The Texas Rangers have announced the Opening Day pre-game events at the Ballpark in Arlington.
First, cash lots open at 8 a.m. for tailgaters and the park opens at 10 a.m. All fans 21-years-old and better will receive a free magnetic schedule from Budweiser as they enter the park. (I still don't know why they can't pass these out as fans exit, but I digress.)
With the club celebrating its 40th Anniversary (not counting those years in D.C.), the first pitch ceremony for the opener will commemorate the first Rangers team to play in Arlington.
Thirteen members of that historic 1972 Rangers team will be a part of the first pitch ceremony: Outfielder Larry Biittner, Catcher Rich Billings, Pitcher Dick Bosman, Catcher Bill Fahey, Outfielder Ted Ford, Pitcher Bill Gogolewski, Outfielder Tom Grieve, Shortstop Toby Harrah, Pitcher Rich Hand, Pitcher Jim Panther, Pitcher Don Stanhouse, Catcher Ken Suarez, Coach Wayne Terwilliger
According to the Rangers, the United States Air Force Honor Guard from Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls will present the Colors and members of the United States Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy will unfurl oversized American and Texas flags in the outfield.
B-1 Bombers from the 7th Bomb Wing of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene are scheduled to fly over the Ballpark at the end of the National Anthem, which is being performed by country music artist Reckless Kelly.
At 1:05 p.m., the two-time American League defending champion Texas Rangers will then take the field against the Chicago White Sox and begin their campaign for a third-straight World Series appearance (and hopefully first win).
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Opening Day 2012 marks the fifth time the Rangers have started the season against the White Sox.
The Rangers have won their last three Opening Day games and they are 20-20 in their history.
