John, people are always surprised to hear this, given that I played football in high school at Hillcrest, in college at Baylor, and in the NFL, but being a professional linebacker wasn't always my childhood dream. As a kid growing up in Dallas, I dreamt of playing centerfield for the Texas Rangers.

Now, as the Rangers head to the World Series for the first time since 2011, I am beyond excited to watch my favorite team play (and win!). I'll be watching the fans, too, because a passionate hometown crowd makes a big difference. Everyone in that stadium will be part of the team tonight. 

This campaign is like that, too, John. My name might be the one on the ballot, but defeating Ted Cruz next November is going to take all of us pushing as hard as we can. We've come a long way already – experts at the Cook Political Report upgraded our chances, CNN named Ted Cruz the most vulnerable GOP Senator in the country, and polling shows us neck-and-neck. 

But Ted Cruz has special interests and GOP mega donors bankrolling his campaign, and we need to raise $55,200 today to keep up. I'm not counting on a handful of millionaires to buy me this seat – instead, I'm asking fired-up grassroots supporters like you to chip in $5, $10, or any amount that's meaningful to you. So please, before the first pitch tonight, will you rush your first donation to help me fire Ted Cruz? →

Every dollar makes a difference. Thanks so much for giving what you can and for being a part of my grassroots team. And, of course, GO RANGERS!

Colin Allred