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Originally Posted by TinMan
I went to the parade with some family that wanted to go. It was cool to have a big celebration for this city that put so much of its heart and soul into this team (unlike the Cowboys, who still belong to Dallas imo).
The traffic getting there was manageable for those who know the side roads and didn’t wait until the last minute. The Cowboys opened up more of their lots than originally reported, so we had no issues finding a parking spot not too far from the parade route.
The parade itself took way too long. It got started on time, but after the marching bands there was a wait before the requisite politicos drove by, then more time passed, then trucks with Rangers employees, then a truck here and there with front office, then finally players…one per truck for the most part. Finally the starters, one per pickup (with family).
It took two frigging hours, when it could have been over in a half hour. Thank god the weather was perfect.
Once Bochy drove by with the trophy, half the crowd headed towards Texas Live where the big stage was, but we headed the other way with what appeared to be the other half of the crowd, towards our cars. Getting out of the entertainment district took as long as you might imagine in a city with that many people and no mass transit (and most of the attendees not even living in the city). I heard there was some gunplay in one of the parking lots near us…no surprise, as that was the worst part of the whole experience.
Still, I’m glad I went. The crowd was friendly and in good spirits. Despite waiting for hours, and some over night, there was plenty energy for the stars as they drive by. I imagine if they win another, the city will learn from this parade (assuming they have another in arlington), but the emotion won’t be the same. This was catharsis for a fan base that won’t be matched unless it takes another 50 years.
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My parents were quite the baseball fans, my 92 yo mother still watches every game.
I was a little boy when they took me to my first game, in the initial year in town in the putrid place that was Arlington Stadium. Dad bought me a Rangers ballcap that I still cherish to this day.
I remember Ted Ford the instant hero, with his timely GW HR.
I saw David Clyde pitch, and Billy Martin manage. I lived only a couple of blocks north of the BPIA in the late 90s and would frequently go and buy a nice ticket from a season ticket holder who had extras.
So I saw Pudge, Gonzo, and the rest of those 90s teams that could never get past the Yankees in the playoffs.
2010 and 2011 especially broke our hearts. This run was completely unexpected and the rookie, Carter, just played out of his mind. Was watching in a local bar and cried like a bitch when they clinched, I was so damn happy, and I was far from the only big guy moved to tears.
We all hugged and cried some more, and drank till we stank. Sometimes things can work out.
