-
Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos won the musical bean bag game during Friday’s pep rally at Ira ISD. Also pictured is cheerleader Emily McCowen, who participated in the game. -
The Texas Rangers Foundation presented a $3,000 grant to Ira ISD’s baseball program Friday afternoon. Pictured are (l-r) Ira Superintendent Jay Waller, Andrew Faulkner, Jared Sandler, Ira baseball coach Toby Goodwin, Robinson Chirinos and Texas Rangers Foundation Executive Director Karin Morris. -
Texas Rangers Andrew Faulkner (left) and Robinson Chirinos joined members of the Ira High School baseball and softball teams to greet elementary students following Friday’s pep rally. The Rangers Foundation presented a $3,000 check to the baseball program during the pep rally.
Robinson Chirinos and Andrew Faulkner had no idea they would be part of the Ira ISD pep rally Friday afternoon. They only knew they would be there to present a Rangers Foundation grant.
The two Texas Rangers were part of the $3,000 grant presentation to the Ira High School baseball program. But what happened after the check presentation had both Major Leaguers smiling.
Chirinos and Faulkner joined members of the student body playing musical bean bags. They joined Texas Rangers radio show host Jared Sandler in leading the student body in a cheer and along with high school athletes, greeted elementary students after the pep rally, a tradition at the school.
“We felt super welcomed,” said Faulkner, who is a relief pitcher. “We got involved a little more than some places and it was lot of fun. We felt comfortable.”
Chirinos, who is a catcher, won the musical bean bag game, said he was glad to see all the students enjoy the pep rally.
“This was fun for me,” he said. “It is good to see the excitement in the people’s face. We were really welcomed here.”
Faulkner said Ira reminded him a little of his hometown of Aiken, S.C. and was happy the Rangers Foundation awarded a grant to Ira. Chirinos said the foundation’s mission is to help communities like Ira.
“It is good to see the Rangers Foundation come to small towns and get the community excited about baseball,” he said.
Faulkner said the players are not required to participate in the winter tours.
“They come out to do this because they want to do it,” he said.
Faulkner said he also felt welcomed at Ira and was surprised by the player’s participation in pep rally activities.
“This was a nice change of pace for us,” he said.
Superintendent Jay Waller and head baseball coach Toby Goodwin accepted the $3,000 check. Waller said the money will be used by the baseball program for instructional equipment and maintenance at the baseball field.
“It is nice to have them here and great to see them help schools of all sizes,” said Ira ISD Principal Dale Jones. “I am glad they let all of our students share in this experience.”
Following the pep rally, the players talked to the high school student body about life as a professional baseball player.
Chirinos spent his offseason in his home country of Venezuela while Faulkner did some hunting in his home state of South Carolina.
One student asked how players do not get burned out playing 162 games in a span of 183 days.
Faulkner said when a player gets into a routine, it helps, but he would “rather do this (play baseball) than work a 9-to-5 job.”
Chirinos said players have heart and a passion for the game that drives them each day.
The students also wanted to know which team the players get “pumped up” to play. Faulkner said teams in the Rangers’ division while Chirinos said there was no specific team, although he does get excited when he sees the Houston Astros on the schedule.
From Ira, the caravan made a stop in Abilene Friday night and today.