American sports have become one of the most popular events in recent history. Whether it’s tuning into the Super Bowl championship, the Stanley Cup finals or the National Basketball Association playoffs, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
However, the Major League Baseball World Series championship has existed since 1903. The highly tuned-in match has continued to provide entertainment and suspense for over 100 years.
On Friday, Oct. 27, the 2023 World Series championship took place, showcasing two teams who had gone through the wringer to get to the final round of the MLB playoffs.
The Texas Rangers finished the 2023 regular season with 90 wins and 72 losses, narrowly missing the top spot in the American League West Division. The Rangers finished behind the 2022 Champions, the Houston Astros.
The Rangers had to defeat three teams to get to the World Series championship as a part of three different rounds in the playoff format. The Rangers began their postseason run by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays, beating the number one-seeded Baltimore Orioles and finally defeating the Houston Astros to earn their place in the World Series championship.
This is the third time in franchise history that the Rangers will appear in a World Series. The 2023 Texas Rangers team is led by Corey Seager, who won a championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 and also earned himself the World Series Most Valuable Player in that year.
Moorpark College baseball player Rodney Sabbe spoke about Seager’s talent and what it brings to baseball.
“As a Dodgers fan, I’ve seen a lot of Corey Seager and how great he is, but there is no doubt he is at his best in pressure situations.”
The Arizona Diamondbacks finished their 2023 regular season with 84 wins and 78 losses, finishing second in the National League West Division. The D-backs finished behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who they would later face in the playoffs.
The Diamondbacks put together an extraordinary playoff run to clinch their position in the World Series championship. The Diamondbacks first defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round of the playoffs, then routed the number one-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers and finally beat the Philadelphia Phillies to advance into the World Series championship.
The 119th World Series championship round began on Oct. 27, 2023, in Texas at Globe Life Field, giving the Rangers home-field advantage for the first two games. The edge benefited the Texas Rangers as they only narrowly defeated the Diamondbacks 6-5, thanks to Corey Seager with the tying run and Adolis Garcia with the walk-off run.
However, the Diamondbacks offense came out blazing in Game 2 and completely shut down the Texas Rangers, winning the second game 9-1. Sabbe spoke about the passionate Diamondbacks team who were putting together quite the underdog status.
“The Diamondbacks were not the best team in the NL but they’re a gritty team that got hot at the right time,” Sabbe spoke. “They have the potential to be dangerous in the playoffs every year.”
In Game 3, Corey Seager proved that he would not be messed with and ensured his team would finish with a win. Seager clobbered a two-run home run that would put the Rangers on top and showcased impressive defense to keep his team in the win column. This win would be the Rangers’ ninth consecutive win on the road during their playoff run, an impressive statistic in a high-leverage situation.
Game 4 proved to be an offensive showcase as both teams looked to establish themselves as champions. However, the Rangers came out on top as they put up 11 runs through the nine innings, beating out the Diamondbacks. The Rangers were now only one win away from the franchise’s first World Series title.
Game 5 was a definite battle between both teams. The Rangers had a strong starting pitcher in Nathan Eovaldi, who had proven himself in challenging scenarios. However, the Diamondbacks had ace Zac Gallen on the mound and showcased his talents.
Gallen pitched six no-hit innings and looked to be cruising through the game, that was until Corey Seager came up to bat in the seventh inning, starting a Texas Rangers rally that would inevitably lead to a Rangers win. Top it off with a two-run home run from Marcus Semien to make it 5-0 which would be the final score of the game.
The Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games to earn their first World Series title in franchise history. The team went undefeated in away games in their quest for success in a championship.
According to ESPN, the Rangers played 51 seasons in Arlington without winning a World Series. No American League fan base has endured a longer wait.
Corey Seager unanimously secured the 2023 World Series MVP, earning his second title. He is now only the fourth player to win multiple MVPs in the World Series and the second position player to accomplish the feat with two different teams.
Sabbe then spoke about what the Texas Rangers win could mean for MLB.
“I think the impact of the Rangers winning their first title is very similar to the Cubs ending their winless streak in that it will bring back a fan base that used to be great, and will give other fan bases hope for their future.”
There is no doubt that the sport of baseball continues to be popularized as more stars begin to earn glory for their talents. As the Major League Baseball offseason approaches, there are lots that can occur in such a short amount of time. One thing is for sure: the Texas Rangers will be celebrating, and other teams will begin their offseason rebuilds.
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