T.R.’s Memoirs: An ode to the Rangers’ old Florida spring home in Ian’s aftermath
September 29, 2022
(AP photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Editor’s note: T.R. Sullivan covered the Texas Rangers over 32 years for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and MLB.com, and is sharing his “memoirs” with this newsletter. Today, with Hurricane Ian walloping on the west coast of Florida, T.R. looks back on Port Charlotte. That was the Rangers’ spring home from 1987-2002, but was right in the middle of the hurricane.
The signs are hard to miss along the boulevards leading out from Port Charlotte. They have a blue background with white lettering, a hurricane logo and an arrow pointing inland.
Evacuation Route.
We saw the signs and knew what they meant but never really had to worry about it when the Rangers were in Port Charlotte way back when.
Great stuff, as usual. I made the trip to Port Charlotte in 88 or 89, drove from Arlington, stopped in New Orleans and stocked up on Dixie Beer and finished the long drive. It wasn’t much of a place to visit, but my brother and I hung around the cages and listened to Galloway and Reeves holding forth and chatted with Buechele and other players. It was a nice time and a fun memory. I’ve though a lot about Port Charlotte today. There are hard times ahead. Keep the memories coming T. R., I really enjoy them.
Great stuff! I had the opportunity to visit back before I retired. Was working in Stuart and a few of us decided to hit spring training one Saturday. Did the alligator alley route. Sat in the sun watching a game, but more interested in getting a tan. Great memories.