Diamondback fans stunned after World Series loss at Chase Field

AZ Central
 
Diamondback fans stunned after World Series loss at Chase Field

The Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 World Series after five games on Wednesday. It is the Rangers' first World Series in team history.

After Game 4 on Tuesday, the Texas Rangers led the series 11-7, with the Diamondbacks trailing 3-1 in this best-of-seven series. The Rangers managed to outperform the Diamondbacks early on and maintained their momentum until late in the game when the Diamondbacks started to show improvement. However, their efforts fell short, and the Diamondbacks couldn't catch up.

Some fans brought a message to Game 5 in Phoenix

Susanne Distasso and Judith Coborn of the Phoenix Anti-war Coalition held a sign saying "ceasefire" at the corner of Jefferson and Randy Johnson Way at Game 5 of the World Series at Chase Field in Phoenix on Wednesday.

"A lot more messaging gets across this way — even if people just see this sign and momentarily think about something besides the game, we're happy," Judith said.

Yousef Isaac, of the Muslim American Society, handed out free water bottles at the corner of Jefferson and 2nd streets near Chase Field for Game 5 on Wednesday. The group wanted to make sure everyone stayed hydrated because it was hot outside, but they also hoped to raise awareness about the Palestinian genocide.

The message on the bottle stated: "We just want people to know where their tax dollars are going."

Eshaan Sarup

'I enjoy showing people the real heart'

Armando Gutierrez was outside the stadium taking World Series attendees on a ride in his handmade heart-shaped display that celebrated the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The display featured a large DBacks “A” logo and a Spanish cheer for a DBacks win.

“I love the Diamondbacks, that’s why I made this,” Gutierrez said.

He said he brought his creation to fans so they could also share his enjoyment of art.

“To me, I enjoy showing people the real heart, they can touch it and they can enjoy it. During the whole games I see on TV, it's all fake.”

“But this real,” Gutierrez said, putting his hand on his creation.

Gutierrez stayed outside the stadium as the game began, bringing smiles to the faces of fans entering the stadium.

“Today, we’re gonna hit against Texas, very easily! Then we’re gonna go to Texas to become champions. This heart will give them good energy!”

Michael Feathers is a live event artist attending the World Series at Chase Field, capturing the stadium’s north-side fans entering the packed venue.

Feathers delivered the artwork's finest details while seemingly unbothered by the masses of crowds passing by him.

“I just love painting in live events, anytime there's a lot of people gathered, it's something I enjoy doing, and it gives me a chance to participate in the event,” Feathers said.

He noted that creating art at live events carries an energy unlike any other.

“It exhausts me eventually, but I think the drawings are better when there's more going on around me,” he said.

Rey Covarrubias

Have the Rangers won a World Series before? MLB teams without a World Series title

The Texas Rangers are one of six MLB franchises to have never won a World Series championship. Here are all the teams to have never won a World Series:

  • Tampa Bay Rays (started play in 1998)
  • Colorado Rockies (1993)
  • Seattle Mariners (1977)
  • Texas Rangers (1972)
  • Milwaukee Brewers (1970)
  • San Diego Padres (1969)
  • USA Today

Who was seen at Chase Field during Game 5?

Big sporting events often bring out big names. Already at Game 5, a few locally known folks have been spotted.

A promo of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps shown by the pool at Chase Field generated a bit of buzz.

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone was also spotted in the stadium enjoying Game 5.

Michael Lacey, a former editor at New Times, who is currently on federal trial on prostitution charges for his running of Backpage, also was seen seated in the front row behind the Texas Rangers dugout. Lacey's case went to a jury Wednesday.

Michelle Cruz

Rangers fans also supported Rangers' last trips to the World Series in 2010 and 2011

The Medel family was originally from Texas, and mother and wife, Anna, said they previously supported their Ranger’s last trip to the World Series.

“I was born and raised here in Arizona, but I moved to Texas and we lived there for 25 years and my boys were born and raised there,” Anna Medel said.

“We went out to the World Series in 2010 and 2011 to support the Rangers, so we’re here again in 2023 to do the same, and hopefully we see them come out victoriously,” she said.

Rey Covarrubias

'It just brings back all these memories'

Terry and Tommy Pina waited for friends outside the gates to Chase Field on Wednesday and reflected on how much the DBacks World Series run meant to them.

“It makes me proud, I was here at the last World Series. It just brings back all these memories, and I know how exciting it is to support a winning team,” Terry Pina said.

Pina added, “I was never any kind of (baseball) fan before they came here, I can’t even tell you how long it’s been.”

“I just have a lot of confidence that they’re gonna do it today because of how well they started batting last night, I just know they’re gonna bring it into today,” Pina said.

Palmer Holmes carried a sign for Game 5 on Wednesday that read “My birthday wish is a DBacks win.”

“It’s really good to be here,” Holmes said when asked what it was like to spend his birthday at Chase Field for Game 5 of the World Series.

The birthday boy said Tommy Pham was his favorite player and that he expected the DBacks outfielder to hit a home run.

Rey Covarrubias

Here's what you can win with a $100 bet on the Diamondbacks to win

If any Diamondbacks fans are convinced the team will pull off a major upset, they can cash out by placing a wager while the team is still behind three games to one.

Sportsbooks with operations in Arizona place the Diamondbacks as a clear underdog, with odds in about the +800 to +850 range, depending on the sportsbook.

Positive odds mean that a bettor will receive more than their placed wager in winnings if their selected team wins. When a team has +800 odds, that means the books have determined the odds of that team winning are about 1 to 8.

If a person places a $100 bet on a wager with +800 odds, they will win $800 if their choice is successful.

Wilder upsets have happened, so bettors could have some hope. In 2004, the Boston Red Sox overcame a 3-0 deficit in the American League Championship Series and went on to win the World Series.

Corina Vanek

What to know about Chase Field’s bag policy 

If you’re planning to attend the World Flippin' Series in downtown Phoenix, you may be wondering what you can and cannot bring to Chase Field and what kinds of bags are allowed. 

Each fan may carry one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches or a clear plastic freezer bag no larger than one gallon. Clear bags may not have obscured interior pockets. 

Fans may also carry a clutch purse no larger than 6.5 inches by 4.5 inches. 

— Ed Masley

How to take the light rail to the World Series 

Are you looking to avoid massive traffic jams on your way to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers in the World Series at Chase Field in Phoenix this week? Riding the Valley Metro light rail may be your best bet. 

Nothing is more stressful than sitting in standstill traffic while in search of the perfect parking spot. Not to mention having to leave the afterparties early so you don't get too toasted to drive. 

Here's a guide to riding Valley Metro light rail to and from the World Series in Phoenix, including how to buy tickets and which stops are near Chase Field. 

— Meredith G. White

Street closures planned near Chase Field for Game 5 

Jackson Street from Third to Fourth streets will be closed through Wednesday during the World Series game in Phoenix, according to the Phoenix Police Department. There will also be a closure from where the train tracks cross on Fourth Street to Jefferson Street. 

Light rail: Getting around downtown traffic can be easier by taking the Valley Metro's light rail. A one-day pass for adults is $4. Those 17 and under or over 65 pay $2. Fare can be purchased through the Valley Metro's mobile app or at train stops. Train arrivals are every 15-20 minutes, with additional trains running during the game. 

From the airport: Traveling from Phoenix International Sky Harbor Airport to Chase Field can be done by taking the Sky Train from Terminal 3 or 4 to the 44th Street and Washington Street light rail station and then taking a westbound train to downtown and stopping at the field at Third and Washington streets. 

— Jose R. Gonzalez

Fifth Harmony singer to perform national anthem for Game 5 

Dinah Jane of Fifth Harmony will perform the national anthem before the Arizona Diamondbacks face the Texas Rangers in Game 5 of the 2023 World Series at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. 

Jane rose to fame in 2012 on the season of “The X Factor,” auditioned as a solo artist and later became a member of Fifth Harmony, who went on to become one of the biggest-selling girl groups of all time with total sales of more than 33 million. The group has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2018. 

— Ed Masley

Chase Field roof to be open for final home game of World Series 

The roof at Chase Field was scheduled to be open Wednesday for Game 5 of the World Series. 

The retractable roof, which is 9 million pounds, has been open for the other two games of the homestand.  

The game is scheduled to start at 5:03 p.m. 

— Shelby Slade

Phoenix officer injured on duty will throw first pitch for Game 5

The MLB announced that Phoenix police Officer Tyler Moldovan will throw out the first pitch of Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday.

Moldovan was seriously injured after being shot while on duty in 2021. He was on life support for a month.

— Shelby Slade

2023 World Series has had lowest viewership ever 

The TV ratings for Game 1 of the 2023 World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers, an absolute extra-innings thriller, was the lowest rated Game 1 since viewership records have been kept. 

 The ratings for Game 2 were the lowest ever for any World Series game, period. 

 The ratings for Game 3 were worse. 

— Bill Goodykoontz

Metro Phoenix weather to warm up slightly

Despite the recent colder-than-usual weather, the National Weather Service in Phoenix said residents and visitors can anticipate a gradual warming trend over the next few days. 

Daytime temperatures in metro Phoenix were forecast to reach the mid-80s on Wednesday, while nighttime temperatures will drop to the mid-50s. The National Weather Service mentioned that the weather will start to warm up from Thursday onward and continue into the weekend. 

While people may have noticed the past few days being particularly breezy, the weather service said that is expected to subside by Wednesday morning. 

— Alexandra Hardle

How to watch, listen to Game 5 in Phoenix  

Wednesday's Game 5 of the World Series will be played at 5:03 p.m. Arizona time. Pregame coverage begins at 4 p.m. The game will air on FOX in English. It can be seen in Spanish on FOX Deportes.  

The game can be streamed through streaming services that carry FOX, including FUBO TV (stream with free trial from FUBO).  

The game can be heard in English on ESPN Radio and on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM in Arizona. Univision Radio will carry Spanish-language coverage.