Tornadoes two days prior didn't stop nearly 700 baseball fans from greeting the 2012 Texas Rangers at the Welcome Home Luncheon just one day before the home opener.

While Mayor Cluck and several City council members were there to support the hometown team, Cluck did address the recent devastation on Tuesday saying how lucky we were that not one person in the city died from the tornadoes and dangerous weather that plagued the Metroplex. Cluck called it a "miracle."

After addressing the devastation, he had a message for the Rangers: "I believe."

The Rangers have had great seasons the last two years, competing in back-to-back World Series. The only thing missing from the Rangers' trophy case is that championship title.

But FOX Sports Southwest's John Rhadigan, who hosted the event, came prepared. In his opening commentary, he said, "Baseball if full of three's." After rattling off examples like "three strikes and you're out," he arrived at "the third time's the charm."

If applause was any indication, Rangers fans are ready for a championship this year, and they believe that the third time is the charm.

Among the fans in attendance was a father-daughter duo from Arlington. Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Chief Operating Officer Jason Ray brought his 12-year-old daughter, Allison, to the luncheon as part of her birthday present. Allison, the biggest Rangers fan in her family of four, was excited to be there and high-fived the athletes as they were introduced.

The event, held at the Arlington Convention Center, cost $75 per person, with the net proceeds benefitting the Texas Rangers Foundation. Since 1991, the foundation has been dedicated to improving the lives of children in the community with funding, education and health initiatives.

"It's where you would hope proceeds from an event like this would go to help the community out," Jason said.

The foundation staff was pleased with the luncheon as well.

"With support from nearly 700 fans, we not only welcomed home the team with a big celebration, but we also are able to raise funds to help more children in need – which means more kids playing baseball, more learning about healthy lifestyles, more kids going to college, and more kids' lives made better," said Texas Rangers Vice President of Community Outreach and Texas Rangers Foundation Executive Director Karin Morris.

The Rangers kick off their season today against the Chicago White Sox at 1:05 p.m. at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

For more information about the Texas Rangers Foundation, visit www.texasrangers.com/foundation.