Introduction
The rivalry between the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners dates back to 1977, when the Mariners joined the American League as an expansion team. Since then, the two teams have faced each other over 300 times, with the Rangers holding a slight edge in the all-time series.
The Early Years
In the early years of the rivalry, the Mariners struggled to compete with the Rangers, who were led by stars like Nolan Ryan and Buddy Bell. The Rangers won the first eight meetings between the two teams, and dominated the series throughout the 1980s.
The Griffey Era
In the 1990s, the Mariners began to turn the tide in the rivalry, thanks in large part to the emergence of superstar outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. The Mariners won the AL West division in 1995, and Griffey’s heroics in the playoffs helped make him a household name.
The A-Rod Factor
In 2001, the Mariners had one of the greatest seasons in baseball history, winning a record-tying 116 games. However, they were upset in the playoffs by the Yankees, and star shortstop Alex Rodriguez left the team in free agency to sign with the Rangers.
The Hamilton Years
In the late 2000s, the Rangers began to emerge as a force in the American League, thanks in large part to the arrival of outfielder Josh Hamilton. The Rangers won the AL pennant in 2010 and 2011, and Hamilton was a key part of their success.
The Current State of the Rivalry
In recent years, the Rangers and Mariners have both struggled to compete in the American League West. However, the rivalry remains strong, and fans on both sides look forward to each meeting between the two teams.
Conclusion
While the Rangers vs Mariners rivalry may not be as heated as some of baseball’s other rivalries, it has a rich history and remains an important part of both teams’ identities. Whether you’re a fan of the Rangers or Mariners, there’s nothing quite like a game between these two division rivals.
