HOUSTON -- There are two ways to view Brandon Mann, a soon-to-be 34-year-old left-hander, coming to the majors for the first time in a 17-year career on Sunday with the Rangers.
What a compelling story of perseverance.
Mann reached his goal after 267 minor-league appearances, three seasons in independent leagues, two seasons in Japan and one suspension for use of a banned substance.
"It means everything,'' said Mann, who got the final five outs in the Rangers' 6-1 loss to Houston at Minute Maid Park. "Lots of reflecting on the journey of where it's been. This is pretty awesome.