Frank Gomez at Globe Life Field.
The Texas Rangers won the American League Championship Series and are headed back to the World Series after a twelve-year drought. So, what has been the key to their success this year?
Some say it’s Adolis (pronounced ah-doh-lees) Garcia, who charged through the playoffs like a bull in a china shop. He had 15 RBIs in the ALCS — the most ever in a single postseason series — and scored 15 runs and four homers in the series.
Others say it’s Bruce Bochy, who came out of retirement to manage the Rangers. As a three-time World Series-winning manager, he’s part of an elite club. Only legends like Casey Stengel (seven), Joe McCarthy (seven), Connie Mack (five), Walter Alston (four) and Joe Torre (four) have won more.
In Lake Highlands, though, we know the truth. The Rangers really started winning after Frank Gomez threw out the first pitch at a game on June 12. The recently retired Wallace Elementary teacher, who loves baseball almost as much as he loves his students, took the mound wearing an official jersey emblazoned with “Mr. G” and the number 27 to represent his 27 years of faithful service. His pitch was as good as any Max Scherzer slider.
Gomez is enthusiastic about the team’s win over the Astros and their ability to host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first two games of the World Series. In fact, he posted a message to the team on social media.
“Dear Texas Rangers, if you need someone to throw out a ceremonial first pitch….I know of a guy!!!”
The Rangers play the Diamondbacks in Arlington at 7:03 p.m. Friday and Saturday night in a best-of-seven series.
Frank Gomez throws out the first pitch.
