Rangers return to Texas after World Series win
ARLINGTON, Texas - The world champion Texas Rangers have returned to North Texas after a night of partying in Phoenix.
Texas posted a photo of manager Bruce Bochy on the plane with the Commissioner's Trophy right beside him.
A decent number of Rangers fans made their way to Dallas Love Field airport to greet the team, despite there not being a public welcome party.
Some fans weren't going to wait for the parade Friday to shower this team with love.
It was a heroes' welcome at Love Field, with fans on hand to see the Rangers for the first time as World Series champions.
"I just want them to know we all support them and are super proud," fan Laura Horn said.
The team didn't disappoint, emerging from the plane with the trophy held high.
As Rangers players and staff filtered out of the plane, they saluted the fans.
A mini-parade, of sorts, ahead of the real deal Friday in Arlington.
"I've lived here my whole life, so for the Rangers to win the championship, just my heart goes out to them," fan Betsy Perkins said.
"We've been watching the Rangers since I've been little," fan Bryleigh Lansdell said. "We were all crowding around the TV at home."
Fans are still basking in the glow of the franchise's first championship.
"I am emotional right now talking about it. We grew up going to games man, and to see it happen is just awesome," said Scott Murphy.
"Going to the watch party was a lot of fun. It still feels like we have a home victory, and I'm just so happy we're able to have the parade [Friday]," Horn said.
Texas Rangers' World Series parade to be held in Arlington on Friday
Thousands of Texas Rangers fans are celebrating a World Series title and will continue celebrating Friday with a parade for the championship team in Arlington.
The Rangers faced heartbreak in the 2011 World Series, but none of that matters after Wednesday night.
"Rangers fan through and through waited a long time to see this first championship, so I am excited," said Darrell Dewberry.
"I was going crazy, took a long time to get there," said Joy Wright.
But the parade will not mark the end of the celebrations, as there are 139 days until Opening Day 2024 and plenty of time for cheering and good-natured gloating on this victory lap.
"I thought this was going to be the Cowboys' year and I'm so grateful that the Rangers shoved it in Jerry's face," Perkins added.
RAW: Fans take over Downtown Dallas after Rangers win
A long line of fans shut down parts of Main Street in Downtown Dallas after the Texas Rangers won the World Series. Drivers honked their horns, waved flags, and shouted as fireworks went off in the background. The crowd remained mostly peaceful as they celebrated.
Main Street in Downtown Dallas was packed with fans celebrating after the game Wednesday night.
"Everybody was on Main Street, everybody had a good time. Everyone is stoked for the win because we had heartbreak in 2011, so here we are," said one of the fans.
As fans partied into the early morning, many didn't go home to rest. Instead, the stood in lines at stores to get new championship gear.
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"It was nothing more important than getting here, being ready for the parade," said a fan in line at Academy.
Some fans bought gear for family members and friends who didn't want to brave the long lines, but much of what people we talked to bought was to wear during the big celebration parade Friday.
"I'm excited! [Friday], the parade is going to be awesome," said Gabrielle Poirier.
Stay with FOX 4 for all of your parade coverage, and you can watch the parade on our website.