Now with Rangers, Pence faces Holland, Giants

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Hunter Pence admitted that it was a little strange to walk into Scottsdale Stadium on Saturday and head to the visiting clubhouse. But it didn’t take long for this place to again feel like home.

Pence, who returned to face the Giants for the first time as an opposing player in a 0-0 tie against the Rangers, received a standing ovation from the 9,440 fans in attendance after stepping up to take his first at-bat against his friend and former teammate Derek Holland in the first inning.

Pence took a few seconds to soak in the moment, tipping his batting helmet to show his appreciation to the crowd.

“It was awesome to see the ovation he got,” Holland said. “He was such an important part to this team. To have everybody erupt like they did, I think that was huge. Obviously, we won’t be playing Texas this year, so it was cool to see that for him. He’s an icon here.”

Holland got the best of Pence, who struck out looking on an inside fastball. Holland later joked that it was a bit of revenge, as Pence had failed to return a text message earlier this week.

“I texted him a couple days ago,” Holland said. “So when you see him, ask him if his phone works, because he didn’t respond. That’s another reason why I got the punchout today. It’s payback.”

Despite his deep ties to San Francisco, Pence said before the game that he has already started to adjust to his change in uniform. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Pence grew up 15 minutes away from Globe Life Park in Arlington and dreamed of playing for the Rangers as a kid.

“At this time, I’ve already learned a whole new place and just understanding the nature of the business,” Pence said. “But I’m very fortunate and very happy to be where I am and really grateful to come and compete against them.”

After batting a career-low .226 with a .590 OPS for the Giants in 2018, the 35-year-old Pence worked on overhauling his swing with private hitting instructor Doug Latta over the offseason and put his adjustments to the test during a winter-ball stint with Los Toros del Este in the Dominican Republic.

“It was a life-changing experience,” Pence said. “I am extremely grateful I got to have the opportunity to go play baseball in the Dominican Republic. Just a beautiful country.”

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said he was impressed with Pence’s desire to keep playing baseball and his willingness to make the necessary changes to extend his career.

“This guy still loves the game and wants to play,” Bochy said. “I don’t blame him. Until you think you’ve had enough, you’ve got to give it your all. To him, that was go to winter ball and get some at-bats. He tweaked his swing a little bit. He wanted to see live pitching, and that says a lot about his desire and how bad he wants it.”

Pence received a congratulatory text message from Bochy after the outfielder signed a Minor League deal with Texas last month and said it was bittersweet to hear of his longtime manager’s plans to retire at the end of the 2019 season.

“It’s a little sad,” Pence said. “It’s a little bitter. But it’s sweet also because this is his decision, and he’s going out on his terms. He’s just a gift to baseball. He’s funny. He’s a presence. He’s a legend. He’s got this charisma about him. I was glad that I got the seven years I got to play with him. I really think baseball is going to miss him, but we’re lucky that we had the time that we did as a fraternity to experience his mind. He’s one of the greatest minds in baseball. To me, he’s a sure-fire Hall of Famer.”