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80 Texas Rangers Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts

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1 The Texas Rangers came into existence in 1972. What team relocated to Arlington, Texas to become the Texas Rangers?
Answer: Washington Senators

Following the 1971 season, Washington Senators (formed in 1961) owner Bob Short moved the team from Washington D.C. to Texas. During the final Washington Senators game, fans stormed the field in protest, resulting in the Senators forfeiting the game.
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
2 Who did the Rangers compete against in their first organized game at The Ballpark in Arlington in 1994?
Answer: New York Mets

The first organized game at Ameriquest Field in Arlington was an exhibition game between the Texas Rangers and New York Mets on April 1, 1994. The first regular season game was against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 11, 1994. Ironically enough, the first two teams the Rangers played in their new stadium were later both part of the National League.
  From Quiz: Ameriquest Field in Arlington
3 In their first trade, the Senators traded which Gold Golve winning pitcher to the Pirates for Bennie Daniels, Harry Bright, and R.C. Stevens?
Answer: Bobby Shantz

Bobby Shantz won every pitching Gold Glove from 1957-1964, and was the AL MVP in 1952.
    Your options: [ Bobby Shantz ] [ Paul Owens ] [ Jim Kaat ] [ Bob Johnson ]
  From Quiz: Texas-Sized Trades
4 Who was the very first manager for the Texas Rangers?
Answer: Ted Williams

Ted Williams was hired by the Washington Senators in 1969 and moved with the team to Texas where he spent 1 season as manager.
  From Quiz: 30 Years of The Texas Rangers
5 Who was the first Rangers player to win the AL MVP award?
Answer: Jeff Burroughs

Jeff Burroughs won the AL MVP in 1974.
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
6 Which member of the Baseball Hall of Fame was the first manager of the Texas Rangers in 1972?
Answer: Ted Williams

Hall of Famer Ted Williams was the first manager in Texas Rangers History. Following a 54 - 100 season, Williams resigned and was replaced by Whitey Herzog, who was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.
    Your options: [ Mickey Mantle ] [ Ted Williams ] [ Whitey Herzog ] [ Billy Martin ]
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
7 On December 12, 1964, the Senators acquired which four-time All-Star from the Dodgers for Claude Osteen, John Kennedy, and cash?
Answer: Frank Howard

The Senators also picked up Ken McMullen, Phil Ortega, Pete Richert, and Dick Nen in the deal.
    Your options: [ Frank Howard ] [ Don Drysdale ] [ Tommy Davis ] [ Jim Lefebevre ]
  From Quiz: Texas-Sized Trades
8 What Ranger led the team in 2002 with 57 home runs?
Answer: Alex Rodriguez

Alex smacked an astounding 57 home runs in 2002, along with batting .300 and having 187 hits. In his 9th season in the Majors, he earned his first Gold Glove Award at shortstop, and was 2nd in the American League MVP voting.
  From Quiz: Your Texas Rangers!
9 What pitcher started a game only 22 days after being the Ranger's first round draft choice out of Houston's Westchester High School in 1973?
Answer: David Clyde

David Clyde was 18 when he made his debut and went on to have a 4-8 record in 1973 but his career lasted only 3 years with the Rangers and another 2 with the Indians. He finished his career with 18-33 record.
  From Quiz: 30 Years of The Texas Rangers
10 In the midst of a so-so start, the Rangers had a few highlights. Which player was the first player in team history to hit 3 home runs in one game on May 15th?
Answer: Willie Horton

Until the stadium was altered in the 80s, the prevailing south wind made the ballpark one of the hardest in all of baseball to hit home runs in.
    Your options: [ Toby Harrah ] [ Juan Beniquez ] [ Bert Campaneris ] [ Willie Horton ]
  From Quiz: The 1977 Texas Rangers
11 In what player's honor did the Texas Rangers retire the number 34 for?
Answer: Nolan Ryan

It's the only number they have retired.
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
12 As a result of their abysmal record in 1972, the Rangers had the first selection in the 1973 Major League Baseball Draft. Who did they select with the first pick?
Answer: David Clyde

With the first selection in the 1973 Major League Baseball Draft, the Rangers took high school phenom David Clyde. In a short sighted stunt designed to boost attendance, the Rangers had the eighteen year old Clyde debut in the majors. Clyde was never able to fulfill his potential. Yount, Winfield and Murray, all selected after Clyde, went on to Hall of Fame careers.
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
13 What were the parking lots at Ameriquest Field named after?
Answer: Texas Historical Figures

The parking lots are named for a different Texas historical figure involved in the era of the Republic of Texas in the 1830s and 1840s.
  From Quiz: Ameriquest Field in Arlington
14 In October 1970, the Senators acquired which troubled pitcher in a trade with the Tigers?
Answer: Denny McLain

The Tigers got Ed Brinkman, Auerlio Rodriguez, Joe Coleman, and Jim Hannan, for McLain, Don Wert, Elliot Maddox, and Norm McRae.
    Your options: [ Denny McLain ] [ Mickey Lolich ] [ Mark Firdrych ] [ Joe Niekro ]
  From Quiz: Texas-Sized Trades
15 Who was the first Texas Ranger to win 25 games in a season?
Answer: Ferguson Jenkins

Jenkins won 25 games in 1974. He was the only Ranger in the 20th century to win 25 games in a season. In his first year after being traded from the Cubs, Fergie was 25-12 with 225 strikeouts. This would be his last year of glory during his 19 season career.
  From Quiz: Your Texas Rangers!
16 Which pitcher recorded his 300th win, 7th No Hitter, and his 5,000th strikeout while wearing a Ranger's uniform?
Answer: Nolan Ryan

His 5,000th strikeout victim was Rickey Henderson on August 22, 1989. Milwaukee was his victim in his 300th win on June 11, 1990 and Toronto was the victim in his 7th No Hitter on May 1, 1991.
  From Quiz: 30 Years of The Texas Rangers
17 Who was the first player for the Rangers franchise to hit 40 or more homeruns in a season?
Answer: Frank Howard

Frank Howard hit 44 homeruns for the Rangers franchise in the 1968 season (they were known as the Washington Senators at that time).
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
18 Who was the first member of the Texas Rangers to be named American League MVP?
Answer: Jeff Burroughs

A member of the Texas Rangers has won the American League Most Valuable Player award six times: Jeff Burroughs (1974), Juan Gonzalez, (1996 & 1998), Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez (1999), Alex Rodriguez (2003) and Josh Hamilton (2010). It was Burroughs, however, who won it first, hitting .301, with 25 home runs and 118 runs batted in in 1974.
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
19 The grass batter's eye (hitter's background in center field) was named after a well-known Metroplex figure. Who was it named after in 1997?
Answer: Richard Greene

Greene's hill was named after former Arlington Mayor Richard Greene in November, 1997.
  From Quiz: Ameriquest Field in Arlington
20 On November 3, 1970, the Senators acquired another controversial player in a trade with the Phillies for Greg Goosen, Jeff Terpko, and Gene Martin. Who did the Senators acquire?
Answer: Curt Flood

Flood was unhappy after the Cardinals had traded him to Philadelphia, and challenged baseball's reserve clause in court. He lost his case but opened the door for free agency.
  From Quiz: Texas-Sized Trades
21 Where did the Rangers first play their home games?
Answer: Arlington Stadium

Arlington Stadium had been their home for many years, beginning in 1972 with their inaugural season. In only their 3rd season, the Rangers surpassed the 1,000,000 attendance mark in a season. RFK Stadium was where the Senators played.
  From Quiz: Your Texas Rangers!
22 Who was the Ranger's first player to win the American League MVP award?
Answer: Jeff Burroughs

Jeff Burroughs won the award for the 1974 season.
  From Quiz: 30 Years of The Texas Rangers
23 The Rangers turned their 1st triple play in team history on August 8th. Which opposing player hit into the 5-4-3 triple play.
Answer: Manny Sanguillen

To say that Sanguillen was not the fastest player in baseball was an understatement.
    Your options: [ Jim Rice ] [ Jerry Remy ] [ Amos Otis ] [ Manny Sanguillen ]
  From Quiz: The 1977 Texas Rangers
24 Who was the first Rangers pitcher to post 25 wins in a single season?
Answer: Fergie Jenkins

Fergie Jenkins had a 25-12 won lost record in 1974.
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
25 Who was the first member of the Texas Rangers to be named American League Rookie of the Year?
Answer: Mike Hargrove

Mike Hargrove was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1974. Jim Sundberg finished fourth in the balloting that same year. Pat Putnam was named the Sporting News Rookie of the Year in 1979. Neftali Feliz was named American League Rookie of the Year in 2010.
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
26 What news making event happened at the first regular season game at The Ballpark in Arlington?
Answer: A lady fell out of the right field home run porch

At the regular season opening of The Ballpark at Arlington, a fan posing for pictures fell from the railing of the right field home run porch. Hollye Minter fell some 35 feet and broke her right arm, ribs, and several bones in her neck. The Brewers went on to defeat the Rangers, 4-3.
  From Quiz: Ameriquest Field in Arlington
27 Which future Royals star pitcher was acquired by the Rangers from the Cubs for Mike Paul?
Answer: Larry Gura

Gura would be traded to the Yankees before even pitching for the Rangers. He would go on to play in Kansas City from 1976-1985.
    Your options: [ Larry Gura ] [ Dan Quisenberry ] [ Mike Armstrong ] [ Dennis Leonard ]
  From Quiz: Texas-Sized Trades
28 Who was the first Texas Ranger to hit 50 home runs in a season?
Answer: Alex Rodriguez

A-Rod smacked 57 in 2002, breaking his own record of 52 in 2001. He broke the old record of big Frank Howard with 48 in 1969. Palmeiro had hit 47 in 1999 and 2001.
  From Quiz: Your Texas Rangers!
29 What did Toby Harrah and Bump Wills do on consecutive pitches?
Answer: Hit an Inside the Park Homerun.

Against the Yankees on August 27, 1977 against pitcher Ken Clay.
  From Quiz: 30 Years of The Texas Rangers
30 Which year did the Texas Rangers win their first Western division championship?
Answer: 1994

The Rangers won the division despite a 52-62 won lost record during the strike-shortened 1994 season.
    Your options: [ 1995 ] [ 1998 ] [ 1993 ] [ 1994 ]
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
31 Following the 1988 season, the Rangers signed what future Hall of Famer as a free agent?
Answer: Nolan Ryan

On December 7, 1988, the Rangers signed future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. Although many thought Ryan to be at the end of his career, he accomplished many distinguished achievements during his tenure with the Texas Rangers, including his sixth and seventh no hitters, three hundredth win and five thousandth strikeout. Jenkins, Perry and Blyleven were all Hall of Fame pitchers who spent time with the Rangers.
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
32 Who hit the first home run at The Ballpark in Arlington?
Answer: Dave Nilsson

Dave Nilsson, Milwaukee Brewer, hit the first home run at the Rangers new park off starting pitcher Kenny Rogers during Opening Day at the Ballpark in Arlington, April 11, 1994.
  From Quiz: Ameriquest Field in Arlington
33 In October 1973, which future Hall of Famer was traded to the Rangers for future batting champ Bill Madlock and Vic Harris?
Answer: Fergie Jenkins

Jenkins would be inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1991.
    Your options: [ Fergie Jenkins ] [ Nolan Ryan ] [ Gaylord Perry ] [ Harmon Kilebrew ]
  From Quiz: Texas-Sized Trades
34 What Ranger set a team record for striking out 301 batters in a season?
Answer: Nolan Ryan

Ryan set a team record of 301 in 1989. He struck out 239 the following year. In 1989, he was 16-10 in a Ranger uniform in his first Texas year, after being traded from the Houston Astros. Ryan struck out a total of 939 batters in a Rangers' uniform in just 5 seasons with the club.
  From Quiz: Your Texas Rangers!
35 Who was the very first Ranger to hit for the cycle?
Answer: Oddibe McDowell

Oddibe did this feat on July 23, 1985 against the Indians.
  From Quiz: 30 Years of The Texas Rangers
36 Which pitcher threw a no-hitter on September 22nd against the Angels?
Answer: Bert Blyleven

As it turned out, it was the last start for Blyleven as a Ranger. He was traded in the offseason to Pittsburgh.
    Your options: [ Gaylord Perry ] [ Doyle Alexander ] [ Dock Ellis ] [ Bert Blyleven ]
  From Quiz: The 1977 Texas Rangers
37 Who was the first Rangers player to win the AL batting title?
Answer: Julio Franco

Julio Franco won the AL batting title with a .341 average in 1991.
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
38 Which future president was the managing general partner of the Texas Rangers baseball team from 1989 until 1994?
Answer: George W. Bush

George W. Bush, who became the 43rd President of the United States in 2001, was part of an investment group that purchased the Texas Rangers in April of 1989. He served as managing general partner until December of 1994, when he resigned after being elected governor of Texas.
    Your options: [ Bill Clinton ] [ George W. Bush ] [ George H. W. Bush ] [ Barack Obama ]
  From Quiz: Texas Rangers
39 Who did the Texas Rangers play in the first playoff game at The Ballpark in Arlington, on October 4, 1996?
Answer: New York Yankees

The Yankees scored two runs in the ninth inning for a 3-2 victory over Texas in front of 50,860 at The Ballpark in Arlington.
  From Quiz: Ameriquest Field in Arlington
40 In June 1975, the Rangers traded for Gaylord Perry. Which team sent Perry to Texas for Jim Bibby, Jackie Brown, Rick Waits, and cash?
Answer: Indians

Cleveland traded Perry after a 21-13 season in 1974 and a 6-9 start to the 1975 season.
    Your options: [ Indians ] [ Padres ] [ Yankees ] [ Giants ]
  From Quiz: Texas-Sized Trades
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