ARLINGTON -- Former Rangers outfielder David Murphy had the best observation about Globe Life Park going into the final weekend.
"For a ballpark that is closing, it has to be in the best condition of any ballpark that ever closed its doors," Murphy said.
The Rangers will symbolically close the doors on the 26-year-old ballpark on Sunday afternoon, when they host the Yankees in the final game of the regular season. Next year, the Rangers will move into Globe Life Field, the $1.2 billion park with a retractable roof, climate-controlled air conditioning and many other state-of-the-art amenities.
"It's going to be an emotional day on Sunday right after the game when all the ceremonies are going to be happening," said Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez. "Great memories. It's hard to believe this place is 25 years old and looks the way it is. It looks like a brand-new ballpark. The next ballpark is going to be great for the players with the roof. But all the years I played here, coming here as a visitor ... this was the best ballpark I played in to play baseball."
The facility that opened in 1994 as the Ballpark in Arlington will get a proper sendoff. Sunday's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" will be performed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. That renowned ensemble joined late pianist Van Cliburn to perform the national anthem on Opening Day in 1994.
After the game, the returning members of the Globe Life Park All-Time Team will be introduced on the field at their respective positions. Then there will be a special ceremonial final pitch thrown, and home plate will be dug up to take over to the new ballpark for a ceremonial installation.
"For me it's going to be bittersweet because I grew up in that ballpark," outfielder Rusty Greer said. "Lot of great memories, a lot of good teams, a lot of good friends. It's in great shape. I understand the need for a new ballpark but for me, in my mind, that's the Ballpark in Arlington."
Home plate will be moved in a parade that includes the All-Time Team, Rangers owners and front office officials, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams and former Mayor Richard Greene and a number of musical groups, including the Southlake Carroll High School Marching Band.
Dick Hill, a motor officer with the Arlington Police Department, will lead the parade. He was part of the motor escort that delivered home plate from Arlington Stadium to the Ballpark in Arlington at the end of the 1993 season.
The All-Time Team includes Rodriguez and Robinson Chirinos at catcher, Will Clark and Mark Teixeira at first base, Michael Young and Ian Kinsler at second base, Adrián Beltré and Hank Blalock at third base, and Elvis Andrus and Alex Rodriguez at shortstop.
The outfielders are Josh Hamilton, Juan Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, Shin-Soo Choo, Greer and Murphy with Rafael Palmeiro and Vladimir Guerrero at designated hitter. The pitchers are Colby Lewis, Yu Darvish, Neftalí Feliz, Derek Holland and Kenny Rogers. Mike Napoli was a special Fan's Choice.
"Greatest individual accomplishment of my career to be mentioned with these guys," Murphy said. "Never played in an All-Star Game, obviously got to play in two World Series -- they were awesome -- hit .300 one year. To be a part of the All-Time Team in this ballpark amongst these names, it blows my mind."
Rangers beat
• Right-hander Luke Farrell started for the Rangers on Saturday night. He is the 19th starter used by the Rangers this season, the most in club history. Ten of those pitchers made four or fewer starts. Only the Blue Jays had as many starters make four or fewer starts.
• Pitching coach Julio Rangel turned 44 on Saturday.
• The Rangers' average time of game at home in September has been three hours, 33 minutes.