The Texas Rangers celebrated their first World Series championship in franchise history with the unveiling of a championship banner before their season opener against the Chicago Cubs. The banner was dropped from the roof support at Globe Life Field, marking a historic moment for the team. Prior to the unveiling, the Commissioner’s Trophy was brought to home plate by manager Bruce Bochy and pitcher Josh Sborz, who recorded the final out in the championship-clinching Game 5 against the Arizona Diamondbacks in November.
Bochy expressed gratitude to the fans for their tremendous support and encouraged the players to savor the moment and soak it all in. Championship rings will be presented before the second game of the series on Saturday night, adding to the celebration of their long-awaited victory. The Rangers won their first championship in their 52nd season in Texas and 63rd overall for the franchise that began in 1961.
Despite previous losses in the World Series in 2010 and 2011, the Rangers were able to secure the championship in 2021 and make history. Players like Max Scherzer, who was part of the Washington Nationals’ championship team in 2019, expressed gratitude for being able to celebrate with fans after the 2020 ceremony was limited due to the pandemic. Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who scored the run that gave the Florida Marlins the 1997 World Series crown, shared his honest feelings of jealousy watching the Rangers’ celebration from the opposing dugout.