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Olivers help Rangers brighten families’ holidays
- Updated: December 23, 2016
ARLINGTON — Darren Oliver eagerly awaited the same Christmas present year after year growing up in Sacramento, either for him or his brother, Tony.
“When I grew up, we were always fortunate having presents under the tree,” Oliver said. “We weren’t rich or poor; I just remember always having a Nerf football in my stocking. It was either mine or my brother’s. That was our excitement. We got it, went outside and played catch …throwing that ball as far as we could. We still rap about it.”
Maybe that’s why Oliver developed the arm strength to become a Major League pitcher who enjoyed a 20-year career.
It also helps explains why Oliver and his wife, Melissa, hold their Christmas party at Globe Life Park in partnership with Arlington Urban Ministries. The annual event took place last week as parents and children in the Securing Arlington Families on the Edge program filled the Kids Zone at Globe Life Park for dinner, games and a chance to meet Santa Claus.
“My gosh, this is such a blessing for these families,” said Jennifer Weber, executive director of Arlington Urban Ministries. “This is an opportunity for them to have …
