The Texas Rangers finished the MLB regular season tied with the Astros for first place in the American League West, but ended up with a wildcard spot as Houston held the tiebreaker to win the division. However, for the Rangers, that minor unfortunate mathematical circumstance made no difference whatsoever.
Why? The music of Creed is certainly one reason why.
Because the Rangers quickly went on to steamroll a very good 99-win Rays team with a swift, two-game sweep in Tampa by a combined score of 11-1. According to Rangers announcer Jared Sandler, starting pitcher Andrew Heaney claims the fiery sounds of Scott Stapp and Co. played a crucial role in the team dialing it up and taking things higher.
Apparently, the inspiring sounds of Creed go all the way back to when the team was experiencing some second half season struggles.
Andrew Heaney just shared that as the team was going through the rollercoaster of the second half, they started having fun and playing Creed before games. He said that if Creed was played at GLF on Tuesday or Wednesday and fans started belting out the song, it would fire them up! pic.twitter.com/peVBg1v2Vd
— Jared Sandler (@JaredSandler) October 8, 2023
Because of that fact, it should come as no surprise that the Rangers have continued to blare Creed here, there, just about everywhere. And why wouldn't they? At it stands now, Texas holds a comfortable 2-0 ALDS series lead over the Baltimore Orioles, a supremely talented team that took the crown in the loaded AL East with 101 wins.
Evan Carter also shared that in addition to playing Creed in the clubhouse, Creed has been played on buses and that players have handshakes tied to Creed songs #GoAndTakeIt
— Jared Sandler (@JaredSandler) October 9, 2023
Player handshakes tied to Creed songs? What year is it? Honestly, it doesn't even matter. Whatever it takes. Or as outfielder Evan Carter and Creed's Scott Stapp might tell you, "Go And Take It."
Possibly of even more significance, when you factor in all the damage done by the Rangers took place on the road at Camden Yards, it sets the stage nicely for what should be a thunderous atmosphere at Globe Life Field come Game 3. And if the aforementioned Heaney has anything to say about it, Creed will be providing the lightning by way of the PA system.
It's all beginning to feel like this "Rangers-Creed" momentum is snowballing quickly — in the greatest of ways — with each passing minute. Yes, even 68-year-old manager Bruce Bochy is "familiarizing himself with their catalogue."
Bruce Bochy smiled when asked about the team's love of Creed. Said that he is aware the team is listening to a lot of Creed. He dooesn't have a favorite Creed song but is familiarizing himself with their catalogue. #GoAndTakeIt
— Jared Sandler (@JaredSandler) October 9, 2023
All of this madness of course begs the question, would Creed consider making an appearance after learning of this newfound, widespread love? One would hope, although lead singer Scott Stapp would just need to forgo his passionate love of the Miami Marlins first.
In case you've never been fortunate enough to hear the banger that is "Marlins Song," we've got you covered.
Lets #TBT to that time Scott Stapp from Creed recorded a banger of a theme song for the Marlins back in 2010. pic.twitter.com/8KqTPT5xwI
— Cut4 (@Cut4) June 6, 2019
Since the Phillies already bounced the Marlins in the wildcard round, there's really no reason why Creed can't come out to the ballpark in Arlington for Game 3 and deliver the goods with arms wide open.
