With the Major League Baseball season now underway, I thought I would celebrate each of the franchise’s and their storied pasts by selecting an All-Time Team for every club.
The teams consist of one player per infield position (1B, 2B, SS, 3B, C), three outfielders, three starting pitchers, and two relief pitchers. Each American League squad also consists of a designated hitter.
So without further ado, here is part 13 of a 30-part series documenting each franchise’s all-time greats.
Texas Rangers
First Base: Michael Young 2000-12
The Rangers’ all-time leader in hits (2,230) and games played (1,823), Young was named to seven All-Star teams and won the 2005 AL batting title during his 13 seasons in Arlington.
A 2008 Gold Glove recipient and 2006 MLB All-Star Game MVP, Young helped the Rangers reach the playoffs three times, highlighted by World Series appearances in the 2010-11 seasons.
After retiring he was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame and his No. 10 jersey was retired in 2019.
Second Base: Julio Franco 1989-93
Playing five seasons in a Rangers uniform, Franco was named a three-time All-Star and took home three Silver Sluggers in a row from 1989-91.
The 1990 MLB All-Star Game MVP and 1991 AL batting champion left Texas for Chicago following the 1993 season.
Shortstop: Alex Rodriguez 2001-03
Rodriguez played just three seasons with the Rangers, putting up some of the most explosive offensive numbers ever during his stint.
Hitting 156 home runs and tallying 395 RBI in three years, Rodriguez compiled three All-Star selections, Silver Sluggers, and AL Hank Aaron Awards to go with two Gold Gloves (2002-03) while leading the league in home runs three times and RBI in 2002.
The 2003 AL MVP ended his career in 2016 as a member of the 600 home run and 3,000 hits clubs.
Third Base: Adrián Beltré 2011-18
Playing his last eight seasons in Arlington, Beltré helped the Rangers win three AL West titles, a Wild Card berth, and the 2011 AL pennant.
A three-time All-Star, Beltré was one of the top defensive players in the game during his years with the Rangers, winning three Gold Gloves and a pair of Platinum Gloves and Fielding Bibles.
Also a two-time Silver Slugger recipient who twice hit for the cycle, he joined the 3,000 hits club as a member of the Rangers, and his No. 29 jersey was retired in 2019.
Catcher: Iván Rodríguez 1991-02, 2009
Known as “Pudge”, Rodriguez racked up 10 All-Star selections, 10 Gold Gloves, and six Silver Sluggers during his 13 years in Texas.
The 1999 AL MVP helped guide the Rangers to their first AL West title in 1996 before adding two more division titles during the 1998-99 seasons.
Considered one of the game’s greatest ever catchers, Rodriguez is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and his No. 7 jersey is retired by the Rangers.
Outfield: Josh Hamilton 2008-12, 2015
A five-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner who once hit four home runs in one game, Hamilton became one of the league’s best offensive players during his Texas stint.
After leading the AL in RBI in 2008, Hamilton won the AL batting title in 2010, taking home the AL MVP Award. His 2010 postseason was even better, as he was named the ALCS MVP as the Rangers won their first American League pennant.
A member of the Rangers Hall of Fame, Hamilton also helped the team win three AL West titles, a Wild Card berth, and a second AL pennant in 2011.
Outfield: Juan González 1989-99, 2002-03
The Rangers’ all-time home runs (372) and RBI leader (1,180), González took home two AL MVP Awards while winning five Silver Sluggers and two home run titles during his 13 years in Arlington.
A two-time All-Star and 1998 AL RBI leader, González guided the Rangers to three AL West titles and was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
Outfield: Frank Howard 1965-72
While nearly his entire stint with the team was as a Washington Senator, Howard was one of the team’s early stars before it moved to Arlington in 1972.
In 1969, Howard was the star of the first winning team in franchise history that finished with an 86-76 record.
A four-time All-Star, Howard twice led the AL in home runs and once in RBI in 1970.
Designated hitter: Rubén Sierra 1986-92, 2000-01, ’03
A 1989 Silver Slugger recipient and AL RBI leader, Sierra played parts of 10 seasons across three stints with the Rangers.
A three-time All-Star, Sierra was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2009.
Starting pitcher: Nolan Ryan 1989-93
Playing his final five seasons with the Rangers, Ryan was named an All-Star in 1989 and twice led the AL in strikeouts.
MLB’s all-time strikeouts leader (5,714), Ryan threw two of his record seven career no-hitters with Texas, also joining the 300-win club during the 1990 season.
An MLB All-Century Team member and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (1999), Ryan’s No. 34 was retired by the Rangers in 1996.
Starting pitcher: Kenny Rogers 1989-95, 2000-02, ’04-05
During 12 seasons and three stints, Rogers was named a three-time All-Star with the Rangers while winning four Gold Gloves.
A Rangers Hall of Fame inductee, Rogers’ time in Arlington was highlighted by throwing a perfect game on July 28, 1994, against the California Angels.
Starting pitcher: Charlie Hough 1980-90
Playing 11 seasons with Texas, Hough became the team’s all-time leader in starts (313), innings pitched (2,308), and wins (139).
An All-Star in 1986, Hough became an inaugural member of the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2003.
Relief pitcher: John Wetteland 1997-00
Playing four seasons with the Rangers, Wetteland was named an All-Star twice while helping the team win AL West titles during the 1998 and 1999 seasons.
The club’s all-time saves leader (150), he was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2005.
Relief pitcher: Jeff Russell 1985-92, ’95-96
A two-time All-Star, Russell took home the 1989 AL Rolaids Relief Man Award while leading the league in saves with 38.
A Rangers Hall of Fame inductee, Russell helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time ever during his final season in 1996.
