Wait! It's Already Been Three Years?!

Just before 10:00 CST on the evening of November 1, 2023, the Texas Rangers 12-year heartbreak was finally over. They defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks by a score of 5-0 in Game 5 of the World Series. The game lasted two hours and 53 minutes. Nearly three hours of the best baseball game you've ever watched. Starting pitchers Nathan Eovaldi and Zac Gallen engaged in a pitcher's duel. No hit was made until the Rangers broke through in the seventh inning and scored four in the top of the 9th, which included Marcus Semien's two-run homer that would seal the deal. Josh Sborz entered the mound and when he recorded the final out of the Fall Classic, he slammed his gloved down in excitement, hugging Jonah Heim and the rest of the team joined in celebration on the field. Goodbye, heartbreak and hello World Series title. There was one situation that the Rangers never got to enjoy after the game was over. I'll discuss that in a moment.

Have I done anything to commemorate the anniversary of the Rangers first World Series title? In 2024, I didn't do anything special to mark the first anniversary of it, but I wore gold-trimmed gear, such as jerseys and hats. Last year on the two-year anniversary, I rewatched Game 5 because I wanted to relive the moment. The pitching duel between Nathan Eovaldi and Zac Gallen was amazing to watch. 2023 was the year I was introduced to Joe Davis. In case you don't know who he is, he calls Dodgers games and also NFL games. His high energy commentary during the World Series was outstanding. I prefer him over Joe Buck. The 2023 Postseason and World Series are among one of my favorites.

Exposing a Double Standard

Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has a pool they've had since 1998 and for over $4,500 per game, up to 35 people can rent it, take a dip, and watch the game. There was a bit of controversy surrounding teams diving in their pool and I want to explain a double standard that got my attention. Back in 2013, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West by defeating the Diamondbacks by a score of 7-6. Half of the team jumped in the pool and team president Derrick Hall called the action disrespectful and classless. Fast forward a decade later, after fans cleared out about a dozen security guards were spaced out every 20-30 feet guarding the pool, preventing the Rangers from having access to it. It's very hypocritical and Hall was full of contradictions. However, the Rangers weren't phased by the rejection and continued to celebrate the victory with each other and their families. The reaction from Rangers fans ranged from calling the security guards The Fun Police to comments such as "weak stuff". My question is this: If the Diamondbacks didn't want other teams jumping in their pool, why build and have one to begin with? Hall faced some backlash regarding the incident, but gave no explanation behind it, to later say that he wasn't anti-Rangers, which I don't believe him on that. But here's the thing. Before the 2023 Postseason began, he was quoted by saying "They (teams) have the right to celebrate wherever they want." If the Diamondbacks wanted the pool to be reserved to only fans and themselves, a large sign would've been put up. You can't have it both ways, Mr. Hall. Your team lost the World series, now you want to summon security guards to prevent the Rangers from taking a dip in it. You were just bitter, petty, and jealous. Be thankful that you have a National League pennant. Derrick Hall gets the major side-eye and a F for this foolishness. He didn't face any action from the team or MLB. It was seen as a "ballpark operations decision." I call BS on that claim, and I don't buy it one bit. As of 2026, Hall is still in his role, which he has been in for over 20 years. If the Diamondbacks were to return to the World Series in the future and are defeated by another American League team, would the front office block access to the pool from the opposing team, like they did to the Rangers? My solution for the Diamondbacks: Build and have a second pool for visiting teams on the other side of the ballpark. Problem solved.

Have you noticed this double standard and what do you think about the Diamondbacks reserving their pool for fans, guests, and the team? Let me know in the comments below.