SURPRISE, Ariz. -- There is much going with the Rangers as they get ready to defend another American League West title. There is a new ballpark on the horizon and construction beginning on a new entertainment venue.
Rob Matwick, the Rangers' vice president of business operations, is overseeing it all as well as the fan experience at Globe Life Park. Highly respected within the industry and a member of the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame, Matwick is in his 32nd year in Major League Baseball.
On the occasion of Presidents Day, Matwick delivered the Rangers' presidential message to their fans.
"There is always great excitement with the start of Spring Training and the hope that accompanies every Major League season. For Rangers fans, we're out to defend back-to-back American League West Division titles. We'll follow Adrian Beltre's quest for 3,000 hits with each of his at-bats, then in July will see our own Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez join the ranks of baseball's immortals when he is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
"In addition to great baseball on the field, Globe Life Park will again deliver a strong promotional lineup and build upon our reputation for exceptional customer service and Texas hospitality!
"With a successful ballot initiative last November now behind us, our focus has turned to designing a world class ballpark to serve Rangers fans for generations to come, and extends our partnership with the City of Arlington until Jan. 1, 2054. Beyond a great game day experience, we're also designing the new ballpark to be functional year-round for special events and activities that make it a must-see destination in the Arlington Entertainment District.
"Work is starting on the Texas Live! development adjacent to Globe Life Park, in addition to our Urban Youth Academy in West Dallas, the acquisition of a Class A team in Kinston, N.C., and a new academy in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.
"The Rangers are committed to excellence at all levels of our organization and thank our great fans for their continued support!"