The Houston Astros are once again on top of professional baseball supremacy by winning their second World Series title in six years. With the 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, the Astros went on to hoist the trophy, winning game six to close out the best of seven series. Since Houston’s last improbable run that led to their first, and controversial World Series title in 2017, the Stro’s are labeled as one of the most disliked team in the league. Why? Perhaps jealousy, a slew of home run sluggers, or maybe the massive collection of talent in the bullpen. Despite the opps, the Astros have been a consistent winning machine.
Many sports writers and journalists have thrown the word, “Dynasty’” in reference to the Houston Astros. And rightfully so! Since the 1962 expansion, only the 21st MLB franchise to win multiple titles, and make it to the divisional series for seven years consecutively. For the past three years, the skipper duty has been held by their legendary manager Dusty Baker who has had major success as a player; however, as a manager, the World Series title eluded him. Until now!
With the Phillies clinging to a one run lead in the sixth inning, Houston’s Yordan Alvarez took to the plate. In a decision of chess, Phillies manager Rob Thomas took out his starter Zack Wheeler to set-up a match with left handed Jose Alvarado. With two on base and only one out, the at bat seemed to be a routine swing and a strike or base hit. Just as the anticipation of the full count built, Alvarado threw a fast ball straight down the plate and Alvarez sent the ball into orbit, scouring over the 40-foot center field wall into a patrons nachos. Talking about epic! Catcher Christian Vazquez followed up with an RBI single later in the inning to give the Astros the deciding 4-1 lead that would be enough behind the great pitching to clinch the World Series.
The crowd of 43,000 really saw an historic moment for the City of Houston, and the Astros organization. Dusty Baker, age 73 is the oldest active skipper in the game and only the third African American manager to take and win a World Series. For a career as a manager that spans over 25 years, starting with the San Francisco Giants in 1993, Dusty has skippered five different clubs to divisional and postseason berths. After the game on the World Series podium, Dusty was asked if he would return for the 2025 season, “I said if I win one, I want to win two,” Dusty Baker stated.
The Houston Astros swept their way through the divisional series and championship off of the strength of ace starters, led by 39-year old legend Justin Verlander and a dominant bullpen of young arms. As for much of the season, the starters routinely muscled into later innings with a lead, turning the game over to their arsenal of stingy pitchers. In game four of the series, the Astros pitching combined to stage a no-hitter, giving them momentum going into games five and six. As for the bats, the Astros line-up of sluggers didn’t disappoint with a different hero stepping up every night to secure a win. Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Pena was Mr. Automatic as he delivered every time Houston needed a run. Jeremy Pena would be named the 2022 World Series MVP. Deservingly so!
Go Astros!! Congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies Organization for a outstanding series and season~ Thank You
