The Texas Rangers kicked off their season opener against the Chicago Cubs with a special celebration as they unfurled their World Series championship banner for the first time in franchise history. The banner was dropped from Globe Life Field’s roof support high above right field, and players were encouraged to take it all in and enjoy the celebration as they received their championship rings before the second game of the series on Saturday night.
Despite losing in their two previous World Series appearances, the Rangers finally clinched the title in 2021 after falling short in both 2010 and 2011. Manager Bruce Bochy expressed his gratitude for the tremendous support from fans and emphasized the importance of savoring the moment. Players were also grateful for being able to celebrate with fans after missing out on doing so during last year’s celebrations due to COVID-19 restrictions. Pitcher Max Scherzer, who was part of the 2019 Washington Nationals championship team, emphasized this importance even more after not being able to celebrate with his teammates following that victory.
Watching the ceremony from the opposing dugout, Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed a sense of jealousy towards the Rangers’ accomplishment. Despite falling short in two previous appearances, this marked a historic moment for Texas and a milestone for Major League Baseball as a whole.