FOX 4’s Paige Ellenberger is at Globe Life Park in Arlington with some facts Texas Rangers enthusiasts want to know before heading into Game 1 of the 2023 World Series.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Adolis Garcia went from being singled out twice to being the record MVP of the American League Championship Series and now he’s in the World Series, all after the slugger left Cuba hoping to break into the big leagues.
“It was a long journey. It was a tough decision that I made at the time,” Garcia said through an interpreter Thursday. “It was definitely worth it. I think if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would do it. “Definitely do it, because it’s been good. “
Both for the 30-year-old Garcia and the Texas Rangers. Garcia helped the Rangers triumph in the Fall Classic for the first time since 2011 with his big stick and passionate approach.
“He’s the best, man. He’s a wonderful teammate,” designated hitter Mitch Garver said. “He trumps a lot of things, that’s for sure. . . It’s just unbelievable. “
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Texas Rangers #53 Adolis Garcia celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles in the second inning of Game 3 of the Division Series at Globe Life Field on Oct. 10, 2023 at
Garcia set a series record with 15 RBIs in the American League Championship against Houston, just shy of the record with his 20 total in the postseason. He extended his homer streak to four games by hitting two home runs in Game 7 as the Rangers beat the defending champion. Houston and has become the first player with RBIs in six straight games in a postseason series.
There was also a grand slam in the ninth inning of the sixth that he needed to win after striking out the first 4 moves that night. That followed the emotional fifth game at home, when he hit a green home run off a bat in the sixth. , then he was driven in the upper left arm via a 98. 9 mph fastball in his next at-bat. Garcia found himself angry one-on-one with catcher Martin Maldonado as the benches and bullpens cleared before the Astros came back to win.
He can now play in the World Series after joining former minor leaguer Randy Arozarena as ALCS MVP; Arozarena accomplished the feat with Tampa Bay in 2020. The Rays played in this post-COVID COVID-impacted Fall Classic in the same retractable roof stadium where the Rangers will host Arizona’s Game 1 on Friday night.