Here’s where the 2023 Texas Rangers were the last time the team was in the World Series
In October 2011, ‘Someone like you,’ by Adele was the number one song in the United States.
The number one movie was ‘Paranormal Activity 3’ and Texas Rangers rookie right fielder Evan Carter was a middle schooler who cared more about football than baseball.
“I didn’t really get into baseball ‘til I was in high school,” Carter said Thursday during a media event ahead of the 2023 World Series.
The Rangers were the top team in the American league, but were unable to cement their place as the number one team in baseball after losing the 2011 World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals 4 games to 3.
The team will now have another crack at the top prize in baseball as they face off against the National League Champion Arizona Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Games 1 and 2 are at Globe Life Field, Friday and Saturday.
“I know it sucked for Rangers fans,” said third baseman Josh Jung.
The Rangers were one strike away from winning the 2011 Series in game 6 when Cardinals infielder David Freese hit a fly ball over the head of Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz that led to a Cardinals victory.
While Freese’s performance was painful for Rangers fans, Jung found it inspiring.
“I was like man I want to be David Freese. I want to be the hero like that,” he said.
Rangers reliever and Aledo native Cody Bradford was a mediocre middle school ball player during the 2011 World Series.
He said the pain of the loss stung, but was humbled by the honor of being able to play for the Rangers’ first championship in his rookie season.
Rangers designated hitter and backup catcher Mitch Garver played with Cruz when the pair were on the Minnesota Twins.
While the loss was tough for Rangers fans, Cruz never let it bother him and carried himself with pride in the years after according to Garver.
“He’s still a winner in my book,” Garver said.
Rangers pitcher Andrew Heaney acknowledged the pain some fans still feel but noted the current squad is full of new players who’s sole focus is winning this year’s World Series.
“The goal is to win regardless of what happened last year, 10 years ago or 12 years ago,” Heaney said.
This story was originally published October 27, 2023 at 7:00 AM.
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