WACO, Texas — When you win a World Series, some things change overnight.
"The events are going to be way more packed," said Texas Rangers third base coach Tony Beasley.
On Wednesday, Jan. 17, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame was - indeed - packed with Rangers fans. Several players and staff members represented the team during two events at the museum.
The festivities began with the Lone Star Luncheon. Waco Mayor Dillon Meek presented the team with a declaration proclaiming Jan. 17 as "Texas Rangers Day" in Waco. Tony Beasley also accepted a key to the city from Meek.
That was one of the moments that embodied the excitement of a fanbase starved for a championship.
"These fans have been Texas Ranger fans for 40, 50, 60 years," said infielder Josh Smith. "I know it means a lot to them. For us to come together as a team and to do that for the city and the state of Texas and all the Rangers fans - it's pretty cool."
The magical postseason run was also honored at a new exhibit at the museum. Some of the notable artifacts include Nathan Eovali's game-worn jersey from Game 1 of the World Series, the original copy of a World Series lineup card, an empty champagne bottle and a pair of bases from the ALCS and World Series. The exhibit will be on display for one year.
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The Rangers' title was far from expected. During the previous season, Texas went 68-94. When the calendar turned to 2023, things changed quickly for the Rangers.
"Once we get into like June, you feel like - 'We can win a World Series'," said Beasley. The Rangers quickly jumped to the top of the AL West standings to start the season.
"We're just as good as anyone, if not we're better than teams," Beasley reflected, "But it was kinda up and down because at the end, we didn't play well for the last 2, 3 weeks of the season. We scuffled."
None of the Rangers who visited Waco waited longer for a breakthrough than Eric Nadel, the National Baseball Hall of Fame radio announcer for the team.
"Joyful, euphoric," Nadel said, recalling his emotions at the time. "It was like, for me, 46 years of frustration erased. Then, to see the response of the fans when we came home - over 500,000 people at the parade - it was really very emotional for me."
The season also capped off a rapid turnaround for former Baylor Bear Cody Bradford. The Aledo native started the year in Triple-A but capped it off with five postseason appearances, including two in the Fall Classic.
"Two years ago after the season, I was talking to my wife and talking about 'Gosh, is this still something I want to do?' I had a 5.00 era in Double-A the whole year," said Bradford, who split time between the minors and the big-league club in 2023.
"It's incredible how one year can change all that," Bradford continued. "You have to make the most of every opportunity. It's so exciting to pitch for a hometown team and I'm so honored and grateful for that opportunity."
In addition to the Lone Star Luncheon, the Rangers met with fans as part of their Winter Caravan tour. Supporters of the team had a chance to meet players, collect autographs and take pictures with the club's World Series trophy.
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