Fans at Fan Fest welcome Rangers owners’ change | Texas Rangers | Texas Rangers News an...

Fans at Fan Fest welcome Rangers owners’ change | Texas Rangers | Texas Rangers News an...

It is nice to be heard!

By JEFF WILSON

jwilson@star-telegram.com

ARLINGTON — Only the desire for autographs of star players outweighed the desire to get indoors Saturday during the Texas Rangers Fan Fest.

A hearty and diehard gathering of fans braved bone-chilling temperatures Saturday and an icy wind that whipped through the concourses at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

But frosty as the conditions were, fans felt nothing but warmth for the ownership change that is about to take place with the franchise.

Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what changes will take place under the guidance of Rangers Baseball Express and its two most notable figures, Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan.

The process is under way, after a definitive agreement with Hicks Sports Group was reached last weekend, and could be completed by Opening Day.

Fans, though, don’t want to see many changes on the field. But they are hopeful that their voice will be heard as the new owners make a Rangers game a more enjoyable experience.

"They need to reach out," said Jeff Ferrand, a Dallas resident who attends between 10 and 20 games a season. "I think if you ask most of the fans, we expect it to be a refreshing change from business as usual.

"It seems like some of the fun is gone. It feels like it has turned into more of a business in the last five years."

The Rangers experienced the largest per-date attendance jump in the majors in 2009 while going 87-75. Winning will help attract casual fans, but diehards such as Ferrand and Nick Schneider of Frisco suggest they shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Schneider is a season-ticket holder, but he admits that he had started leaning toward attending fewer games had Tom Hicks remained in control of the ballclub.

"The change is going to be good," Schneider said. "The restrictions that seemed to be in place with Mr. Hicks seem like they’re going away, and I think that’s going to free up not only a lot of money but some pent-up frustrations with the fans."

Fans still enjoy Rangers Ballpark. They still enjoy hearing Chuck Morgan’s voice. The changes made last season to the out-of-town scoreboard in left field and the ribbon paneling on the first deck added to the game experience.

But a new video board is on their wish list; so is a freeze on ticket prices and more interaction with players and the front office.

The good news for fans is that Greenberg also wants to replace the giant screen that sits atop the right-field seats while keeping a Rangers game affordable for a family.

While changes are sought off the field, fans don’t want the direction the team is headed on the field to change. They believe Ryan will add stability to baseball operations, headed by general manager Jon Daniels, and allow the young core to develop.

"Chuck needs to run the fans and the Rangers, the symbol, and let Nolan and JD do the baseball," said Garland resident Lee Powell, also a season-ticket holder. "They’ve got it going. They’ve got the young kids coming. They’ve got a plan."

One fan gave credit to Hicks for putting the current front office in place, but said he fell short in other areas.

"At least he tried, bless his heart," said Rusty Cary, who makes the trip from Amarillo to attend half the home games. "He spent money. He just didn’t spend it in the right places. The best thing he’s done is getting Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan in here."

The overwhelming theme from the fans, as cold as they were during the Rangers’ annual kickoff to a new season, was excitement about the pending change in ownership.

"I just think it’s about time," Dallas resident Adam Wallman said. "Nothing against the Hicks family. I appreciate everything they’ve done for the Rangers and the Stars, but I think it was time for some new blood."

Jeff Wilson, 817-390-7760