Texas Rangers Academy Notebook for Nov. 26, 2025: Softball legend Jennie Finch visits Texas Rangers Youth Academy as part of MLB Develops Ambassador tour
- Softball legend Jennie Finch visits Texas Rangers Youth Academy as part of MLB Develops Ambassador tour
- Texas Rangers Youth Academy to host annual holiday party on Dec. 16
- Snapshots: Photos from Texas Rangers Youth Academy’s 2025 Thanksgiving turkey distribution
The Texas Rangers Youth Academy in West Dallas hosted a special event on Wednesday, November 19, as softball legend Jennie Finch headlined a free MLB Develops Ambassador Tour clinic for girls ages 10 to 14.
More than 100 youth softball players from across the Dallas–Fort Worth area participated in the event, which combined hands-on drills focused on fundamentals with a mentorship session led by the two-time Olympian and former Women’s College World Series Champion.
Members of this year’s Rangers Youth Academy Jennie Finch Classic team joined Finch on the field, assisting with instruction and helping guide the athletes through each station.
“I hope tonight these girls were inspired and, hopefully, it just ignites a little extra fire within them,” Finch said.
At the conclusion of the clinic, every attendee received a signed softball from Finch as a keepsake to commemorate the experience.
Finch, who has spent considerable time at the Academy, including appearances during the 2024 MLB All-Star Week at Globe Life Field, praised the program’s commitment to developing Major League citizens.
“The Rangers Youth Academy is incredible,” she shared. “It’s been amazing to witness lives being transformed through it, and it’s such a gift to see how much the Academy impacts this community.
QUICK HITS
Texas Rangers Youth Academy to Host Annual Holiday Party on Dec. 16
- Happy Holidays: The Texas Rangers Youth Academy will hold its annual Holiday party, hosted by Neil Leibman and family, next month on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Leibman, the Chairman of Rangers Sports Media and Entertainment and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, hosts the celebration each year in conjunction with the Rangers Foundation to provide Academy athletes and their families with toys and gifts for the holiday season.
- ‘Tis the Season: This year’s festivities are expected to include photo opportunities with Santa, an appearance by Rangers Captain, a holiday crafting station, and much more.
- The More the Merrier: Among those expected to attend are Texas Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young and his wife, Liz, General Manager Ross Fenstermaker and Manager Skip Schumaker.
SNAPSHOTS
Photos from Texas Rangers Youth Academy’s 2025 Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution
The Texas Rangers Youth Academy hosted its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution at its West Dallas facility on Friday, Nov. 21. Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson (top left), Rangers Captain (top right), and members of the Six Shooters Squad (bottom right) were on hand to help volunteers pass out full-sized turkeys and side dishes to hundreds of local families. (Photo Credit: Texas Rangers)