ARLINGTON – Fans of the Texas Rangers have given a special name to the excitement surrounding Jacob deGrom’s starts—whether it’s “DeGrom Day” or “deGrom deLirium,” the anticipation is palpable. On Tuesday night, at Globe Life Field, the energy was evident as fans turned out early, with many arriving to claim exclusive deGrom replica jerseys. The attendance for the game against the Baltimore Orioles reached 30,933, showcasing the draw of deGrom, whose starts this season average nearly 1,900 more fans than others.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy praised deGrom, describing him as a unique talent that instills confidence in the team and excites the crowd. Though he didn’t flirt with a no-hitter this time, deGrom showcased his usual prowess, pitching six innings, allowing just two runs, striking out six batters, and maintaining a remarkable record. This performance marked the 14th consecutive time he has pitched at least five innings while allowing two or fewer runs, edging closer to matching Felix Hernandez’s longest streak this century.
Currently, deGrom boasts a 5-0 record and a 1.65 ERA over his last five starts, making him a critical asset for the Rangers as they navigate the remainder of the season. Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young underscored his commitment to keeping deGrom in the fold, stating he has no interest in trading the ace, who is also supported by gritty pitcher Nathan Eovaldi.
The evening was made even more special by the presence of Rudy Terrasas, the scouting director who selected deGrom in the 2010 draft, alongside his grandson. Terrasas celebrated the moment, reminiscing about his decision to elevate deGrom from a shortstop to a pitcher, which has since proven to be a significant career move.
Even Hall of Famer Jim Palmer, known for his critical eye as a former Cy Young winner, conveys admiration for deGrom’s capabilities, stressing the combination of talent, discipline, and intelligence that sets him apart from others in the sport.
As deGrom exited after the sixth inning, he acknowledged the palpable energy among the fans. His catcher, Jonah Heim, expressed that having “the best pitcher on the planet” on the mound naturally draws a crowd and elevates the game day experience.
The Rangers’ journey to find their ace has led them to deGrom, bringing a long-awaited excitement to the franchise and providing fans with captivating baseball to watch. The anticipation surrounding each of his starts continues to grow, offering hope for a thrilling season ahead.