Oakland A’s at Texas Rangers & the Baseball President (The Ballpark at Arlington)

When:  June 19, 2013

Box Score: Athletics v. Rangers June 19, 2013

Who:  Amanda, Mac and Me

Our Trip:  We were traveling out to San Antonio to pick up my dad’s car.  So we decided to fly into Dallas for two important reasons.  First, a Rangers game.  Second, a visit to the George W. Bush Presidential Library.  Mac is not only a baseball fan, but also has a significant interest in US Presidents.

Near the top of his “favorites” list – W.  Why?  Because he used to own the Texas Rangers and threw out a pitch during the World Series won by the Diamondbacks (See video below).

 

 

George W. Bush Presidential Museum, Southern Methodist University

 

Located on the campus of Southern Methodist University, the museum is really cool.  Regardless of your political persuasion or opinion of W, the museum is an amazing experience.  You don’t have to be a supporter of W to enjoy the historical elements of the museum.  Whatever your opinion, touring the museum will not change your viewpoint of his presidency.  However, you will see and experience key moments in history.

 

 

The morning we headed out to the library located at SMU.  It had only been open a few months so it still had that “new car” smell.

First cool statue of the day.

President George H.W. Bush and his son, President George W. Bush.

Moment of awe:

Seeing these supporting beams found in the remains of the Twin Towers from the September 11 attacks.

Mac’s reaction after watching the video where the US Supreme Court rules in 43’s favor to declare him the winner of the 2000 election!

The best part of the tour is replica Oval Office, complete with all the former president’s office contents.

Yes, we need one large pepperoni with extra cheese.

Most Awesome President Bush Souvenir

Thank you, President Bush!

A good friend of President Bush lives in Tucson.  He also happens to be a friend of Mac’s grandfather.  So, this friend was able to call the former president to get Mac a personalized 8×10.  Needless to say – AWESOME!

Obligatory Tourist Souvenir Photographs

 

Now on to the game . . . .

Awesome Souvenir Alert:  Yu Darvish Mini-Bobblehead

Famous First Pitch:  This was a great way to cap our Presidential day – first pitch was thrown out by United States Supreme Court Justice Sam Alito.  Not surprisingly, he throws Right!  Bada bing.  Thank you, folks.  I will be here all week.

The Game

We were lucky enough to stay at the Sheraton which is adjacent to Globe Life Park.  So it was a short walk over a bridge to the game.  This picture makes it appear the park is located in an idyllic garden area in the heart of Arlington.  Wrong.  This is actually a small grass area in middle of lots of asphalt and road ways.  The Cowboys’ mega-stadium is situated adjacent to the baseball parking lots.  However, the ballpark, itself, is beautiful.

 

On tap for the evening:  Division rivals Rangers and Athletics.

First stop inside the stadium – Team Shop.  Acquired the requisite Batting Practice cap and Rangers shirt.  The BP caps are much better than the game hats.  Adding the Texas State Flag to the traditional “T” logo is a great touch.  While the game caps with the “T” are fine, the flag really provides the element of locale and differentiates the team from all the other simple block letter emblems in the league.

See, much better than a simple “T.”

Second stop in the ballpark:

Nolan Ryan Statue.  Located in Center Field, this is a great tribute to the former Ranger.

Look, there is actually a game going on!

Since we already had our authentic hats, that meant it was time for Helmet Sundaes.

Seventh Inning Song Tradition – Deep in the Heart of Texas

Post-game Family Photo Opportunity

And the best part of any night . . .

Vintage World Series Video from 2001