The Historic Moment That Changed the Texas Rangers 15 Years Ago

Rangers fans can all remember where they were 15 years ago.

Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Texas Rangers history prior to 2010 was bleak to say the least. They had won just three division titles in the late 90s and failed to make a deep playoff run.

That era was defined by the larger-than-life pitcher Nolan Ryan, the iron man behind the plate in Ivan Rodriguez, and the slugging machine that was Rafael Palmeiro in two different stints with Texas. Yet, the Rangers didn't have much success to their name.

Then, the 2010 Rangers arrived. General manager Jon Daniels assembled a team that hadn't been seen yet in the 21st century. Spearheaded by Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, and Michael Young, the Rangers enjoyed a 90-win season and their first AL West title since 1999.

15 Years Ago, The Rangers Won Their First AL Pennant in Franchise History

Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) and relief pitcher Neftali Feliz (30) during the game against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeated the Athletics 8-7. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

After a tremendous regular season, Texas carried it over into October. They defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first playoff series in franchise history.

Then, they faced the juggernaut New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, and Alex Rodriguez made for one of the best trios in baseball.

The Rangers had their own accolades to boast. Hamilton hit 32 long balls with 100 RBIs and a ridiculous .359 batting average en route to the AL MVP. Neftali Feliz was named the AL Rookie of the Year and set a rookie record with 40 saves.

But how would they stack up with the mighty Bronx Bombers? The Yankees took game one with a 6-5 win. However, the Rangers bats woke up.

They ran away with three straight wins as the offense combined for 25 runs to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. They had the Yankees on their heels. New York would respond with a game five victory.

In front of the home crowd, the Ranger faithful could smell their first World Series appearance. Colby Lewis got the start and was provided with early insurance with a 1-0 lead.

With the game tied at one in the bottom of the fifth, Vladimir Guerrero smoked a two-RBI double followed by a Nelson Cruz home run and just like that, Texas led 5-1.

In the bottom of the ninth, it was the rookie Feliz versus the former Ranger Alex Rodriguez. On a 1-2 pitch, Feliz went with the breaking ball and caught A-Rod looking. Feliz ran to his catcher Bengie Molina and embraced.

15 years ago, today the Texas Rangers won their first pennant in franchise history pic.twitter.com/tvvquVjbd5

— Rangers Nation ⚾️ (@rangers__nation) October 22, 2025

Rangers fans went into pandemonium and celebrated like it was 38 years in the making. Manager Ron Washington turned this squad into a perennial contender. Unfortunately, it didn't result in a World Series title as they lost to the San Francisco Giants.

The 2010 run put the Rangers on the map. It laid the groundwork for success in the decade. Multiple division titles and AL pennants eventually led to their first championship in 2023.

Everyone will talk about the 2023 team and rightfully so. They accomplished something that no Rangers team had ever done. However, it's hard not to argue how special that 2010 team was, and gave Texas fans something they yearned for their whole lives.

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