On Assignment-Game 3-2010 World Series

The 2010 World Series headed for the Lone Star state for Game 3. This was my first trip back to Texas to cover baseball since the Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win the 2005 World Series. Ah, sweet memories! This time, the venue was different as the action shifted to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. After enduring more cold, wet, windy World Series evenings than I care to remember, heading to a World Series game without being layered up was a welcome treat.

Ranger fans stream into Rangers Ballpark prior to Game 3 of the 2010 World Series. © Ron Vesely/MLB Photos

Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 3 was current president and Rangers legend Nolan Ryan. Watching the “Ryan Express” throw again brought back fond memories of photographing Nolan throughout his career with the Astros and Rangers.

Texas Rangers legend and current team president, Nolan Ryan, threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game 3 of the 2010 World Series. © Ron Vesely/MLB Photos

The photo accommodations at Rangers Ballpark were less than ideal, especially when compared to the great positions we had at AT&T Park in San Francisco. MLB Photos teammate Brad Mangin experienced a lousy night after being assigned to the up spot for Game 3 and has detailed his night of horrors on his blog. I had to contend with being blocked by Giants players or staff standing on the dugout steps while shooting from the third base photo pit. A challenging night, to say the least.

The photo conditions at Rangers Ballpark were challenging, to say the least. At best, they were quite crowded, as you can see by this image of the photographers squeezed into the inside first base photo pit. © Ron Vesely/MLB Photos

Game wise, I got my wish as the Rangers won their first World Series game, defeating the Giants 4-2.

Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland is greeted by teammates Nelson Cruz and Benji Molina after hitting a three-run home run in the 2nd inning of Game 3 of the 2010 World Series. © Ron Vesely/MLB Photos

Photo wise, it wasn’t much of a night for me. Mitch Moreland had the big blow for the Rangers, hitting a three-run home run off of Jonathan Sanchez in the 2nd inning. 3 innings later, Josh Hamilton connected for a solo home run off of Sanchez to finish the Rangers scoring for the night.

Freddy Sanchez of the San Francisco Giants turns a double play over the sliding Elvis Andrus of the Texas Rangers during Game 3 of the 2010 World Series. © Ron Vesely/MLB Photos

Colby Lewis threw 7 2/3 strong innings and Neftali Feliz pitched a one-two-three ninth to earn the save as the Rangers won the first World Series ever by a Texas team, guaranteeing that there will be at least a Game 5 to look forward to.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Colby Lewis pitched a stong 7 2/3 innings during Game 3 of the 2010 World Series against the San Francisco Giants. © Ron Vesely/MLB Photos

I’m hoping the Rangers continue their winning ways so that we can all go back to San Francisco to finish off the 2010 baseball season. I’m a big fan of a Game 7 winner take showdown. I love the drama and tension that a Game 7 provides. Time to head to the ballpark. More to come!