President Randy Hendricks called the meeting to order at 12:05 pm. Jim Quick led the Prayer & Pledge. Everyone sang a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America”. Visiting guests and Rotarians were introduced by Ryan Elliott.
Randy reminded us to report volunteer hours and to sign up for meeting duties including Greeter and Prayer & Pledge. Additionally, Randy encouraged us to use social media and post on our club’s activities. And a reminder: Future meetings while FIFA is in town will not be held at our normal location.
We heard the following announcements:
- AISD is conducting a vote for a bond package. The election is on May 2,2026.
- Dancing with the Arlington Stars! (DWAS) is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This year’s stars are Bane Perez, Brittney Garcia-Dumas, Cameron Haddad, Holly Potter-Harvey, Kristy Kundysek, Larry Mike and Sarah McMurrough, Lauren Kerschen, Moody Alexander, Paige Payne Neal and Raul Gonzalez. For more information, visit www.arlingtondwts.com or contact Kyle Lawson or Chad Bates. DWAS is seeking sponsors and items to be included in the silent auction.
Tommy Thompson introduced our newest Blue Badge recipients, Leonard & Barbara Oldums. Their sponsor is Eunice Curry.
Don Mebus led us in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” This song was written in 1908 by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer. This song serves as the unofficial anthem of American baseball.
Sally Hopper announced birthdays and anniversaries. Celebrating anniversaries are Esteban Blanco, Jock Bethune, Vince Hrabal and Robert Blake. Celebrating birthdays are Jeff Jenkins, Randy Hendricks and Valerie Landry.
Stacy Bridger announced the program: Chuck Morgan, the voice of the Texas Rangers. Chuck is the Executive Vice-President, Ballpark Entertainment, Promotions and Production for the Rangers. He is one of the most recognizable public address voices in baseball. Chuck is in his 48th year in professional baseball.
Chuck serves as the club’s public address announcer and oversees all scoreboard and video production for Ranger home games. Additionally, Chuck is responsible for the Rangers’ promotional schedule each year. Chuck has been with the Rangers for 43 of the last 44 seasons since 1983.
Chuck has announced the starting lineups for 3,406 consecutive Major League Baseball games. He has not missed a home game in Texas or Kansas City since he started 43 years ago. The microphone he used to announce his 3000th consecutive game in September of 2020 and for the 2020 World Series was added to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection in Cooperstown, New York.
Chuck grew up in rural Southern Illinois. He would listen to radio to the voice of the Saint Louis Cardinals, Harry Caray. Mr. Caray was known for his enthusiastic and eccentric play-by-play coverage of Major League Baseball. Mr. Caray was an inspiration for a young kid from rural Illinois.
Chuck was an announcer for the Grand Ole Opry, hosted several nationally syndicated radio and television shows, and made several “cornfield” appearances on Hee Haw. Stars and young artists enjoyed his relaxed, informal atmosphere on his late-night radio show on radio station WSM. He interviewed the biggest names in country music, hosting jam sessions and live performances by the likes of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Barbara Mandrell, Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette, Marty Robbins and many others.
With the Rangers, Chuck created the Texas Rangers Baseball Hall of Fame, the Texas Rangers’ mascot and the “Dot Race” at Rangers home games. Chuck is also responsible for the batters’ walk-up music. Former Ranger Prince Fielder chose an air raid siren as his walk-up music. Used to warn about a possible tornado nearby, this distressed the fans. Chuck once asked Prince why he chose this sound. Prince wanted the fans to know that “something bad [was] about to happen”.
On one occasion, Chuck got the Army Golden Knights to parachute into the ballpark before the start of a game. Four of the parachutists made a perfect landing. However, one got hung-up on a flagpole, swinging for three innings until the Arlington Fire Department freed him.
A book was donated to Webb Elementary to honor Chuck Morgan.
Tom Ware provided the last laugh.
The quote for the week: “The players make the manager; it’s never the other way.”—Sparky Anderson
Randy thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. He then led us in the Four Way Test, and we were adjourned.
