PHOENIX − The Texas Rangers got off the plane at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, boarded two buses, and drove to their sprawling resort.
The Arizona Biltmore.
The Rangers broke into smiles, a little laughter, that brought back a lot of long lasting memories.
The last time they were here was 10 months and 6 days ago, partying into the night in the courtyard, and then the ballroom until the wee hours of the morning.
“It was the greatest time,” Rangers GM Chris Young said. “I’ll never forget it. Seeing all of the joy, all of the happiness, the families all celebrating together.”
The Rangers had just become World Series champions , the first in franchise history, and when they flew back to Dallas the next day, they believed they could be right back for an encore in 2024.
This time, when the Rangers departed Phoenix, they left in silence, swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks, and coldly reminded they won’t be participating in the postseason.
Once again, for the 24 th consecutive year, no team will be repeating as World Series champions.