When Southlake resident Michael Carter got the call asking if he’d like to throw the first pitch at the World Series Champion Texas Rangers opening baseball game for the 2024 season, it was an overwhelming and emotional surprise.
For kids like Mike, growing up in the 1950s, baseball was THE major sport.
“Every little boy loved baseball,” Mike says. “Baseball is emotion. I feel a big connection to the game. There’s just something about being out there and being a part of it all.”
Mike started attending Rangers games around 1973. It was exciting, he says, when Billy Martin was hired as manager shortly thereafter. Mike had watched Billy play for the New York Yankees when they vied for the World Series in the 1950s. He liked Billy’s feisty attitude and wanted to see him in action as Rangers manager.
Mike’s season ticket account goes back to 1979, and his favorite memory in the original Arlington Stadium was his birds-eye view of baseball legend Nolan Ryan pitching his 7th no-hitter. Mike’s seats moved to The Ballpark in Arlington in 1994 where more memories were made.
Over the years, all three of Mike’s children have attended games with him. His wife Lynette has gone as well, and nearly all 10 grandchildren have been to games.
“I have just one rule – I don’t take them to a game until they’re potty trained,” he laughs.
Mike’s been a Southlake resident for 24 years. He remembers his home being built in 1999, as the original section of Southlake Town Square was constructed. Back then, Mike says, it took only 10 minutes and four traffic lights down Southlake Blvd. from Highway 114 to get to his garage off South Peytonville Ave.
“It’s been amazing to witness Southlake’s growth over the years,” he says.
As a season ticket holder, Mike has a lot of interaction with his account manager and Rangers sales executives. The Rangers wanted a special 2024 opening day with a long-time season ticket holder throwing the first pitch, and Mike was their first choice.
“It was an incredible honor. I couldn’t believe what they were asking, and when I hung up the phone to tell my wife, I had tears in my eyes,” Mike says. “It’s still such an emotional feeling for me.”
“Previous opening days have featured first pitches by well-known figures like former President George W. Bush and former Arlington mayor Tom Vandergriff, who helped bring the Rangers to Texas. But I’m just a regular guy who had a chance at a storybook experience,” Mike says.
“I will forever be grateful to the Texas Rangers organization for asking me to do this.”
Pitching to Texas Rangers Hall of Famer “Pudge” Rodriguez was a great feeling, Mike says.
“Pudge made me feel so comfortable. When I went to shake hands with him afterward, he gave me a big bear hug instead.”
Mike wasn’t sure if he’d get to keep the ball, but Pudge signed it and presented it to him as they were walking back toward the stands.
“Fans all along the way were cheering and clapping, fist bumping me, and wanting to take pictures. Even now, people still come up to me and say, ‘Aren’t you the person who threw out the first pitch?’” Mike says.