Yes, I know that the Texas Rangers were a disappointment to many area fans, and I know that this whole Major League season was much less than what was desired. (Yes, I know that play-offs are still on the agenda and will probably offer excitement and some good baseball games, but let’s be honest: Things have to change by the start of next season!)
But let me tell you why I enjoyed one of the final Texas Rangers broadcasts and why I have hope for next season: KYLE GIBSON.
On Wednesday, September 16, the Texas Rangers took on the Houston Astros in the Astrodome (excuse me, Minute Maid Park) and provided a ray of hope for next year—a one-run victory and a complete game shut-out by Kyle Gibson, only the 2nd victory in Houston in the last 14 tries. Lance Lynn is undoubtedly our “ace” and best hurler this year, but let me tell you about “that Wednesday night!”
Kyle Gibson completely stifled and stymied the Houston Astros for 9 full magnificent innings, allowing just 4 hits and striking out 9 for a complete game shut-out victory. And much-maligned Joey Gallo’s 2-out RBI double in the top of the 9th inning provided the only run the Rangers needed that night.
Other than giving up 3 walks, Gibson was a master. As his pitch count reached and then surpassed 100 pitches, he did not seem to waver but actually gathered strength and told Mgr. Woodward that he needed to stay in the game and finish what he had started! His final pitch count was 114 in only his 2nd victory of the year against 5 losses. His record, though, belies his worth and ability, in my opinion!
And, as he took his victory walk off the field, his EAR-TO-EAR GRIN and his happy exchanges with proud teammates reminded me of Little League days on the Legion Field here in Forney, Texas, as we local youngsters learned the joys of baseball from the men of our Community!
Gibson is 32 years old and is from Greenfield, Indiana, and previously spent about 7 years with the Minnesota Twins where he was not always the best—but was a “mainstay” of the pitching staff. They drafted him in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, and he was with them until signing a 3-year contract with Texas in December of 2019.
Look for him next year; Kyle Gibson will most likely be the player with the boyish grin, the strong work ethic, and the ability to pitch long and hard, even during adversity! Even more, he LOOKS LIKE a major league pitcher!
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