Cody Bradford appeared almost calm as he strolled from the Rangers’ dugout to a stage in the middle of the infield on Saturday evening.
The 26-year-old left-hander was the first Rangers player to receive his World Series ring, just an hour before his start against the Cubs. As the presentation for the rest of the players and staff proceeded, Bradford returned to his pregame routine with catcher Jonah Heim.
Bradford, a graduate of Aledo (Texas) High School, about 34 miles west of Globe Life Field, grew up a Rangers fan, and the opportunity to contribute to the club’s first World Series was beyond his wildest dreams.
After getting his World Series rings, Bradford helped Texas repeat by earning the win in the Rangers’ 11-2 triumph against the Cubs at Globe Life Field.
“I tried to go through the normal routine today and kind of celebrate everything after the game,” he remarked. “It’s an honor to throw for my hometown team, especially on a weekend like this. … Last night, we had the ring revealed to us, and I experienced all of those emotions. Then today I was able to go about my business as usual.
Bradford surrendered two runs in five innings and struck out six Cubs players. His only error came in the second inning, when he hung a middle-middle fastball to Dansby Swanson, who swiftly blasted it over the left-field wall for a two-run shot, giving Chicago a brief lead.
