Title: Corey Seager Adds Spice to Lone Star Series Rivalry with Jab at Astros
Introduction
The Lone Star Series rivalry between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros has always been intense, but Corey Seager, one of baseball’s most monotonous superstars, recently added more spice to it. During the Texas Rangers’ World Series parade, Seager took a shot at Astros third baseman Alex Bregman, creating even more tension between the two teams. This article will delve into the rivalry, Seager’s comment, and the events that unfolded during the season.
The Rivalry Reignited
The Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros have a long-standing rivalry in Texas baseball. The Astros had dominated the Lone Star Series, winning nine out of 13 regular-season meetings between the two teams. However, during the AL Championship Series, the Rangers prevailed in seven games, loosening the Astros’ vice grip on Texas baseball supremacy.
Seager’s Mic Drop Moment
Corey Seager, now a two-time World Series MVP, deviated from his usual script during the Rangers’ World Series parade. Towards the end of his speech, he took a jab at the Astros and Alex Bregman, saying, “Everyone was wondering what would happen if the Rangers didn’t win the World Series. I guess they’ll never know.” Seager’s comment was a mic drop moment, adding fuel to the already simmering rivalry.
Bregman’s Similar Remark
Interestingly, Alex Bregman had used an identical line during the Astros’ clubhouse celebration when they clinched the American League West title. Bregman had said, “A lot of people were wondering what it was going to be like if the Stros didn’t win the division. I guess we’ll never know.” The remark was captured by team videographers and shared with the caption, “We celebrate titles in Houston.”
The Celebration Etiquette Debate
The Astros won the division only after the Rangers lost their regular-season finale against the Seattle Mariners. However, the Rangers had already celebrated clinching a playoff spot while the division was still up for grabs. This led to a week of hand-wringing and debate about celebration etiquette between the two teams.
Exorcising Demons
For Corey Seager, his comment may have been a way to exorcise some long-held demons. While playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seager made the final out of the 2017 World Series against the Astros. The Astros were later found guilty of electronically stealing signs during the season at Minute Maid Park. Seager’s remark could be seen as a way to express his frustration and take a dig at the Astros.
Benches Clearing Moments
The rivalry between the Rangers and the Astros was not just limited to words. Throughout the season, there were two instances where benches cleared between the two teams. One notable incident occurred during Game 5 of the ALCS when Astros reliever Bryan Abreu hit Rangers slugger Adolis García with a 98.3 mph fastball. Major League Baseball suspended Abreu for two games, but García went on to hit three home runs in the following games, earning him ALCS MVP honors.
A Fitting End and Future Meetings
Corey Seager’s speech marked a fitting end to a season that reignited the intrastate rivalry. The Rangers’ victory in the ALCS and Seager’s comment added more intensity to the Lone Star Series. The Astros’ first road trip of the 2024 season will be to Arlington for a four-game series at Globe Life Field, setting the stage for future meetings between the two teams.
Conclusion
The Lone Star Series rivalry between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros has reached new heights with Corey Seager’s comment during the Rangers’ World Series parade. Seager’s jab at the Astros and Alex Bregman added more spice to the already simmering rivalry. As the two teams prepare to face each other in the upcoming season, the intensity and excitement surrounding the Lone Star Series are sure to continue.