For over 50 years, the Texas Rangers have been part of the history of baseball in the Lone Star state. Rangers fans have seen their share of legends, heroes, and iconic moments that have captured their hearts.
In this exploration of the Texas Rangers’ top 10 players and their baseball cards, we embark on a journey through time, honoring the extraordinary athletes who’ve donned the iconic ‘T’ for Texas and left an indelible mark on the world of baseball. From Hall of Fame inductees to record-setters, each card serves as a collector’s treasure and a testament to the enduring legacy of these baseball greats.
We’ll focus on players who were great while wearing the Texas Rangers uniform. Sure, Nolan Ryan is, well, Nolan Ryan, but he only played in Texas for four years at the end of his career. Hitters with big numbers, like Alex Rodriguez, also didn’t stick around long enough to be considered true Rangers. If you’re picturing them in a different cap, they’re not on this list.
With that in mind, who did make the cut? Here are the top 10 Texas Rangers of all-time, and their best Rangers baseball card.
10. Juan Gonzalez
Juan Gonzalez had a prolific baseball career that spanned from 1989 to 2005. He was known for his ability to drive in runs and was a key figure in the powerful Texas Rangers lineup during the 1990s, leading the league in slugging %, RBIs and HR in multiple seasons.
Gonzalez won the MVP award twice, in 1996 and 1998, despite not even making the All-Star team in 1996. He’s the Rangers career leader in HR with 372. Juan Gonzalez’s career showcased his exceptional power at the plate and his impact as a run producer in the world of baseball. Controversy overshadows his achievements somewhat – He was embroiled in steroid allegations from Jose Canseco, and he has severed official ties with the Rangers organization (such as declining to be inducted into their Hall of Fame).
Best Rangers card: 1990 Bowman Tiffany #492 (RC) is one of several rookie cards from 1990, but the exclusivity of the Tiffany set, plus the superior photography, makes this Gonzalez’s best rookie card. You can get a PSA 9 or PSA 10 for around $50-$100.
9. Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers was a 39th round pick in the 1982 MLB draft, so his 20 year career was remarkable. Rogers won 219 games (but never won 20 in a season) with nearly 2,000 strikeouts. He pitched for some underachieving Rangers teams in the early 1990s, left in free agency, rejoined the team in 2000, left again, and came back for the final time in 2004. (This is a common theme with the Rangers.)
He was known for his craftiness as a pitcher, with his pinpoint control and ability to keep hitters off balance. One of the most memorable moments of his career came in 1994 when he pitched a perfect game for the Rangers.
Best Rangers card: 1994 Topps Finest #94 refractor comes from baseball’s first ever refractor set and that aligns nicely with one of Rogers’s biggest achievements – His perfect game. The card sells for around $5.
8. Michael Young
When you think of the Rangers in the 2000s, you probably think of Michael Young. A fan favorite and a team leader, Young was not always the best player on the team, but he was the most consistent and steady presence they had.
Young led the league in batting average in 2005 and hits in 2011. He made seven All-Star teams, including six straight from 2004-2009, and he won a Gold Glove in 2008. Young moved around the diamond and primarily played 2B and SS in his Rangers career, moving to 3B and 1B in his 30s. Young played in 1,832 games – more than any other Rangers player. He’s the Rangers career leader in hits, singles, doubles, triples and total bases.
His leadership qualities and offensive prowess played a pivotal role in the Rangers’ resurgence during the late 2000s, helping the team reach two consecutive World Series in 2010 and 2011. Michael Young’s impact on the Texas Rangers and his status as a franchise icon are a testament to his consistency and commitment to the game.
Best Rangers card: 2008 Upper Deck X #96 comes from Young’s best year, since his rookie card shows him in a Blue Jays uniform. This card is a classic 2000 design – trying to be futuristic and experimenting with technologies – but the colors pop beautifully and make it a perfect Rangers display piece for only $2-$3.
7. Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler had a successful MLB career that spanned from 2006 to 2019. Known for his versatility and solid all-around play, Kinsler was a four-time All-Star (three with the Rangers). Over his career, he amassed 1,999 hits, 257 home runs, 909 RBIs, and 243 stolen bases.
Kinsler was known for his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, often as a leadoff hitter and playing almost exclusively at 2B. Kinsler’s career is characterized by his consistency and reliability, making him a respected figure in the world of baseball. Kinsler played a pivotal role in the Rangers’ success during the late 2000s, helping the team reach the World Series in 2010 and 2011. His consistent performance, defensive abilities, and offensive contributions made him a respected and valuable player for the Texas Rangers.
Best Rangers card: 2005 Topps #302 (RC) is Kinsler’s rookie card and, as with Young’s card, the design and color scheme are ideal for a featured Rangers card. Kinsler rookies from other sets just don’t have it. The card costs around $100 for a high grade version, or around $15-$20 ungraded.
6. Buddy Bell
Buddy Bell had a noteworthy tenure with the Texas Rangers both as a player and manager. As a player, he spent the majority of his career with the Rangers from 1979 to 1985.
During his time as a third baseman, Bell was a five-time Gold Glove Award winner and a four-time All-Star. He was known for his exceptional fielding skills and consistency at the hot corner. Offensively, he accumulated 1,308 hits and 201 home runs as a Ranger.
Bell was known for his steady presence in the lineup and his leadership in the clubhouse, making him an influential figure in the Texas Rangers organization and a respected player in the league. After his playing career, Bell managed the Tigers, Rockies and Royals for nine years.
Best Rangers card: 1984 Topps #665 shows arguably Bell’s best year, and his last in Rangers’ uniform. This one wins over the 1984 Donruss because it depicts Bell doing what he does best – Playing 3B. You can get this card for about $1.
5. Charlie Hough
Hough was a knuckleball pitcher known for his unique style and durability on the mound. He spent 11 of his amazing 25 seasons with the Texas Rangers from 1980 to 1990, becoming one of the franchise’s most iconic pitchers. Over his career, Hough accumulated 216 wins and 216 complete games, demonstrating his ability to eat up innings and provide stability to the Rangers’ pitching staff.
Hough’s achievements with the Rangers included two All-Star selections, one Gold Glove Award, and a career-high 18-win season in 1982. He is best known for popularizing the knuckleball pitch and for his longevity in the game, pitching until the age of 46. Hough’s influence extended beyond his on-field performance, as he became a mentor to many young pitchers and helped them master the art of the knuckleball. His contributions to the Texas Rangers and the game of baseball, in general, have left a lasting legacy.
Best Rangers card: 1982 Topps #718 is the top choice because it depicts Hough showing off his knuckleball grip while wearing the Rangers’ powder blue 80s uniforms. These cards don’t get graded often, but even a top grade card will cost less than $100.
4. Jim Sundberg
Sundberg was renowned for his exceptional defensive skills behind the plate. He spent a significant part of his career with the Rangers, playing in Texas from 1974 to 1983 and then again in 1988. Sundberg’s achievements included six Gold Glove Awards and three All-Star selections, highlighting his prowess as one of the top defensive catchers of his era.
Sundberg was a key part of the Rangers’ club during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was known for his leadership on the field and was a respected figure both in the Rangers’ clubhouse and across the league. His impact on the Texas Rangers franchise, particularly in terms of his defensive prowess, endures as a significant part of the team’s history. He was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame with the inaugural class of 2003.
Best Rangers card: 1975 Topps #567 (RC) is Sundberg’s most popular card, but an ungraded version will typically cost $1-$2. Cards in the PSA 8 range cost around $25-$50.
3. Adrian Beltre
Adrian Beltre, known as “El Koja” (a Spanish form of “Kojak”) was primarily a third baseman known for his outstanding defensive skills and consistent offensive production. He played for the Rangers from 2011 to 2018, longer than his time with any other team. He finished his career with Texas in 2018 in his age 39 season.
While with the Rangers, Beltre was a four-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove Award winner. He had several standout seasons, including a remarkable 2011 campaign in which he led the league with 48 home runs and 121 RBIs. He helped lead the Rangers to two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
Beltre was known for his fiery competitiveness, exceptional fielding at the hot corner, and his ability to deliver clutch hits. Fans also remember him fondly because he has a phobia of having his head touched, which became a long-running joke with his teammates.
Best Rangers card: 2017 Topps Now #419C celebrates Beltre’s 3,000th hit and an autographed card. Cards are serial numbered with different levels of rarity and cost several hundred dollars, on average.
2. Rafael Palmeiro
Rafael Palmeiro had a distinguished career in Major League Baseball, and his time with the Texas Rangers was a significant part of his journey. Palmeiro was known for his smooth and powerful left-handed swing, which earned him a reputation as one of the most dependable run-producers in the league.
Palmeiro played for the Rangers from 1989 to 1993 and then returned to the team for another stint from 1999 to 2003. Over his career, Palmeiro was one of the most prolific hitters of his era. All-time, he ranks 13th in HR with 569, 17th in RBI, 18th in runs created and 30th in hits. He was also a four-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove Award winner while with the Rangers. However, like Juan Gonzalez and other sluggers of the 90s, Palmeiro’s legacy was overshadowed when he tested positive for a banned substance towards the end of his career. He received low support for Hall of Fame induction and was quickly dropped from the ballot.
Best Rangers card: 1999 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection Row 2 serial numbered is a good choice for those seeking cards on the cusp of 2000s design patterns. 1999 was also the year Palmeiro rejoined the Rangers, and was arguably his best season. This card is only $1-$2 in an ungraded condition.
1. Ivan Rodriguez
Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez is one of the best catchers in Major League history. He played a remarkable 21 years, almost exclusively at catcher, including 12 years with the Rangers. His accolades are incredible: 14 All-Star teams, 13 Gold Gloves, seven Silver Slugger awards and MVP in 1999.
From 1992-2001, while in his 20s, Rodriguez was the best catcher in the league. He was known for his ability to control the game defensively, frequently throwing out would-be base stealers with his exceptional arm strength and agility. Runners feared his defense and arm, and pitchers feared his consistent swing and OBP.
Rodriguez was also known for his infectious enthusiasm and humor in the clubhouse, and he often played practical jokes by hiding teammates’ equipment. These techniques made him stand out as a leader who could keep his teammates relaxed and loose during a long season. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.
Best Rangers card: 1991 Topps Traded #101T (RC) is Rodriguez’s most well-regarded rookie card, mostly because this 40th Anniversary Topps set was so popular. There is a Tiffany version available around $500 if you like some rarity; otherwise, you can buy this card for approximately $150 for a PSA 10 and $25-$35 ungraded.
