The Texas Rangers celebrated their first World Series Championship in franchise history Friday

The atmosphere in Arlington, Texas on Friday, November 3rd leading up to the first ever Rangers World Series Championship parade was tangible to put it lightly. The traffic was heavy in the entire area, but fans cheerfully waved blue and red flags out their windows while blaring Creed’s Can You Take Me Higher on repeat. The crowd on the parade route was contagiously energetic generations of fans cheered. Champagne was sprayed and fans climbed light poles for a better view. As a lifelong Texas Rangers fan, it was a surreal moment to be able to witness our team lift the commissioner’s trophy with pride for their fans. 

 

This win was for all Texas Rangers’ fans – past, present, future and those no longer with us.

The Rangers had a very difficult road to the World Series, starting with a best-of-three Wild Card round against the 99-win Tampa Bay Rays. Texas made quick work out of the Rays, beating them in two games and advancing to the Divisional Round.

In the Divisional Round, Texas had an even tougher task, this time going up against the American League leading Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles won 101 games in the regular season, but they wouldn’t win a single postseason game, as Texas kept their undefeated playoff run going, sweeping them and advancing to the ALCS.

In the ALCS Texas found themselves up against their in-state rival, the Houston Astros. After winning the first two games on the road, the Rangers found themselves down 3-2 and facing elimination. Having to win two more games on the road, Texas was able to do exactly that, beating Houston and advancing to the World Series for just the third time in franchise history.

The Rangers found themselves trialing for most of Game One against a scrappy Arizona Diamondbacks team, but an incredible comeback led by Corey Seager setup a walk-off homer for hometown favorite Adolis Garcia. The momentum was everything the Rangers needed, who would go on to win the series in just five games.

The World Series was not only the first in franchise history, but also the first for any DFW team since the Dallas Mavericks championship in 2011. With over half-a-million people in attendance for the championship parade, it’s clear, the DFW fan base will cherish’s this team. For now and forever, the Texas Rangers are officially World Series Champions.

Photos by Kat Stovall
Contributed by Tyler Lennon & Kat Stovall