In an unprecedented moment for the franchise, the Texas Rangers proudly displayed their first-ever World Series championship banner before their highly anticipated season opener against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night.
The banner descended gracefully from the roof support high above right field at Globe Life Field, marking a monumental occasion in Rangers history. Just moments before the unveiling, manager Bruce Bochy and pitcher Josh Sborz, the hero of the clinching Game 5 against the Arizona Diamondbacks in November, presented the Commissioner’s Trophy at home plate.
Addressing the electrified crowd, Bochy expressed heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering support throughout the journey to victory.
The celebration continued with plans for championship rings to be ceremoniously awarded before the second game of the series on Saturday night.
Bochy, who boasts three previous World Series wins with the San Francisco Giants, urged players to cherish the moment and soak in the glory of their hard-earned achievement.
This triumph marked the culmination of a 52-season quest for the Rangers in Texas, and the 63rd overall for the franchise since its inception in 1961 as the Washington Senators.
Despite past disappointments in the 2010 and 2011 World Series, where victory eluded them, the Rangers finally clinched the coveted title after years of perseverance and dedication.
Reflecting on the significance of the ceremony, pitcher Max Scherzer, a key member of the championship-winning Washington Nationals in 2019, expressed his eagerness to savor the moment alongside the passionate Rangers fanbase.
For Cubs manager Craig Counsell, witnessing the ceremony from the opposing dugout evoked a sense of admiration and envy, acknowledging the magnitude of the Rangers’ achievement.
