In the world of baseball, Will Smith has etched his name in history as the first player to win a World Series ring with three different teams, consecutively, over three years.

 

The Newnan native and Texas Rangers reliever clinched his latest championship as the Rangers emerged victorious in Game 5 against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a resounding 5-0 scoreline, marking their first World Series title in their 63-season franchise history.

 

Will Smith’s journey to this remarkable feat began when he pitched for the 2021 Atlanta Braves during their World Series-winning campaign. He then transitioned to the Houston Astros roster for the 2022 World Series, although he did not see any action on the mound. This year, Smith contributed to the Texas Rangers’ successful postseason run, making three appearances in the World Series and a total of 60 appearances in the regular season.

 

Marcus Semien’s late-game heroics, including a crucial home run, and the Rangers’ remarkable 11-0 record on the road during the postseason played pivotal roles in sealing their triumph. Manager Bruce Bochy, in his debut season with the team, secured his fourth World Series title, thirteen years to the day after his initial championship in 2010 with the San Francisco Giants.

 

The Rangers’ victory in the third-ever all-wild card Series concluded an intense pitchers’ duel, followed by a late surge of four runs in the ninth inning, cementing their place in baseball history.