Bruce Bochy Adds Another Milestone to Historic Career With Texas Rangers World Series Berth
HOUSTON – Bruce Bochy batted 1.000 in the 1984 World Series back when serving as a backup catcher for the San Diego Padres.
He's still batting 1.000 all these years later, only this time in must-win showdowns.
With the 11-4 American League Championship Series victory over the Houston Astros, the first-year Texas Rangers manager remains perfect in Game 7 matchups. Bochy picked up his 13th elimination victory and improved to 6-0 all-time in winner-take-all clashes.
The Rangers will face the winner of Tuesday night's NLCS Game 7 between the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks. The World Series starts Friday in Arlington at Globe Life Field.
Cooperstown will be lucky to have Bochy represented on its mantle whenever voters decide to make him a first-ballot entry. Right now though, his focus is on what most in Arlington are thinking these days.
Four more wins. Four more victories for the 62-year drought to cease.
"This team, as I said, it's been an honor to watch them. And so it's great to be here," a delighted Bochy said, engulfed in the smell of champagne, cigar smoke and pride postgame. "It's unreal that I'm here, to be honest. Sitting at the house for three years, and think here I am going to a World Series. Yeah, that's special."
Bochy, one of the greatest managers to step foot in a dugout this century, will have a chance to join an elite class with four more wins. He's one of seven managers to reach the LCS with at least three franchises.
He's the first to win a pennant with all three.
Texas Rangers players celebrate after winning Game 7 in the ALCS over the Houston Astros 11-4 Monday night at Minute Maid Park.
His five pennants are now tied with Sparky Anderson and Bobby Cox for the third-most all-time. Barring a trip back to the couch this offseason, he'll have a chance to tie Joe Torre and Tony La Russa with six apiece.
The story of Bochy's success dates back to his time with the Padres, his first managerial position. Under his command, San Diego reached the 1998 World Series, its second in franchise history.
Twelve years later, he led San Francisco to its first of three titles during the "beliEVEN" era, one coming against the Rangers in 2010. And nine years after creating a splashing dynasty in the Bay Area, here comes Bochy looking for more.
“[Bochy] has done this so many times, so many times,” Max Scherzer said. “I'm just a good soldier. Whatever buttons he pushes, I'm down for it because this is the moment that we play for.”
When general manager Chris Young hired Bochy this offseason away from days on the golf course, the plan was to create a foundation for long-term success. Bochy does things unconventional, so he skipped the part of building something lasting and went straight for first place.
The rise of the Rangers had been in the works for two seasons after the franchise spent more than a half-billion dollars to acquire talent like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Jon Gray in late 2021. Texas doubled down on its efforts to end a six-year playoff drought by signing Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi this last offseason.
But every army needs a general — a leader built with a mindset to waver through strong moments and troubling times. And yes, it's easy to celebrate now as bottles have been popped and confetti has fallen, but the road to the Fall Classic came with his fair share of pit stops.
deGrom's season-ending injury?
The eight-game win streak followed by a just as impressive eight-game losing streak?
The season's final day and a Wild Card berth instead of the division title?
Few teams could survive that type of drama. Bochy ballclubs feast on the theatrics.
"This team has played with so much heart and determination as any club I've had. They all have," Bochy said. "But it's just amazing how they kept getting up. We went through ups and downs with the injuries. We ran into a lot of streaks."
The additions of Jordan Montgomery and Scherzer at the deadline certainly boasted Texas' chance of returning to the World Series for the first time in over a decade. Both were factors in securing the dub Monday night. Scherzer allowed two runs on four hits and struck out two in 2 2/3 innings.
Montgomery, now 3-0 this postseason, dazzled in Houston again, working his way out of a two-out jam with a Michael Brantley lineout to keep the score 4-2.
Plenty of heroes deserve credit for helping Texas punch its ticket for another week's stay in the playoffs, but talent resided in Arlington last season. It's always had a home at Globe Life during the 62 seasons.
So, what was the difference? Bochy, who now joins Bill McKechnie and Dick Williams as the only managers to reach the World Series with three different clubs.
Bochy's hiring brought a dream into a vision. Almost a year to the date, the vision has turned into a reality under his watch — even if he refuses to take credit for the impact.
"I don't think about me," Bochy said. "I'm riding their backs, trust me."
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