For the first time in franchise history, the Rangers are World Series champions. After Texas sealed its five-game Fall Classic victory with a win over the D-backs at Chase Field on Wednesday, its title is set to be immortalized at the National Baseball Hall of Fame via select artifacts from the Series.
According to Jon Shestakofsky, vice president of communications and content for the Hall of Fame, the following items from the 119th World Series are on their way to Cooperstown:
- Rangers manager Bruce Bochy’s cap, worn while overseeing his fourth World Series championship
- Rangers shortstop and World Series MVP Corey Seager’s batting helmet
- Rangers reliever Josh Sborz’s glove, which he flung to the ground in jubilation after striking out the D-backs’ Ketel Marte for the Series’ final out
- Rangers rookie outfielder Evan Carter’s batting gloves
- Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien’s jersey from Game 5
- Rangers outfielder Adolis García’s bat from Game 1, which he used to belt a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 11th inning
- Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi’s cap and spikes from Game 5, worn while earning the win with six scoreless innings in Texas’ World Series clincher
- Rangers reliever Will Smith’s World Series luggage tag, a nod to the well-traveled lefty winning his third straight World Series championship -- each with a different team
Not to be left out, Arizona will also have a pair of artifacts sent to the Hall of Fame after its stunning run to the World Series: Marte’s bat from Game 4, which he used to extend his postseason hitting streak to 18 games, giving him sole possession of the longest hitting streak in playoff history; and broadcaster Greg Schulte’s headset worn in his 26th and final season as the D-backs' radio voice.
The 119th World Series may be complete, but the Rangers-D-backs matchup will live on in Cooperstown through these artifacts for future baseball fans to see.