President Joe Biden welcomed the Texas Rangers to the White House to honor their 2023 World Series win. The President highlighted the team’s roots in Washington, D.C., where they were originally known as the Washington Senators before relocating to Texas in 1972. Biden praised the Rangers for embodying resilience and acknowledged their significant achievement as world champions.
Throughout history, it has been a longstanding tradition for championship teams, both professional and collegiate, to visit the White House and receive recognition from the President. Biden’s public appearance during the Rangers’ visit was significant, especially after his announcement in July that he would not seek reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. The Rangers, now based in Arlington, near Dallas, had a challenging journey to the World Series victory, making their win even more commendable.
Despite facing tough competition in the American League West division, the Rangers persevered and secured a playoff spot as a wild card team. They went on to defeat notable teams like Tampa Bay, Baltimore, and the Houston Astros in the playoffs before clinching the World Series title after a five-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. President Biden commended the team for their unwavering determination and faith throughout the season.
The celebrations at the White House included a musical performance of the Rangers’ unofficial anthem, “Higher” by Creed, which added to the festive atmosphere. The Rangers, led by their manager Bruce Bochy, were honored for their first-ever championship. Bochy, a seasoned champion with four World Series titles, humorously remarked on the challenge of finding space for another ring. President Biden and General Manager Chris Young praised the team for changing the perception of the franchise and bringing joy to their loyal fans.
Chris Young described the Rangers’ championship season as a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows. Despite facing setbacks and doubts along the way, the team remained focused on their goal and never lost hope. Their resilience and unity as a team were key factors in their success on the field and earned them a well-deserved championship title. The patience and support of the fans were also recognized as an essential part of the team’s journey to victory.
During the event, the World Series Trophy was prominently displayed alongside a Rangers jersey with President Biden’s name and commemorative cowboy boots. The President jokingly remarked that the boots would add a few inches to his height, reminiscing about his past athletic prowess. The camaraderie and camaraderie amongst the players and the President created a memorable and celebratory atmosphere as they reflected on the team’s remarkable accomplishment.