Finally, baseball. Texas Rangers are playing again after being delayed by coronavirus
Baseball was back in Arlington. Of course, it was 72 degrees inside a climate-controlled Globe Life Field,
and 94 degrees outside the Texas Rangers’ new $1.2 billion ballpark.
Fans were in the stands, though only in cardboard-cutout form. An area youngster gave a virtual call of “Play ball!” Stats were displayed on the videoboard. Gov. Greg Abbott threw out the first pitch, though virtually from Austin.
The stadium’s entertainment crew did its best to replicate a game atmosphere at the team’s inaugural opening of the new stadium. Players were introduced as they would have been in the pre-pandemic era, standing on the first-base line after hearing their name called. Social distancing was in effect, masks were worn.
The National Anthem was performed live, by country music legend Charley Pride. And the Rangers and Colorado Rockies players and coaches held a black ribbon to show their support for ending racism in their communities and country. Several Rangers players and coaches knelt while holding the ribbon as videos in support of ending racism played. All Rangers stood for the Anthem. Rockies outfielder Matt Kemp knelt.
But the main event was baseball, and Rangers starting pitcher Lance Lynn delivered a first pitch strike. Rejoice. Baseball is back.
