Former Texas Ranger baseball player Dave Hostetler signs a ball cap for a Veteran at Dallas VA Medical Center.
Three former Texas Rangers players visited with patients at the Dallas VA Medical Center on Thursday, the day after Veterans Day. Ex-major leaguers Dave Hostetler, Jerry Browne and Ellis Valentine shared some baseball stories with the patients, handed out Texas Rangers baseball hats, signed autographs and posed for pictures.
Browne, who played for the Rangers from 1986 – 1988, was moved by the visit saying, “This was great. I want to come back and visit with them again.” Valentine, who hit 123 career homeruns, share his story of having to face Nolan Ryan. He ended up hitting a homerun off the hall-of-famer.
Hostetler, a Ranger from 1982 – 1984 talked about the Rangers 2015 season and hopes for the coming season.
As the patients put on their autographed Texas Rangers hats they appeared appreciative and excited at having these special guests visit them.
“This has certainly made my day,” said a female U.S. Navy Veteran. “Amen,” another said in agreement.
About the author: Ozzie Garza is director of the VA Office of Public Affairs regional office in Dallas, Texas.
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