When I was growing up in Texas in the 70's, my dad and my brother would always join me in making fun of the Texas Ranger player's woeful play in All-Star games. No matter who was sent to represent them, the player would invariably strike out, ruin a rally, or if he was a pitcher, give up the winning run. It happened year after year.

So imagine my surprise 3 years ago when Hank Blalock, the Ranger third-baseman, hit a game-winning homerun to beat the National League 7-6. That was followed by the next year, when Ranger Second-baseman, Alfonso Soriano was named Most Valuable Player for the game.

Then last night's 77th All-Star Classic in Pittsburgh gave another Ranger a chance to excel in front of a national audience. Michael Young's 2-run triple, coming with the AL down to their last strike, knocked in the tying and winning runs in the top half of the ninth inning to give the AL a 3-2 win. Following the game, Young was then named the game's MVP.

Since Texas has never been to a World Series (they have only won one playoff game in 10 tries), I get my satisfaction whereever I can find it.

One ironic twist. The Rangers have never really been known for their infielders over the years, yet the three Texas All-Star MVP's have one thing in common. Julio Franco (1991) and Soriano (2003) are second basemen, and Young, while he is now the Ranger's starting shortstop, played 2nd base last night and actually was the team's second baseman until Alex Rodriguez stabbed the Rangers in thge back in 2004.

Congratulations to Michael Young and to Gary Matthews, Jr. on representing us so well.