5 in 50- The Texas Rangers

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Texas Rangers. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Rangers in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Rangers players in the last 50 years.

5.   Michael Young (2000-2012)- 2005 AL batting title, Finished twice in top 10 MVP voting. 1 gold glove.

4.   Josh Hamilton (2008-2012, 2015)- 2010 AL MVP, 2010 ALCS MVP

3.   Adrian Beltre (2011-2018)- Finished 4 times in top 10 MVP voting, 3-time gold glove winner.

2.   Juan Gonzalez (1989-1999, 2002, 2003)- 2 time AL MVP, 2-time AL home run leader.

1.  Ivan Rodriguez (13 years of his career as a Texas Ranger)- 1999 AL MVP, 10-time gold glove winner.

Honorable mention to Buddy Bell, Ian Kinsler, Kenny Rogers, Rafael Palmeiro, Nelson Cruz

Notes. Nolan Ryan only played 4 full seasons with the Rangers. Alex Rodriguez only played 3 seasons with Texas. This was a straightforward list to put together. Hard to argue with anyone. Young is the all-time leader in hits with the Rangers. Hamilton only played 6 full seasons with the team but was instrumental in leading them to their 2 World Series appearances. Beltre should be a Hall of Fame candidate. Gonzalez is the only 2-time MVP in team history. Finally, Pudge Rodriguez has the most gold gloves by any catcher in MLB history.

Next up, I move to the National League East, starting with the Atlanta Braves.