Blog #4: Public Space Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington has makes many arguments appealing to Ethos, Pathos, and Logos:

Ethos - Character, credibility
An appeal to Ethos is one of the most obvious arguments made at the ballpark. If you're not sitting on the first base side, you can easily spot three pennants displayed along a concrete wall. These pennants are from the years that the Rangers won the AL West division title - 1996, 1998, and 1999. These titles establish that the Rangers have had some success in past and establishes their credibility. However, many non-Rangers fans use these titles to make the exact opposite argument - That the Rangers aren't a very successful team, lowering their credibility as a ball club. Another Ethos argument in the constant presence of Nolan Ryan. For those who are not baseball fans, Nolan Ryan is one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball. Video clips play during the game showing his 4,000th, 5,000th, and 5,714th career strikeouts - all in a Ranger Uniform. Having his presence at the Ballpark - historically and literally (he owns part of the Rangers and attends most games) significantly boosts the credibility of the Rangers.

Pathos - Emotion
If you are a hardcore baseball fan, it's hard not to experience emotion during a game, especially if it's extra innings at home against the New York Yankees. Since the game became tied in the bottom of the 8th, you could feel the tension in the air. Every single inning after that, it only grew. Every single time contact was made between bat and ball, there was a reaction, no matter if it was way foul or out to the warning track. However, the greatest emotion was felt when a Walk-off home run was hit in the bottom of the 13th by a Ranger Player. The excitement and energy felt was incredible. Every single Ranger fan walked away with a newfound sense of pride.

Logos - Logic
Baseball is a game of statistics. At all times, statistics for the game being played can be seen on the giant scoreboard above home run porch. These statistics can be obviously used to make arguments about a players performance during a game. With one quick glance, you would be able to tell that Elvis Andrus has gone 1-3 with a single to right field, two K's and a walk. While offensive statistics are usually reliable, pitching statistics can really mislead someone. For example: A pitcher can throw a no-hitter but get a loss at the same time. I could explain it, if you want!