Austin Bibens-Dirkx and Isiah Kiner-Falefa joined Ryan Rowland-Smith for a historic photo
On Thursday, the Rangers made history when Isiah Kiner-Falefa started at third base with Austin Bibens-Dirkx on the mound. It was the first time in MLB history that two players with hyphenated last names were in the same starting lineup.
In fact, Bibens-Dirkx and Kiner-Falefa were only the second and third players, respectively, with hyphenated last names to appear in the Majors at all. The first was Ryan Rowland-Smith, who pitched for the Mariners from 2007-10 and for the D-backs in 2014.
Prior to Tuesday night's game against the Mariners, current Mariners broadcaster Rowland-Smith and the two Rangers gathered for a historic summit of all Major Leaguers with hyphenated last names:
Rowland-Smith mourned the loss of his claim to fame:
Of the thousands of players who have played in the Majors over the years, these are the only three who have had hyphenated last names. It's truly inspiring to see these trailblazers all in one place.