ACU president throws out first pitch as alumnus sings national anthem at Texas Rangers game

Abilene Christian University President Phil Schubert throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Texas Rangers’ game June 12 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Country music recording artist Aaron Watson, an ACU graduate, also performed the national anthem on a night when more than 850 ACU alumni and friends gathered for an annual alumni get-together at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. (Photo by Jeremy Enlow, Abilene Christian University)

According to a new column by Fox Sports’ Jon Paul Morosi, the Texas Rangers have become the most popular team in the American League.
I, of course, declared my love for the Rangers long before they started competing for World Series titles. (And I may have mentioned baseball another time or two in The Christian Chronicle.)
Speaking of the Rangers, I now have a reason to be jealous of Abilene Christian University President Phil Schubert.
With about 40,000 fans watching, Schubert threw out the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday night as Texas hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Over at the ACU Today blog, Ron Hadfield reports:

More than 850 Abilene Christian University alumni and other friends sitting in the All You Can Eat Porch at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington last night had more than a passing interest in the two teams playing at 7:05 p.m. They also were there for the fellowship and to see two Wildcats – ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91) and country recording artist  Aaron Watson (’00)  – perform beforehand.
Schubert threw out the ceremonial first pitch and Watson performed the national anthem before a crowd of 39,140 who saw the 2011 American League champion Texas Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 9-1, in interleague play.
Many thanks to photographer Jeremy Enlow, who documented the action.

See more of Enlow’s photos from the game.
 

• Feedback
  Great form, Dr. Phil! Wish I could have been there to enjoy the game and the ACU fellowship.

  Dee Carter ’64

  July, 2 2012

  Very cool! I’m a Washington, DC native and have been a Rangers fan for 40 years now. Why? Glad you asked! Dad took me to Washington Senators games when I was a little kid (now I’m a big kid). When they moved to Arlington, TX after the 1971 season, I cried…and stuck with them as they were still “my team”. I’ve waited almost 40 years to experience the success they’ve had recently (thanks Nolan!)
  I’m sure I’m the only Texas Ranger fan at my local congregation in Maryland…although I think I’m having a profound impact on our minister’s loyalties. 🙂
  Great to see a church university receive exposure on such a grand stage.

  Tom Liebrand

  July, 2 2012