An Unlikely Hero

These are always the most difficult 3 days of my year: when the Rangers travel to Boston to take on my beloved Red Sox at Fenway.  My allegiances are put to the test: do I honor family tradition and my roots?  or do I swear allegiance to my Texas, the place where I have built my life?

I never really know what I’m going to do until it happens.  Some years, I commit to rooting for the home team: cheering on the Sox at Fenway and the Rangers at the Ballpark.  Some years, it’s all about who has the best chance for the playoffs – which, 99% of the time precludes the Rangers, particularly after the All-Star break.  And sometimes, it’s just a woman’s prerogative to change her mind with no sensible, logical reason to support her choice.

But last night, it was all about Bengie.  The Rangers’ newest acquisition made a name for himself last night.  Well, I suppose in a 13-year career he’s made a name for himself before last night.  Still, I’m pretty sure no one would have predicted that Bengie Molina would ever hit for the cycle.  In Fenway of all places, a little bandbox of a stadium, where you feel like you’re sitting in the lap of the person next to you.  Against the Red Sox, no less.  But he did.

And here’s how he did it:

Bengie Molina hits for the cycle

I have to admit, as much as I love the Red Sox, as much as I enjoy listening to Eric Nadel (not so much Dave Barnett), as much as Josh Lewin can grate on my nerves with his blathering commentary, it was so much fun listening to the call of Bengie’s triple.  Hearing Josh and Tom cheer on Bengie like little kids rooting on their hero was something truly special.  And seeing the joyous reaction of the players in the dugout – and the appreciation shown by the opposing players -  restored my faith in the value of “team” and the merit of good sportsmanship.

And for one night, an unlikely hero carried his team to an unmistakable victory.  Thanks for the moment, Bengie Molina.  We’re glad to have shared it with you.