You Don't Need a Decoder Ring (But Maybe Some Sunscreen): How to Watch the Texas Rangers in 2024
Ah, baseball season. The crack of the bat, the smell of hot dogs (questionable origin optional), and the existential dread of watching your team blow a seemingly comfortable lead in the bottom of the ninth. But hey, at least you can watch it, right? That's where things can get a little...tricky. Fear not, fellow Rangers fans, for I am here to be your guide through the glorious, confusing, and occasionally frustrating world of Texas Rangers broadcasts in 2024.
The Usual Suspect: Bally Sports Southwest Rides Again (For Now)
Remember Bally Sports Southwest? Yeah, those guys. Despite facing financial woes that would make Mr. Krabs sweat, Ballys will be your home for most Rangers games this season. Mark your calendars (or set a reminder on your phone, because let's be honest, calendars are so 2023), because they'll be broadcasting a whopping 153 regular-season games, plus a bonus round of four spring training matchups.
But Wait, There's More! (Because There Always Is)
Not all Rangers games will be on Ballys, you say? You, my friend, are a keen observer of the baseball broadcasting landscape. Here's the deal: there will be nine other games sprinkled throughout the season that won't be on Ballys. These bad boys will be gracing the national stage on networks like ESPN, FOX, or maybe even that new channel your grandma keeps talking about that shows nothing but competitive pie-eating contests.
So, How Do I Know Where to Look?
Here's the not-so-secret secret: check the schedule! The fine folks at the Rangers organization put out a handy dandy schedule that tells you exactly which channel each game will be on. You can find it on the Rangers website, or on [insert your favorite sports app here]. Just a heads up, there might be some regional blackouts, so be sure to consult MLB's blackout tool to avoid a night of staring at a blank screen while your significant other wonders why you keep yelling nonsensical things about Joey Gallo.
Bonus Tip: Embrace the Streaming Life (If You Can Afford It)
Let's face it, cable packages are about as user-friendly as a porcupine convention. If you're looking to ditch cable and dive headfirst into the world of streaming, there are a few options to catch Rangers games. Just be prepared to spend a little extra dough. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV all offer Bally Sports Southwest, but be sure to check their channel lineups before you commit.
The Enduring Mystery: Will Ballys Survive the Season?
This, my friends, is the question that keeps baseball analysts and accountants up at night. Ballys is currently in bankruptcy court, so there's a chance they might disappear into the ether like a particularly bad swing. But hey, that's just the risk you take in the wild world of sports broadcasting. Just remember, even if Ballys throws in the towel, the Rangers will find a way to get their games on TV. Worst case scenario, we all gather around a giant transistor radio and pretend it's 1954.
So there you have it, folks! Your guide to navigating the sometimes confusing, sometimes hilarious world of watching Texas Rangers baseball in 2024. Now go forth, grab a cold one (or a juice box, no judgment here), and cheer on your favorite team. Just try not to get too frustrated if they blow a lead in the ninth. It's practically a Texas Rangers tradition at this point.
