The Texas Rangers celebrated their first-ever World Series championship with a special banner-unfurling ceremony at Globe Life Field, as they kicked off their season opener against the Chicago Cubs. The banner was dropped from high above right field, and the Commissioner’s Trophy was brought to home plate by manager Bruce Bochy and pitcher Josh Sborz, who recorded the final out in the clinching Game 5 against the Arizona Diamondbacks in November.
Despite losing in their two previous World Series appearances, the Rangers finally clinched the title in 2021 after falling short in both 2010 and 2011. Pitcher Max Scherzer, who was part of the 2019 Washington Nationals championship team, emphasized the importance of celebrating with fans after the 2020 celebrations were limited by COVID-19 restrictions. Watching the ceremony from the opposing dugout, Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed a sense of jealousy towards the Rangers’ accomplishment.
The players were encouraged to take it all in and enjoy the celebration as they received their championship rings before the second game of the series on Saturday night. This championship marked a milestone for Texas baseball history, as it was only the third time that a Major League Baseball team has won its first World Series title since moving to a new stadium or ballpark. The other two teams are the Kansas City Royals (in 2015) and Tampa Bay Rays (in 2008).
Bochy expressed his gratitude for fans’ tremendous support throughout this historic journey and urged players to cherish every moment of this special day. He also thanked veteran pitcher Justin Verlander for his crucial role in leading them to victory during Game 5 when he struck out three batters with just nine pitches. Verlander had been an integral part of several key moments during their playoff run earlier that year when he won three starts while allowing just one run over 33 innings.
As they looked back on this incredible journey, players like Scherzer talked about how much it meant to finally win a World Series title after coming so close several times before. They also acknowledged how much they owed their success to each other and how important it was to work together as a team throughout this long season.
In conclusion, this World Series championship marked not only a milestone for Texas baseball but also for many players who had been playing for years without ever tasting success at such a high level. As they basked in glory on this special day, players knew that they would always remember what it felt like to be champions and how grateful they were to have made history together on this memorable journey.