How the Texas Rangers won their seven AL West titles
A look at the Texas Rangers seven American League West division titles
Sept. 27, 1996
Even though they lost earlier in the day to the Angels 4-3, the Rangers clinch their first playoff berth in franchise history after the Mariners lost to the A's.
Final record: 90-72
Playoff outcome: Lost to the Yankees, 3-1, in the ALDS
Key players: Juan Gonzalez (RF), Ivan Rodriguez (C), Rusty Greer (LF), Mark McLemore (2B), Ken Hill (SP)
Sept. 25, 1998
Another loss (to the Mariners 15-4) before clinching their second AL West title with an Angels loss to the A's.
Final record: 88-74
Playoff outcome: Lost the Yankees, 3-0, in the ALDS
Key players: Juan Gonzalez (RF), Ivan Rodriguez (C), Rusty Greer (LF), Rick Helling (SP), Aaron Sele (SP)
Sept. 26, 1999
The Rangers finally win and clinch on the same day by beating the A's 10-3.
Final record: 95-67
Playoff outcome: Lost the Yankees, 3-0, in the ALDS
Key players: Rafael Palmeiro (1B), Juan Gonzalez (RF), Ivan Rodriguez (C), Jeff Zimmerman (RP), Aaron Sele (SP)
Sept. 25, 2010
It took 11 seasons but a 4-3 win over the A's secures the Rangers their fourth AL West title.
Final record: 90-72
Playoff outcome: Lost to the Giants, 4-1, in the World Series. Beat the Yankees, 4-2, in the ALCS. Beat the Rays, 3-2, in the ALDS
Key players: Josh Hamilton (LF), C.J. Wilson (SP), Nelson Cruz (RF), Ian Kinsler (2B), Vladimir Guerrero (DH)
Sept. 23, 2011
The combination of a Rangers win over the Mariners 5-3 and an Angels loss to the A's give the Rangers their second consecutive title.
Final record: 96-66
Playoff outcome: Lost to the Cardinals, 4-3, in the World Series. Beat the Tigers, 4-2, in the ALCS. Beat the Rays, 3-1, in the ALDS
Key players: Josh Hamilton (LF), C.J. Wilson (SP), Mike Napoli (UT), Ian Kinsler (2B), Adrian Beltre (3B)
Oct. 4, 2015
Cole Hamels pitches a complete game giving up three hits as the Rangers beat the Angels 9-2.
Final record: 88-74
Playoff outcome: Lost to the Blue Jays, 3-2, in the ALDS
Key players: Adrian Beltre (3B), Prince Fielder (DH), Shin-Soo Choo (RF), Yovani Gallardo (SP), Mitch Moreland (1B)
Sept. 23, 2016
Cole Hamels does it again going seven strong innings as the Rangers win 3-0.
Current record (as of Sept. 23): 91-63 with eight games to play
Playoff outcome: To be determined
Key players: Adrian Beltre (3B), Cole Hamels (SP), Roughned Odor (2B), Ian Desmond (CF), Elvis Andrus (SS)
This story was originally published September 24, 2016 at 1:48 PM with the headline "How the Texas Rangers won their seven AL West titles."