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The Rangers called up last year’s minor league player of the year, Alejandro Osuna, this weekend and he was in the starting lineup for Texas in Sunday’s game against Chicago. You may remember we were impressed with his performance in Spring Training. Manager Bruce Bochy singled him out for his all around ability and predicted he would one day be a big leaguer. Osuna started the season in AA, moved up to AAA after a few weeks, then was called up to the Rangers when Joc Pederson’s hand was broken by an errant pitch. (From a White Sox pitcher, not the Texas bullpen)

So the stage was set. Team management hoped that the rookie could provide a spark like Evan Carter did late in the 2023 season. As it often happens , the game provided an opportunity for Osuna to be the star of the game. There were men on second and third late in the game. A base hit would score two and give Texas the lead. Alejandro would be the hero! He worked the count to 2-2 ….. then…. struck out on a high fastball. Sometimes the magic works, and sometimes it doesn’t. To be fair, the rookie did show good plate discipline in his at bats, walking in his first plate appearance. More importantly, he made a terrific diving catch in left field to prevent two runs from scoring.

Maybe I’ve buried the lede in this story. The Rangers actually won the game, 5-4, to stop a six game losing streak. Without that catch the margin would be reversed. So it was a good day after all. Mission accomplished.

The season is one third over. The Texas record is a disappointing 26-28, and the offense has been pathetic. That’s the bad news. The good news ? There is still two thirds of the season left! Whether or not the record improves there is a reason to watch if you love the game of baseball, especially if you love the Rangers. It may be the debut of an exciting rookie, or the very real possibility of a dominant performance by a starting pitcher. It might even be the chance to see a 113 mph home run like Jake Burger hit yesterday. (The hardest hit recorded this year by a Ranger) Every game there is the chance you might see something you’ve never seen.

So watch a baseball game. Enjoy your family. Put something on the grill. But no matter what you’re doing, remember what this holiday really means. Give thanks to God that we live in this country. Show your appreciation and gratitude for those brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13