ARLINGTON, Texas -- Mike Olt's brother, Brad, wanted to make sure his parents -- George and Bev -- got a chance to see Olt's big league debut. So as soon as he found out from Mike that he was heading to Arlington, Brad found some plane tickets.

"We woke my parents up at 3:30 in the morning," Olt said. "I was on speaker phone and I heard them all yelling. They started packing. They were excited to come."

Olt's parents sat on the front row in the owner's box, just a few seats down from Rangers CEO and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. They watched as Olt didn't waste any time getting his first big league hit, stroking a single to left on a second-pitch cutter from C.J. Wilson. He finished the game 1-for-3.

"It was something I'll never forget," Olt said. "It was an unreal experience. I had some nerves going to the plate, but once I got in the box I forgot about all that and was able to get a good pitch to hit."

Olt, who got to spend some time around the club in spring training, talked to many of his teammates and did his best to get settled in before the club headed out to Kansas City following Thursday's win.

"To be a part of this team is something really special," Olt said. "That's why I'm happy I'm still here. I'm going to learn so much being around these guys. Even today's game, I had a little inexperience at first base with a bunt play. They picked me up. To have that there and have a connection with a bunch of guys from spring training helps."