RYAN PRESSLY: FROM RANGERS FAN TO ASTROS PITCHER
ryan pressly can still vividly recall the excitement he felt while watching the Texas Rangers play during the 2010 ALCS. As a child, he idolized Rangers player Michael Young. Fast forward to the present, and Pressly is now a relief pitcher for the Houston Astros, his childhood team’s biggest rival.
Surrounded by reporters in the news conference room at Minute Maid Park, Pressly, donning his Astros hat, reflects on how surreal it is to be where he is today. “I never thought I would be in this situation,” he says, humbly expressing gratitude for his current role.
However, despite his popularity and success, Pressly remains a man of few words. He doesn’t have any social media accounts and prefers to keep a low profile, focusing solely on his job. His wife, Kat Pressly, describes him as someone who enjoys solitude, whether that means spending time on the ranch or going hunting. As a result, Pressly tends to shy away from attention, including media presence.
As the Astros go head-to-head against the Rangers in the ALCS, Pressly’s main focus is helping his team come out on top. Meanwhile, his wife, Kat, takes charge of arranging tickets for their family. With a constantly ringing phone, she estimates they’ve acquired around 20 tickets so far, but that number is likely to increase as the games progress. Ryan has informed his closest friends that they’ll be sitting in the Astros’ family section, meaning no Rangers attire is allowed.
When asked if he feels any particular excitement about facing his childhood team, Pressly simply states that it’s just another game, albeit one happening in his hometown. He approaches the series with a calm and determined mindset.
JOSÉ RUIZ: THE HOUSTON NATIVE
Outside Minute Maid Park, José Ruiz kneels down to take photos of a mural along the third base line. When asked if he’s from Houston, he proudly confirms it and recounts his arrival in the city back in 1980. Originally hailing from San Benito, Texas, Ruiz moved to Houston with the hopes of finally having professional sports teams to support.
During his early days in the city, the Astros struggled to find success, but Ruiz and his wife would attend games at the Astrodome for just $5. Given their lackluster performance, Ruiz didn’t expect much from the team. He was content with being a loyal fan, even if it meant supporting a team that never won championships.
However, everything changed when the Astros started to improve. Ruiz’s loyalty paid off, and it gave him the opportunity to tease his friends from Dallas, who accused him of supporting a “cheating” team. The Astros’ road games are often met with boos from opposing fans, but that only fuels the team’s resolve. Ruiz proudly declares that it’s the Astros against the world.
THE TENSIONS BETWEEN HOUSTON AND DALLAS
Dr. Walter L. Buenger, a history professor at the University of Texas, sheds light on the complex relationship between Houston and Dallas. Growing up in Fort Stockton, Buenger possesses a unique perspective on the matter.
According to Buenger, the rivalry between Houston and Dallas dates back to the late 1800s. These two cities competed in various aspects, including the location of the National Reserve Bank, business deals, and even who would host the Texas Centennial celebrations. While Dallas often emerged as the victor, hosting events such as the State Fair of Texas, Houston embraced its identity as an oil city. This rivalry, combined with the geographical proximity and the diverse demographic of the two cities, contributed to the tension.
Buenger acknowledges the existence of myths surrounding Texas identity and how they help shape collective memory. However, he also emphasizes the importance of remembering the harsh realities of the past, such as the role of cotton, slavery, and the dark history associated with the Texas Rangers, whose name derives from a law enforcement agency involved in the lynching of Mexicans.
Despite the complexities, Buenger believes that Texas identity is ever-changing and subject to interpretation.
LOYALTY ABOVE ALL: JASON AND JOEL FLORES
The Magnolia Hotel, just a few blocks away from Minute Maid Park, witnesses the unwavering loyalty of Astros fans like Jason and Joel Flores. As valets working at the hotel, they witness the hustle and bustle of game days, with fans checking in before and after the games.
Both Jason and Joel are lifelong Astros fans, deeply rooted in their Houston identity. They openly express their distaste for anything associated with Dallas, particularly the Cowboys. While they acknowledge that the Astros may face booing from opposing fans during away games, their allegiance remains unwavering. Jason passionately states, “I’m from Houston. That’s who I am, in and out, that’s my team.”
When asked if they would cheer for the Rangers in the World Series if they were to advance, the Flores brothers both dismiss the idea. They make it clear that their support is solely reserved for Houston, and any success achieved by another Texas team won’t affect their loyalty.
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL: MARK ESPINOZA’S DREAM
For Mark Espinoza, a die-hard Rangers fan, the memory of the team’s near success in the 2011 World Series remains etched in his mind. He vividly recalls the moment when victory seemed within reach only to slip away at the last moment.
Despite the heartbreak, Espinoza remains hopeful. As the Rangers once again have a shot at the championship, he can’t help but smile. He realizes that this is the closest they’ve come to tasting victory in over a decade.
The Astros-Rangers rivalry is fierce, but it’s the passion of fans like Espinoza that keeps the spirit of competition alive. Regardless of the outcome, he cherishes each moment and accepts the highs and lows that come with being a dedicated sports fan.+
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