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| Texas Rangers Fan Fest 2013 — Crowd favorite, Nelson Cruz. |
For me there’s something about baseball that I just don’t get from football, basketball or any other sport for that matter. Baseball is summer. I can taste Dr Pepper — smell hot dogs — and see heroes when I think of baseball. An evening at the ballpark is magic and the crack of a big stadium bat or even the ping of aluminum at a Little League field conjures up a flood of pleasant memories for me. So, a little taste of baseball during the winter is just what I to need to help with our lull between October and March.
Each year the Texas Rangers organization puts on an impressive show for its fans in anticipation of the upcoming season. Several significant changes have occurred to the Rangers roster since the end of last season — so it’s fun to use this opportunity to welcome the newcomers, hang out with current favorites and catch a glimpse of former players and Hall of Famers.
Last weekend (January 11-12) I covered Rangers Fan Fest 2013 at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, TX for the Arlington Voice. You can see my work in one of their featured stories as well as a featured gallery in the sports section. I enjoyed the two day assignment submerged in all things baseball–all things Rangers.
These are just a few of my favorite moments from the weekend with players and fans alike. Which image is your favorite? I’d love to read your comments!
UPDATE: Rangers Opening Day 2013 Images
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Adrián Beltré meets with fans and signs autographs at Rangers Fan Fest 2013.
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| Hall of Famers! |
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Todd Van Poppel and Kevin Belcher meet with fans.
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Clock your fastball in one of the many fan interactives at Rangers Fan Fest!
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Former Rangers pitcher (L-R) Mark Brandenburg, manager Frank Lucchesi, catcher Bill Fahey pose with a young fan.
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Rangers Fan Fest — Main Exhibit Hall at the Arlington Convention Center.
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Former catcher, Bill Fahey, delights a crowd with a baseball tale from Rangers history.
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| Texas Legend Nolan Ryan poses with tiny fans. |
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| Swinging away in the wiffle ballpark! |
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| Waiting for a chance to bat at the wiffle ballpark. |
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| Big Ranger fan, Houston, takes advantage of all the things to do at Rangers Fan Fest. |
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| Rangers Captain introduces himself to an unsuspecting fan. |
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| Free stuff from the stage at Fan Fest 2013. |
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| Front row seats for favorite Rangers. |
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| Fans have their pictures taken with the 2010 and 2011 American League Trophies in the Rangers clubhouse display. |
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Former Ranger, Benji Gil, performs a clinic for eager athletes at Fan Fest 2013.
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| Eric Nadel interviews Ranger newcomer Aj Pierzynski. |
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| Derek Holland leans in to speak with a fan at the autograph table. |
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The Fox Sports Southwest Girls
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| Fan Question: Who is your favorite super hero? |
Kinsler’s answer: “Nelson Cruz…because he reminds me of the Hulk”
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| Nelson Cruz signs autographs and reacts to Ian Kinsler’s “Hulk” comment. |
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| Enthusiastic fans await their moment with Ian Kinsler. |
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| Former Rangers Ken Suarez, Jim Sundberg and Benji Gil instruct eager young fans. |
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| Jim Sundberg – Legendary Ranger catcher! |
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| Ranger newcomer, Lance Berkman, shares that prayer helps keep him calm during games. |
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Mike Maddux helps with pitching skills during a clinic for young fans.
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To the delight of the crowd — Nelson Cruz takes a moment during Q&A to sign a baseball for a young fan…
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…And a great moment between a fan and his hero.
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| Great questions from the audience for Rangers pitcher, Joe Nathan. |
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| Nolan Ryan at the Rangers Award Show.
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Interview with pitcher Colby Lewis.
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| Nelson Cruz shares the scoop on Wash. |
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| Yu Darvish showing off his English skills during an interview on the main stage! |
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| Much needed rest after two days of Ranger Fan Fest.
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