Texas Rangers: A World Series Story
Recalling my World Series experience one year later
The World Series is an event where baseball fans from all walks of life get to experience, whether it's in person, at home, or somewhere exciting. This picture of me seen above was taken a few weeks after the Rangers won the World series. Whether you're watching the Fall Classic alone or with family or friends, there's no doubt that you'll have plenty of memories to remember forever and also to share with others. As far as how much I enjoyed the World Series last year, I'm about to share what the night of Wednesday November 1, 2023 was like for me.
The date was November 1, 2023: the day of Game 5 of the World Series between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rangers were leading the D-Backs in the series 3-1 and on the verge of winning their first ever World Series title in franchise history. It was an ordinary day as I was at work. One of my coworkers asked me if I wanted to come to his house and watch the game. I politely declined and told him I wanted to watch it at home instead so I could record a potential reaction video to post on social media. So I hurried home so I could be there on time to watch the game. Once I got settled in, I wore my navy blue Texas Rangers ball cap to cheer on my amazing team. Rangers Pitcher Nathan Eovaldi took the mound for Game 5 and at times, he was in a bases load jam on at least a couple of occasions, but successfully got out of them.
The bottom of the 9th inning comes and Pitcher Josh Sborz arrives on the mound to close out the side and give the Rangers and their fans something that eluded and haunted them since 2011. In case you don't know what I'm talking about, allow me to explain it in detail. I avoided talking about this particular matchup last year when I wrote a story on Vocal about the Rangers finally winning it all, because us Rangers fans constantly didn't want to be reminded of that night in 2011. It was Game 6 of the 2011 World Series between the Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals. The Rangers were leading 7-5 in the bottom of the 9th inning, with one out away from winning their first ever World Series title. Just to note: the Rangers made their first ever World Series appearance the year prior, when they faced the San Francisco Giants. The Rangers were defeated by them in 5 games, four games to one. Now back to the 2011 World Series matchup. So the Rangers were leading 7-5 in Game 6 of the World Series. However, the Cardinals would score two runs in that inning to tie the game. At the the top of the 10th inning, the Rangers hit a 2-run homer to lead 9-7. Unfortunately at the bottom of the 11th inning, the Cardinals would hit a solo home run to break the tie and lead 10-9. They would end up winning the game by that score, forcing a Game 7, which the Cardinals would go on to win the World Series. Even though this game took place 13 years ago and it's still too painful for me to watch, I believe this was necessary for me to discuss this to be transparent with everyone about it.
Going back to Game 5 of the 2023 World Series: I was standing up the entire time at home, feeling nervous. I was thinking "On no! Here comes the heartbreak yet again!" "They're going to choke again." So many thoughts were in my head as Josh Sborz tried to get the final three outs. There were two outs, so I got my phone and started recording because I wanted to film myself doing a reaction video of Sborz getting the final out. What you see above is a screenshot of my video on TikTok, which has over 2,100 views. Eventually, Sborz recorded the final out and I screamed with excitement. I was thinking, "The heartbreak is finally over." If you would like to see the full video, here's the link below. It's around 40 seconds long and worth the watch.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP88Fb996/
This was what I wore the night my Texas Rangers won their first World Series title. I've had this hat for years and would wear it occasionally. You can't call them yearly disappointments anymore. They were World Series Champions.
I was on cloud nine that night and couldn't believe that my own team finally won a championship. As a Rangers fan for over 20 years, I thought I'd never see my team win it all in my lifetime. My reaction went to excitement, to shock, to relief. I cried for well over an hour (happy tears, of course). When your team win a World Series for the very first time or in years, it's a big deal. The Rangers World Series title was for not only themselves, but it was dedicated to the Rangers players who were on the 2010 and 2011 World Series teams, such as Elvis Andrus, Mike Napoli (who would later go on to win a World Series with the Boston Red Sox), Colby Lewis, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, and Nelson Cruz, which I've since forgave him and is now retired.
For those who have never watched the World Series, let me tell you. It's an experience worth enjoying. Whether you own team is in the Fall Classic or not, I recommend everyone to watch at least one game. Once you've been accustomed to seeing more games, you'll fall in love with that experience very quickly. I'll have links to two stories about the Rangers and Postseason baseball that I've written down below, so if you have a deep interest in this sport, then these stories are for you.
About the Creator
Mark Wesley Pritchard
You can call me Wesley. Former cosplayer, retro gaming fanatic, die-hard Texas Rangers fan, and nostalgic freak. Need I say more?
Threads: @misterwesleysworld
Instagram: @misterwesleysworld
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