The Texas Rangers begin a six-game, seven-day homestand on Monday night, hosting three-game series against both the New York Yankees (April 23-25) and the Tampa Bay Rays (April 27-29). There will be no game on Thursday, the club'sfirst off day at home this season.
Prior to the start of the homestand on Monday, Rangers legend Ivan Rodriguez will be honored as he retires from a playing career that includes 13 Gold Glove Awards and 14 All-Star selections. Monday'sgame has a 6:05 p.m. CDT start, and Rodriguez will participate in an on-field pregame ceremony that will feature a first pitch from the all-time leader in games behind the plate.
The Rangers will also honor Jackie Robinson during a pre-game ceremony on Tuesday, April 24. The ceremony will include a video featuring Major League Baseball'sfirst African-American player and a special presentation to Tuskegee Airman prior to the 7:05 p.m. game. In addition, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick will present Michael Young the 2011 John Henry Lloyd Award for Baseball and Community Leadership; and Ron Washington with the 2011 Charles Isham Taylor Award for A.L. Manager of the Year. On Wednesday, April 25, Firestone will have their MLB All-Star balloting ceremony. All-Star ballots are open beginning today, April 20, through June 28.
The Rangers will host the season's first Verizon Fireworks Friday on April 27, and will feature giveaway items for fans on both Saturday and Sunday. The giveaway item on Saturday, April 28 is a Medical Center of Arlington Adrian Beltre bobblehead for the first 30,000 fans, and Sunday, April 29 will be a Snapple Napoli Red Jersey available to the first 10,000 fans 13 and under. The post-game Verizon Friday Night Fireworks have the theme of Sing-A-Long music.
Former Rangers Rusty Greer and John Wetteland will make appearances at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington during the homestand to present the game ball. As part of the Rangers 40th Anniversary celebration former players will make appearances throughout the season for each home game.
The Sunday, April 29 game will be televised nationally on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.
Game-by-game highlights of the homestand:
Ivan Rodriguez Retirement Ceremony
Ceremonial first pitch by Ivan Rodriguez
Game ball delivery by John Burkett
Pre-game ceremony honoring Jackie Robinson and Tuskegee Airmen presentation
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick to present awards to Ron Washington and Michael Young
Ceremonial first pitch by Texas State Senator Royce West
Game ball delivery by Rusty Greer
Firestone All-Star Balloting pre-game ceremony
Game ball delivery by John Wetteland
Dollar Hot Dog Wednesday
Dr Pepper Autograph Wednesdays 13 & under
Ozarka Website Wednesday. Tickets are half price in Upper Reserved, Upper Box, Lexus Club Terrace, and Lower Reserved when purchased on texasrangers.com/specials
Verizon Wireless Fireworks Friday. Tickets are $10 in the Lexus Club Terrace, Upper Box, and Upper Reserved seating areas on texasrangers.com. All cash parking is $5. Fireworks following the game set to Sing-A-Long Theme.
Medical Center Arlington Adrian Beltre bobblehead for first 30,000 fans
Game ball delivery by Mickey Tettleton
Sunday, April 29 vs. Tampa Bay Rays,7:05 p.m. ESPN
