From a guaranteed first-time champion to record-breaking velocity and the World Series debut of the ABS Challenge System, history could be made when the Rays face 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 the roof of their stadium was ripped away.
>> Video above: Tropicana Field hosting Game 1, 2 watch parties
We’ve seen near no-hitters and 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.
While the fun is winding down in this year’s MLB season, there’s still enough time for a few more firsts.
Two teams, one first-time 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 either the 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 tight race between the two, with the series ultimately decided in Game 6 as the Dodgers took home the trophy. For the Brewers, 1982 was the year there was magic in Milwaukee. In their only World Series appearance, they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.
First 105 mph pitch
It’s no secret that Jacob Misiorowski has the kind of arm Henry Rowengartner would be proud of. In June, the Brewers’ ace threw a 105.5 mph pitch that Pete Crow-Armstrong fouled off. It tied for the third-fastest pitch of the pitch-tracking era and was the fastest recorded pitch by a starting pitcher, quickly becoming one of the top headlines in MLB.
The fastest pitch in World Series history was a 104.1 mph fastball thrown 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 reach 104 mph in the World Series.
First World Series with robot umpires
This year’s umpiring crew may not be made of metal and 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 tap of the head.
The first World Series played entirely indoors
The good news for baseball fans is that both stadiums being used in this year’s World Series have roofs. Game 1 at American Family Field in Milwaukee will be played at a ballpark with a fully retractable roof, which may be closed because of the chilly weather. In St. Petersburg, a newly installed roof at Tropicana Field will protect fans from everything 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 plenty of World Series history on the line, there is something for every fan to look forward to.