Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy Celebrates 70th Birthday with a Winning Streak

ARLINGTON, Texas — Bruce Bochy celebrated his 70th birthday on Wednesday as the Texas Rangers faced off against the Los Angeles Angels, hoping to secure their second consecutive victory.

Before the game, a surprise awaited the manager when his grandson, Braxton, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. “I had no idea he was doing it,” Bochy said. “It was a special moment… something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Following this heartfelt gesture, the Rangers went on to win 3-1 at Globe Life Field, marking a significant turnaround for their offense. Until then, the Rangers had struggled, ranking among the bottom of the league with a .212 batting average and only 55 runs scored.

Bochy’s managerial philosophy emphasizes hard contact, a message he reinforced earlier this week when he remarked, “Hit the ball really hard… and have nobody be there.” The humor in his statement masked a deeper truth, reflecting the team’s early season struggles.

The Rangers entered the game with an alarming .239 batting average on balls in play (BABIP), which is a statistic often viewed as a measure of luck. Despite their offensive challenges, the Rangers surprisingly held the top spot in the American League West.

Over the previous three weeks, the team managed to produce weak contact, making it difficult to gain momentum. Their hard-hit percentage of 39.6% is tied for the eighth-worst in baseball, indicating a need for improvement. In contrast, during the successful 2023 season, their BABIP was .309, and they consistently ranked among the top teams in exit velocity and home runs.

In the recent game against the Angels, the Rangers registered 12 hard-hit balls in a 4-0 win on Tuesday and continued their strong performance with another 13 hard contacts on Wednesday.

Corey Seager led the offensive efforts, posting an impressive average exit velocity of over 105 mph. Adolis García also had a standout performance, with a hard-hit percentage currently at a career-high. However, all players understand that while statistics can provide insights, the most crucial factor is consistent execution at the plate.

Pitching wise, the Rangers have also shown resilience, currently owning the lowest ERA in the American League at 3.12. Patrick Corbin, making his second start, showcased significant improvement, allowing zero runs over five innings after struggling in his debut.

Corey Seager expressed hope for the team’s future, saying, “It’s just about getting back to basics, hitting the ball hard and giving the defense a chance to make plays.”

Bochy’s 70th birthday was complemented by a whiskey barrel-shaped cake and a nostalgic collection of baseball cards from his career, but the highlight remains his grandson’s first pitch…