ARLINGTON -- The Rangers will recognize the family members of the five police officers who lost their lives during the shootings in downtown Dallas on July 7 during their annual Law Enforcement Night on Saturday at Globe Life Park.
Fans are encouraged to wear blue to honor the men and women who serve in law enforcement; several ceremonies will take place before the Rangers play the A's in the second game of a three-game series.
"What happened that day was terrible -- something that was not in anybody's head," Elvis Andrus said. "It's good to be able to honor those people that serve and continue to help this country and this city."
Approximately 200 law-enforcement officers are expected to attend Saturday's game. As part of the pregame ceremonies, there will be a parade of 20 motorcycle officers from the Arlington and Dallas police departments and the recognition of members of local law-enforcement agencies.
The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by El Centro College Police Officer John Abbott, who was injured in the line of duty during the shootings. After Sergeant Ray Polk of the Arlington Police Department sings the national anthem, there will also be a moment of silence to recognize law-enforcement members around the country who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
"I think it's important for not only us, but as a community, to be able to recognize the law enforcement," manager Jeff Banister said. "They put their lives on the line every single day for us. If we can take the opportunity to recognize them, it's a special day all around."
"I have a few friends that are in the police force, so it's definitely going to be special to see them go out there and get their day," Derek Holland said. "They're always watching over us at the ballpark. That's going to be huge, to be able to see them out there."
Active law-enforcement officers with a valid ID can receive two free upper-reserve tickets to Saturday's game and discounts on up to two more upper-reserve tickets.
"For us to be able to recognize these men and women who put their lives on the line, it's a big deal to us," Tony Barnette said. "It's a big deal for us to put them in the spotlight for a moment and focus on all the good they do for the community."