The Texas Rangers haven't always been the championship contender they are today. Their first 11 seasons as the expansion Washington Senators were marked by atrocious baseball, and their final game in Washington was forfeited because rowdy fans stormed the field and stole many things, among them first base.
But, the Rangers have also had their fair share of great players over the years, and are presently one of the best teams in baseball.
Below is a lineup of some of their best players ever:
Catcher - Ivan Rodriguez (1991-2002, 2009)
When it comes to Rangers catchers, there is Ivan Rodriguez and then there is everyone else. He's the only catcher in Rangers history to hit for over 100 home runs, and he also won 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1992-2001.
First Baseman - Rafael Palmeiro (1989-1993, 1999-2003)
Palmeiro is third in franchise history with 1692 hits, and also won a Silver Slugger Award in 1997 to go along with a Gold Glove Award in 1999.
Second Baseman - Ian Kinsler (2006-present)
Kinsler is the franchise's career leader in OPS (on-base plus slugging) for second basemen with a mark of .820. While the Hall of Fame probably isn't in his future, he's been a very effective player for the Rangers since his arrival in 2006.
Third Baseman - Buddy Bell (1979-1985)
Bell won six consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1979-1984, and is the franchise leader among third basemen with a batting average of .293.
Shortstop - Alex Rodriguez (2001-2003)
His time with the Rangers was marred by the steroid scandal that rocked baseball, but it's hard to think of many players in baseball history better than Alex Rodriguez at the shortstop position, let alone in Rangers history. He is the franchise leader in OPS with 1.011.
Left Fielder - Frank Howard (1965-1972)
Howard hit 44-plus home runs in three consecutive seasons from 1968-1970 while the franchise was in Washington, in an era that was much tougher on hitters than today. He also made four consecutive All-Star teams in his last four years with the team.
Center Fielder - Josh Hamilton (2008-present)
Hamilton has played all three outfield positions for the Rangers, and has excelled at all three. He's one of five players since the Rangers came to Texas to win an MVP Award (2010) and is competing for a second MVP this season.
Right Fielder - Juan Gonzalez (1989-1999, 2002-2003)
He's the only person to win multiple league MVP Awards with the Rangers (1996 and 1998). In addition, he hit a franchise-record 372 home runs in his Rangers years, beating out second-place Rafael Palmeiro by 51.
Designated Hitter - Michael Young (2000-present)
Not really a DH until recently, Michael Young has played every position in the infield for the Rangers. He is also the all-time franchise leader in hits, and won a Gold Glove Award in 2008.
Starting Pitcher 1 - Nolan Ryan (1989-1993)
The only person in the Hall of Fame with a Rangers insignia on his plaque. As Forrest Gump liked to say, "That's all I've got to say about that."
SP 2 - Charlie Hough (1980-1990)
He's the franchise leader in games started with 313, and anchored the rotation for many years before Ryan showed up in 1989.
SP 3 - Gaylord Perry (1975-1977, 1980)
His time with the Rangers was relatively short, but the Hall of Famer made the most of his time with the Rangers. He's fourth in team history with an ERA of 3.26 (better than Nolan Ryan's mark with the team) and served as the staff ace when Ferguson Jenkins left the team after the 1975 season.
SP 4 - Dick Bosman (1966-1972)
He started the last game for the franchise in Washington, and started the first game for the franchise in Texas. He won the ERA title in 1969 with a mark of 2.19, and is fifth in team history with an ERA of 3.35.
SP 5 - Ferguson Jenkins (1974-1975, 1978-1981)
Jenkins is fourth in Rangers history in walks and hits per inning pitched (WHIP) with a mark of 1.17, and accumulated 93 wins with the team, fourth all-time.
Closer - John Wetteland (1997-2000)
He's the all-time franchise leader in saves, and had an ERA of 2.95 while occupying the closer role with the Rangers.
Setup man - Darold Knowles (1967-1971)
Never played in Texas, but had many great years with the franchise in Washington. He's the franchise's all-time leader in ERA with 2.46, and also served as a closer periodically.
Lefty Specialist - Ron Mahay (2003-2007)
Was one of the only left-handed relievers in the bullpen for several years, and was very good for the Rangers outside of his disastrous 2005 season, when he had an ERA of 6.81.
The bench is filled with three players who were great with the Rangers, but were slightly outmatched at their specific positions by other Rangers legends.
Bench - SP Kenny Rogers (1989-1995, 2000-2002, 2004-2005)
Bench - 1B Mark Teixeira (2003-2007)
Bench - LF Rusty Greer (1994-2002)
Brian is a lifelong baseball fan who has been fascinated with the Rangers franchise since Ivan Rodriguez was their dominant catcher during his childhood. Even though he regularly roots for his hometown Cleveland Indians, he hopes the Rangers can finally come through in the World Series this year to win their first ever championship.
Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/redskins/history/rfk/articles/baseball.htm
http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/tex/history/all_time_leaders.jsp
