Rangers cheered by thousands at World Series title parade

ARLINGTON, Texas — Throngs of Texas Rangers fans lined the streets, eagerly awaiting the parade to celebrate their team’s historic World Series triumph. The atmosphere was electric as tens of thousands of fans braved the crowded 2-mile route near the team’s ballpark in Arlington.

“This parade is the reason we returned triumphantly. It’s a fitting celebration,” exclaimed All-Star second baseman Marcus Semien.

Two days after clinching the World Series title with a dominating 5-0 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Rangers rolled through the city in an awe-inspiring display of championship glory. It was just a week ago when Texas won the series opener at home with a dramatic 11th-inning walk-off by Adolis García, after Corey Seager’s ninth-inning two-run homer tied the game.

“This championship is all about the fans. They are the heart and soul of our game. We draw energy from them, and to bring a championship to them is what makes this moment so special,” expressed Texas manager Bruce Bochy. “All World Series titles are remarkable, but the first one and the joy it brings to our fans make this particularly significant.”

In their 63rd season as a franchise, the Rangers finally lifted the coveted championship trophy. The journey began in 1961 as the expansion Washington Senators before the team relocated to Texas in 1972.

The parade featured World Series MVP Seager, AL Championship Series MVP García, and the rest of the triumphant Rangers squad. It meandered through Arlington’s lively entertainment district, showcasing the unity and resilience that propelled them to glory.

Seager, who also earned the World Series MVP in 2020 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, acknowledged the remarkable bond within the team, saying, “Our tight-knit group shares a common goal of competing every night. It’s no easy feat, but this group accomplished something truly exceptional.”

The Rangers returned to North Texas after a heroic road trip and Semien proudly displayed the World Series trophy as he disembarked the plane. Meanwhile, fans had already taken their positions along the parade route, eagerly awaiting their heroes.

Starting at Globe Life Park and winding along the side of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, the parade traversed the Mark Holtz Lake, named after the cherished late Rangers broadcaster known for his iconic “Hello Win Column!” call. Along the way, they passed by the Rangers’ former ballpark, which witnessed their previous World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

An outdoor ceremony awaited the players as the parade concluded at their state-of-the-art retractable-roof stadium, which has been their home since 2020.

“The Texas Rangers’ World Series victory is a realization of a dream five decades in the making,” proclaimed Arlington Mayor Jim Ross.

For Bochy, the Rangers’ title marks his fourth World Series triumph. Having secured three championships with the San Francisco Giants, including the 2010 clincher in Texas, Bochy became the Rangers’ manager a year ago, following six consecutive losing seasons.

“My hope is that this championship sparks a renewed interest and passion for baseball in this city. We want to keep winning and not leave our fans waiting for too long,” Bochy emphatically stated.

In a demonstration of support, at least six local school districts closed their doors to allow students and faculty to partake in the celebration. The parade featured several high school bands, adding to the festive ambiance of the picture-perfect day with clear skies and temperatures hovering around 70 degrees.