Michael Young's last couple of seasons as a professional baseball player were a bit tumultuous.
The Texas Rangers' all-time franchise leader in just about every offensive category and games played had a bitter falling out with the front office before eventually being traded to a bad Philadelphia team prior to the 2013 season. He was dealt from the Phillies to the Dodgers at midseason and ended his career with one last playoff appearance.
He officially retired as a Ranger earlier this year and had appeared to bury the hatchet with Rangers GM Jon Daniels at the press conference, as the two gushed over each other and shared a long embrace.
Now, the Rangers are doing the right thing in honoring Young, who was the face of the franchise for so long, and still is associated with the Rangers even though he didn't play his last game in the red, white and blue.
Prior to the Rangers' May 17 game against the Toronto Blue Jays, the team that drafted Young in 1997, he will be honored with an on-field ceremony that will feature speakers by several people, including Young's best friend in baseball and former teammate in the Toronto system, Vernon Wells.
The ceremony is set to begin at 6:45 p.m. that day, while first pitch has been pushed back from 7:05 to 7:15 p.m.
The seven-time all-star was a Ranger from 2002-2012, won a batting title and was the MVP of the 2006 MLB All-Star Game. He's the franchise (Texas and Washington Senators) leader in seven offensive categories and in career games played.
