 2012

Let me first say, I hate needles. There are very few things I’ll willingly admit I’m afraid of but the thought of needles entering my skin is one of them.

However, I’ve learned getting over my fear of needles can legitimately help save lives and it’s important that East Texans realize they have the opportunity to do the same through Carter Blood Care.

Carter Blood Care has more than 26 locations all over North, Central and East Texas, including in Tyler. It holds several blood drives, and all kinds of events and fund raisers for people of all ages.

For example, back in June, blood donors received a special Buy-one-get-one-Free ticket offer to a Texas Rangers game. Their names were also entered to win a pair of suite tickets and 10 lucky donors walked away with lower-level tickets to an exclusive VIP tour prior to a Rangers game.

A month later, just this past July, donors earned points for a gift certificate that could be redeemed for a free pint of Blue Bell ice cream. The same contestants were also eligible to win a free weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast in Brenham and tickets to a Rangers game. On top of that, one lucky winner received a year’s supply of Blue Bell ice cream.

With baseball season heating, Fox Sports Southwest  is now offering blood donors in August with a chance to win tickets to watch the Rangers or team of choice.

If that’s not enough motivation, just remember, a pint of blood can save about three lives.

Fox Sports Bus, Fan Express to Come Back to Tyler

July 31st, 2012

The Fox Sports Southwest Fan Express bus came through Tyler for the second time this baseball season Saturday and it’s scheduled to come back in late August.

Fans riding the bus get free transportation, free tickets and official Texas Rangers gear as well free food and beverages courtesy of Dr Pepper and Snapple. What’s not to like? Heck, on top of that, they get to meet Kaime and Liddy, the Fox Sports Southwest girls.

Jim Knox of Fox Sports will also interview fans from the bus live during the game telecast, but if the Kaime and Liddy aren’t reason enough to go, Knox probably isn’t either.

The seats are great seats, located in the outfield about in section 9.

Rangers Fans who ride the bus this past Saturday weren’t quite as fortunate as I was when I took the trip because they saw their team fall to the Chicago White Sox 5-2.

The game I went to on June 27 was great. It was almost like watching a home run derby. It was too close for comfort though because both teams were scoring runs left and right, but fortunately, it was the Rangers who came on top in a 13-9 final.

Not that all that matters, but what does matter is these trips are made possible thanks not only to Fox Sports Southwest but also ESPN East Texas, 92.1 in Tyler who partnered with Fox Sports Southwest.

Sports Talk host Bill Coates takes calls every day on his show leading up to the trips, and each day gave a pair of tickets to a random caller.

As mentioned before, the Fan Express bus is scheduled to come through Tyler again Thursday August 23 when the Rangers play host to the Minnesota Twins.

It’s not like there aren’t enough incentives to try to win a pair of tickets on that bus, but an extra reason to go is the fact Wednesday night is Dollar Dog Night at the ballpark.

If you go on the bus trip, you’ll be given a five dollar gift certificate for concessions which means you can buy yourself five dogs.

For a chance to win two tickets, call into sports talk within two weeks of the game and weigh in on your sports topic of choice. The show runs Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. and the show hotline number is 903-593-5822. For more information, call the station anytime at 903-593-2519.