From a guaranteed first champion to record speed and the debut of the ABS Challenge system in the World Series, history could be made when the Rays take on the Brewers.
MILWAUKEE —
It has undoubtedly been an exciting MLB postseason. League giants such as the Los Angeles Dodgers were upset by the Milwaukee Brewers, while the Tampa Bay Rays clinched a World Series berth two years after their stadium’s roof was torn off.
>> Video above: Tropicana Field hosts game 1 and 2 viewing parties
We saw almost no hits and some incredible comebacks, including the Cleveland Guardians stunning the Chicago White Sox in Game 5 of the ALDS after falling behind 2-0 in the series.
Even though the fun is coming to an end in this year’s MLB season, there’s still plenty of time for a few more firsts.
Two teams, a first champion
For the first time since 1980, the World Series features two franchises that have never won a championship. This year’s winner will leave only four franchises without a title: the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Rays or Milwaukee Brewers.
The Rays had a chance against the Dodgers in 2020 during a shortened season with an expanded playoff field. It was a close race between the two, with the series ultimately being decided in game six as the Dodgers took home the trophy. For the Brewers, 1982 was the year magic reigned in Milwaukee. In their only World Series appearance, they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.
First pitch at 105 mph
It’s no secret that Jacob Misiorowski has the kind of arm that Henry Rowengartner would be proud of. In June, the Brewers ace threw a 105.5 mph pitch that Pete Crow-Armstrong fouled off. It is the third-fastest pitch in the Tracking Era and the fastest pitch recorded by a starting pitcher, quickly becoming one of the major titles in MLB.
The fastest pitch in World Series history was a fastball thrown 104.1 mph by Aroldis Chapman in Game 2 of the 2016 World Series for the Cubs. With Misiorowski set to start Game 1, he could become the first pitcher to hit 104 mph in the World Series.
First world series with robot referees
This year’s umpire crew may not be made of metal or wiring, but the automated ball-strike challenge system will make its World Series debut Friday. For the first time in World Series history, eligible players will be able to challenge a ball or strike call made at home plate with a simple headbutt.
The first World Series took place entirely indoors
The good news for baseball fans is that both stadiums used in this year’s World Series have roofs. The first game at American Family Field in Milwaukee will be played in a ballpark with a fully retractable roof, which can be closed due to cold weather. In St. Petersburg, a newly installed roof at Tropicana Field will protect fans from all that Florida weather has to offer.
If the roof remains closed in Milwaukee, this could become the first World Series played entirely indoors.
With two teams and a long World Series history on the line, there is something to look forward to for all fans.
Gn sports
