Rangers’ Gallardo honored for impact on Fort Worth
The full progression of Texas Rangers pitcher Yovani Gallardo’s baseball life, from Fort Worth’s Rockwood Park to Globe Life Park in Arlington was represented at La Grave Field on Thursday night.
Fort Worth residents, including swarms of baseball-uniform-clad children, packed the stadium just north of downtown for a ceremony to officially name April 2 as Yovani Gallardo Day in the city.
Gallardo, a Fort Worth Trimble Tech alumnus, was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to his hometown Texas Rangers on Jan. 19 and was named the Rangers’ Opening Day starter March 26, marking the sixth consecutive Opening Day start for the 29-year-old.
Thursday served as a homecoming for Gallardo, who was surprised by the grand reception he was given.
“It’s a show of support that I have from the city itself,” Gallardo said. “I have a lot of family and friends that have followed me from Day One, since I got drafted and I had the chance to sign with Milwaukee. To see the little kids out here, that’s something that I’ll never forget, that’s for sure.”
Gallardo was presented with a key to the city of Fort Worth along with many other gifts from local and state government officials in attendance, including Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Sal Espino and state representative Ramon Romero Jr.
Gallardo also received gifts from the baseball organizations for which he played while growing up in Fort Worth, including Sabine Jarvis Little League, the Fort Worth Frogs Baseball Club and Lega del Norte.
“I think that there is a lot of talent in this area of Fort Worth,” Gallardo said. “It starts with the little kids. They love the game.”
As a sign of that support, Gallardo presented a check for $25,000 to the Texas Rangers Foundation to be given to the Rangers’ RBI program in the city of Fort Worth. The gift will supply jerseys, equipment, instruction and other experiences for baseball and softball players ages 13-18.
Before he decided to sign with the Brewers in 2004, Gallardo was a TCU commitment and said he continues to keep in touch with TCU coach Jim Schlossnagle, who received some of his thanks Thursday.
“Just to have those guys, as far as Trimble Tech’s baseball club, the teachers and the students, as well as TCU, it means a lot as a baseball player when you have that support behind you,” Gallardo said. “There are times when you find yourself in a tough spot, but you run into those guys and they tell you to keep your head up, and it’s a good feeling, that’s for sure.”
The biggest thrill of the night came to Trimble Tech junior pitcher Pedro Cuellar, who wears the same No. 10 Gallardo wore for the Bulldogs.
Cuellar presented Gallardo with a framed Bulldogs baseball jersey, as part of announcing that Gallardo’s No. 10 would be retired at Trimble Tech by the Fort Worth ISD after Cuellar graduates in a little over a year.
“It was awesome,” Cuellar said. “I was kind of nervous, but it feels awesome to have his number and go up there with him and talk to him. To have his number and knowing the record he put up with this number — not anybody can do that. I’m proud to wear this number, and I’m proud to know him.”
Since his trade to the Rangers, Gallardo has been no stranger to the Trimble Tech baseball diamond, which bears his name, to give the current team a professional tip or bit of advice.
Cuellar said he has used those tips while recording a 1.29 ERA this season as a junior.
Gallardo also made an appearance at Trimble Tech’s alumni game, throwing the ball around with current players and helping with batting practice. His return to the event helped the program raise over four times the amount they normally do from for the game, coach James Reed said.
An entrance sign to Yovani Gallardo Field, which will also commemorate his retired number, is being made and will be placed at the field before next baseball season, with Gallardo supplying the funding.
For all the love shown to Gallardo on Thursday, the imprint he has made on the north side of Fort Worth was evident in the smiles of kids young and old.
“Since I was a little kid I used to see him on the TV throwing for the Milwaukee Brewers,” Cuellar said. “Now, I’m grown and I’m playing for Trimble Tech wearing his number, and I’m going to be out there at the Ballpark to see him pitch.”
This story was originally published April 2, 2015 at 10:52 PM with the headline "Rangers’ Gallardo honored for impact on Fort Worth."