Explain Rangers Astros in 500 words
The Rangers-Astros rivalry is one of the most intense and heated rivalries in Major League Baseball. These two teams, both based in the state of Texas, have a long history of fierce competition and memorable moments on the field. The rivalry between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros can be traced back to the early 1960s when both teams were established.
The Houston Astros were founded in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s and later changed their name to the Astros in The Texas Rangers, on the other hand, were established in 1961 as the Washington Senators and moved to Arlington, Texas, in 1972 to become the Texas Rangers. This geographical proximity between the two teams has contributed to the intensity of their rivalry.
The rivalry between the Rangers and Astros really started to heat up in the 1990s when both teams were part of the same division, the American League West. This meant that they faced each other numerous times throughout the season, leading to intense battles for divisional supremacy. The rivalry reached its peak in 2005 when both teams were fighting for the division title until the very last game of the season. The Astros eventually clinched the division, but the Rangers were right on their heels.
One of the most memorable moments in the Rangers-Astros rivalry came in 2015 when the two teams faced off in the American League Division Series (ALDS). This was the first time that the two teams had met in the playoffs, adding an extra layer of intensity to the rivalry. The series went to a decisive Game 5, which the Rangers won in dramatic fashion, advancing to the next round of the playoffs. This victory was particularly sweet for the Rangers as they had lost to the Astros in the AL West division race just a few weeks earlier.
Off the field, the rivalry between the Rangers and Astros extends to the fan bases as well. The fans of both teams are known for their passionate support and their willingness to go to great lengths to show their loyalty. This often leads to heated exchanges and intense rivalries in the stands, adding to the overall atmosphere of the games.
In recent years, the rivalry has taken a new turn with the Astros' success. The Astros won the World Series in 2017, further fueling the rivalry between the two teams. The Rangers have been striving to catch up and regain their position as the dominant team in Texas.
In conclusion, the Rangers-Astros rivalry is a storied and intense one, rooted in the geographical proximity of the two teams and their shared history. From their early days as expansion teams to their battles for division titles and playoff success, the Rangers and Astros have provided fans with countless memorable moments. The rivalry extends beyond the field, with passionate fan bases adding to the intensity. As both teams continue to compete and strive for success, the Rangers-Astros rivalry shows no signs of cooling down.