Teixeira fond of time with Rangers

ARLINGTON — Mark Teixeira holds a significant place in Rangers history. When Teixeira and reliever Ron Mahay were traded to the Braves on July 31, 2007, the haul Texas got in return was crucial in its journey toward conseuctive trips to the World Series in ’10 and ’11.

It may have been the biggest, given how shortstop Elvis Andrus, right-hander Neftali Feliz and lefty Matt Harrison played a significant part in the Rangers’ success.

“It worked out for both parties,” said Teixeira on Tuesday, as he prepared for retirement after an impressive 14-year Major League career.

But it would be wrong to remember Teixeira for just the trade. His legacy here goes deeper. Teixeira and pitcher Kevin Brown stand together as the two best first-round Draft picks in Rangers history.

Teixeira was taken fifth overall in the 2001 MLB Draft at a time when Texas was rebuilding. He became a symbol of the Rangers’ future, fit in well and performed at a high level for 4 1/2 seasons while Texas forged a new identity around a group of exciting young players.

“I will always have a special place in my heart for Rangers fans, the organization and the city,” Teixeira said. “It was where I made it … I had a lot of great times. We didn’t win as much as we hoped, but I take a small sense of pride my trade helped set up a nice run. I hope the fans remember I worked hard and played hard every day.”

Teixeira has spent the past eight seasons with the Yankees, but his time with Texas is still important to one of baseball’s all-time greatest switch-hitters, and he wants people to understand that.

It would be a great moment for all if Teixeira one day returned to Arlington — not as the opposing first baseman but as an honored former Rangers player.

“I hope so,” Teixeira said. “That would mean a lot, whether it’s next year or five years from now. I would look forward to being able to give a big …

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