H.R. No. 685
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Texas Rangers franchise is celebrating its 51st
anniversary in Arlington in 2023, providing a fitting opportunity
to honor the team on its illustrious history in Major League
Baseball; and
WHEREAS, Originating as the Washington Senators in 1961, the
Rangers owe their Lone Star locale to longtime Arlington Mayor Tom
Vandergriff, who began working in the late 1950s to bring Major
League Baseball to North Texas; his efforts finally paid off when
American League owners approved the transfer of the Washington
ballclub to Arlington, and in 1972 the Rangers moved into Turnpike
Stadium; on April 21 of that year, they defeated California in the
inaugural game at Turnpike, which later became Arlington Stadium;
in April 1994, the Rangers christened The Ballpark in Arlington and
competed there for 26 seasons; since 2020, they have played at Globe
Life Field; and
WHEREAS, The Rangers have marked many important milestones
over the past half century; on September 27, 1996, the team clinched
its first division title and made more history by winning its
American League Division Series opener in a 6-2 decision over the
New York Yankees; in all, Texas has secured seven division crowns
and made eight postseason appearances, and in 2010 and 2011, the
Rangers thrilled their fans by claiming consecutive AL pennants to
earn back-to-back appearances in the World Series; and
WHEREAS, Among the legendary players who have worn a Rangers
uniform are catcher Iván Rodríguez and pitchers Ferguson Jenkins,
Gaylord Perry, and Nolan Ryan, all National Baseball Hall of Fame
members; in 1989, Mr. Ryan became the first hurler in MLB history to
record 5,000 career strikeouts, and in 1990 and 1991, he threw two
of his seven career no-hitters with Texas; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Rangers have made significant
contributions to the Lone Star State's proud legacy of athletic
excellence, and all those associated with the organization may take
pride in this notable heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Texas Rangers on their 51st
anniversary in Arlington and extend to the franchise sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the franchise as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Tinderholt
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 685 was adopted by the House on March
28, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House