The Texas Rangers lost Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros on Wednesday, but they are still ahead 2-1 by virtue of the two victories they got at Minute Maid Park.
If the Rangers want to take down the reigning World Series champs, they will need everything they can get on Thursday: the support of their home crowd at Globe Life Field, their talented offense clicking, a good game from their pitching staff, and also some inspiration from former franchise legends.
They will be covered on that last item, as former infielder Michael Young and former pitcher Colby Lewis will attend the pregame ceremonies.
“Today, on his birthday, Michael Young will throw out the first pitch ahead of Game 4. Colby Lewis will catch it,” Rangers insider Evan Grant tweeted.
Today, on his birthday, Michael Young will throw out the first pitch ahead of Game 4. Colby Lewis will catch it.
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) October 19, 2023
For those who grew up watching baseball in the 2000s and early 2010s, those two were excellent players.
Both of them made history with the Rangers: they were part of the team that made not one, but two straight World Series in 2010 and 2011.
In fact, the Rangers were one strike away from winning it all in 2011, but David Freese and the St. Louis Cardinals got in their way.
Between 2010 and 2016, the Rangers made the playoffs five times, and both players were on each and every roster.
Young played his entire career with a Rangers uniform and was a perennial .300 hitter, 20+ homer guy in his prime.
Lewis was with the Rangers for his whole MLB tenure with the exception of 2006 and 2007, and retired with a 4.70 ERA regular season ERA but a 3.11 playoff mark.
Fans will surely greet them with an ovation, as they should.
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