Wikipedia

2021 World Series

The2021 World Serieswas the championship series ofMajor League Baseball's (MLB)2021 season.The 117thWorld Serieswas abest-of-seven playoffbetween theNational League(NL) championAtlanta Bravesand theAmerican League(AL) championHouston Astros.The series began on October 26 and concluded on November 2.

2021 World Series
Team (Wins)Manager(s)Season
Atlanta Braves(4)Brian Snitker88–73 (.547), GA: 6½
Houston Astros(2)Dusty Baker95–67 (.586), GA: 5
DatesOctober 26 – November 2
VenueTruist Park(Atlanta)
Minute Maid Park(Houston)
MVPJorge Soler(Atlanta)
UmpiresTed Barrett,Dan Bellino,Chris Conroy,Tom Hallion(crew chief),Ron Kulpa,Alfonso Márquez,Mike Muchlinski[1]
Broadcast
TelevisionFox(United States – English)
Fox Deportes(United States – Spanish)
MLB International(International)
TV announcersJoe Buck,John Smoltz,Ken RosenthalandTom Verducci(Fox)
Adrian Garcia Marquez,Edgar Gonzalezand Carlos Álvarez (Fox Deportes)
Scott BraunandDan Plesac(MLB International)
RadioESPN(United States – English)
TUDN(United States – Spanish)
WCNN(ATL – English)
WAOS(ATL – Spanish)
KBME(HOU – English)
KLAT(HOU – Spanish)
Radio announcersDan Shulman,Jessica Mendoza,Eduardo PérezandBuster Olney(ESPN)
Jesús Acostas, Alberto Ferreiro, José Luis Napoles and Luis Eduardo Quiñones (TUDN)
Ben Ingram andJoe Simpson(WCNN)
Daniel Cantú and Emanuel Zamarrón (WAOS)
Robert FordandSteve Sparks(KBME)
Francisco RomeroandAlex Treviño(KLAT)
ALCSHouston AstrosbeatBoston Red Sox(4–2)
NLCSAtlanta BravesbeatLos Angeles Dodgers(4–2)
World Series program
TBD
←2020 World Series 2022→

The Braves won the series four games to two. It was their fourth World Series title in franchise history, their first since1995,and their second since the franchise's relocation to Atlanta in 1966, making this the first time they've won a second title in the same city.

The Braves advanced to the World Series after winning theNL Eastdivision title. Atlanta then defeated theMilwaukee Brewersin theNL Division Seriesand theLos Angeles Dodgersin theNL Championship Series.The Astros advanced to the World Series after winning theAL West.Houston then defeated theChicago White Soxin theAL Division Seriesand theBoston Red Soxin theAL Championship Series.

The Astros hadhome-field advantagedue to their superior regular-season record over that of the Braves. The series was played in a 2–3–2 format, with the Astros hosting Games 1, 2, and 6 (and 7 if it was necessary); and the Braves hosting Games 3, 4, and 5. The teams split the first two games, which were played atMinute Maid Parkin Houston, and the Braves won Games 3 and 4 atTruist Parkin Atlanta to take a 3–1 lead. The Astros won Game 5, returning the series to Houston. The Braves won Game 6 to win the World Series.Jorge Solerwas awarded theWorld Series Most Valuable Player Awardafterbatting.300 in the series withhome runsin three of the Braves victories, each time giving them a lead they would never surrender.

Background

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See also:2021 Major League Baseball postseason

The team with the better regular-seasonwinning percentage,theHouston Astros,hadhome field advantagein the series, thus hosting Games 1, 2, and 6 (and would have hosted Game 7 if needed).[2]

The Astros and Braves had previously met in the postseason five times, in theNational League Division Serieswhen the Astros competed in the National League.[3]Of those five series, the Braves won three (1997, 1999, and 2001) while the Astros won two (2004 and 2005).[3]The Astros and Braves played in theNational League Westfrom 1969 to 1993.

The teams' jerseys lacked a World Seriespatchfor the first time since 1997, though a patch was on theircaps.[4]

(Photo from 2024)
ManagersDusty Bakerof the Astros (left) andBrian Snitkerof the Braves

Atlanta Braves

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Main article:2021 Atlanta Braves season

TheAtlanta Braveswere managed byBrian Snitker,who joined the organization in 1977 and became their manager in 2016.[5]The Braves qualified for the postseason after winning theNational League Eastfor the fourth straight season.[6]They played four months with a winning percentage at.500 or below before finally surpassing.500 on August 6, the latest point in a season that an eventual league champion achieved a winning record.[7]In the best-of-fiveNational League Division Series,the third-seeded Braves defeated theMilwaukee Brewersin four games.[8]In the best-of-sevenNational League Championship Series(NLCS), the Braves defeated the defending World Series championLos Angeles Dodgersin six games.Left fielderEddie Rosariowas namedNLCS MVPafter hitting 14-for-25 (.560) with 3 home runs and 9 runs batted in in the series.[9]

This was the Braves' first World Series appearance since1999,tenth in franchise history, and sixth while in Atlanta.[10]The Braves entered the series with three prior World Series titles, one as the Atlanta Braves in1995and one while based in each of their previous cities of Boston (1914) and Milwaukee (1957).[10]

Houston Astros

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Main article:2021 Houston Astros season

Under second-year managerDusty Baker,theHouston Astrosqualified for the postseason as theAmerican League Westdivision winner, having finished atop the division for the fourth time in five seasons.[11]In the best-of-fiveAmerican League Division Series,the second-seeded Astros defeated theChicago White Soxin four games.[12]In the best-of-sevenAmerican League Championship Series(ALCS), the Astros defeated theBoston Red Soxin six games,[13]withdesignated hitterYordan ÁlvareznamedALCS MVPafter batting 12-for-23 (.522) in the series.[14]Starting pitcherLance McCullers Jr.,who missed the ALCS due to a forearm strain suffered during the ALDS, was omitted from Houston's World Series roster due to that injury.[15]

Baker became the ninth manager to win both American and National League pennants (having won the latter with theSan Francisco Giantsin 2002).[16]Baker's gap of 19 years between appearances in the World Series is surpassed only byBucky Harris,who managed in the1925and1947editions.[16]At 72 years and 4 months old, Baker became the second-oldest manager in World Series history, the oldest having beenJack McKeonof theFlorida Marlinsin2003,who was seven months older.[17]Astros'hitting coachTroy Snitkeris the son ofBrian Snitker,the Braves manager.[18]As a player, Baker was drafted by theAtlanta Bravesin 1967 and spent seven seasons there.

This was the Astros' third World Series appearance in five years, having appeared in2017and2019,and fourth overall, having also appeared in2005when they represented the National League.[10]Their only prior World Series title came in 2017.[10]

Summary

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Minute Maid Park(top) andTruist Park

Atlanta won the series, 4–2.

Game Date Score Location Time Attendance
1 October 26 Atlanta Braves– 6, Houston Astros – 2 Minute Maid Park 4:06 42,825
2 October 27 Atlanta Braves – 2,Houston Astros– 7 Minute Maid Park 3:11 42,833
3 October 29 Houston Astros – 0,Atlanta Braves– 2 Truist Park 3:24 42,898
4 October 30 Houston Astros – 2,Atlanta Braves– 3 Truist Park 3:45 43,125
5 October 31 Houston Astros– 9, Atlanta Braves – 5 Truist Park 4:00 43,122
6 November 2 Atlanta Braves– 7, Houston Astros – 0 Minute Maid Park 3:22 42,868

Game summaries

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Game 1

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A. J. Minterentered Game 1 in relief of the injuredCharlie Mortonand earned the win.
October 26, 2021 7:11pm (CDT) atMinute Maid ParkinHouston,Texas,73 °F (23 °C), roof closed
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Atlanta 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 12 1
Houston 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 8 1
WP:A. J. Minter(1–0)LP:Framber Valdez(0–1)
Home runs:
ATL:Jorge Soler(1),Adam Duvall(1)
HOU: None
Attendance:42,825
Boxscore

In pregame ceremonies, thenational anthemwas performed byKeke Palmer,[19]and theceremonial first pitchwas thrown out by former Astro andNational Baseball Hall of FameinducteeCraig Biggio.[20][21]

Framber Valdezstarted for Houston while former AstroCharlie Mortonstarted for Atlanta.Jorge Solerled off the World Series with ahome runto left field for a 1–0 Atlanta lead after the first three pitches; he became the first player ever to lead off aWorld Serieswith a home run.[22]A one-out single byOzzie Albiesfollowed by adoublefromAustin Rileygave the Braves a 2–0 lead. In the bottom of the first, the Astros had thebases loadedwith two outs following a single and two walks, but Morton gotKyle Tuckerto ground out, ending the threat. Atlanta added a run in the top of the second on two singles, a fly out, and afielder's choice,making it 3–0.Freddie Freemanthen singled and Albies beat out an infield grounder, loading the bases with two outs, but Valdez struck out Riley to end the inning. In the top of the third,Eddie Rosariosingled, followed by a two-run home run fromAdam Duvall,making it 5–0 Braves and driving Valdez from the game after 52 pitches.[23]

Morton left in the bottom of the third inning with an injury; X-rays later revealed afibular fracturein his right leg, causing him to miss the remainder of the series.[24]The injury stemmed from acomebackeroff the bat ofYuli Gurrielin the bottom of the second. It was unclear when Morton's leg was fractured; Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters that X-rays taken in between innings revealed nothing wrong with Morton, though he said Morton's leg was "stressed." Morton threw 16 pitches following the injury, retiring the next three batters he faced and striking out two.[25]

A. J. Minterwas brought into the game;Michael Brantleyhit a one-out double to right, but Minter retired the next two batters to end the inning. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Tucker hit a one-out double, advanced to third when Gurriel singled with one out, and scored on a fielder's choice, making it 5–1. In the top of the eighth, after three scoreless innings,Dansby Swansonwalked, advanced to third on a single by Soler, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Freeman, extending Atlanta's lead to 6–1. In the bottom of the inning,Yordan Álvarezhit a lead-off triple and then scored on a groundout byCarlos Correa,making the score 6–2. In the bottom of the ninth, AtlantacloserWill Smithallowed only one walk, toAledmys Díaz,as the Braves took a 1–0 lead in the series,[26]their first World Series win since Game 2 in1996.

Game 2

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José Altuvehit the Astros' first home run of the series in Game 2.
October 27, 2021 7:09pm (CDT) atMinute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, 73 °F (23 °C), clear
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Atlanta 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 7 2
Houston 1 4 0 0 0 1 1 0 X 7 9 0
WP:José Urquidy(1–0)LP:Max Fried(0–1)
Home runs:
ATL:Travis d'Arnaud(1)
HOU:José Altuve(1)
Attendance:42,833
Boxscore

Before the game, Atlanta addedTucker Davidsonto their roster in replacement of the injuredCharlie Morton.[27]Giavanni Walker, apetty officer first classin theUnited States Navy,sang the national anthem, and Hall of FamerJeff Bagwellthrew the ceremonial first pitch.[21]

Max Friedstarted for Atlanta whileJosé Urquidystarted for Houston.[28]In the bottom of the first inning,José Altuvedoubled, advanced to third on a flyout byMichael Brantley,and scored on asacrifice flybyAlex Bregman,giving Houston a 1–0 lead. In the top of the second, Atlanta tied the game, 1–1, via a solo home run to left field byTravis d'Arnaud,coming on a full count with two outs. In the bottom of the second, the Astros hit three consecutive one-out singles, retaking the lead, 2–1. With runners on first and second,Martín Maldonadodelivered a base hit to the outfield, driving in another run. Braves left fielderEddie Rosariotried to throw outJosé Siriadvancing from first to third, but no Braves player was on the base resulting in anerrorand allowing Siri to score and making it 4–1. After Altuve lined out, Brantley singled to make it 5–1. In total, the Astros collected four runs on five singles,[29]tying their club record for most hits in an inning in the World Series.[30]

With two outs in the top of the fifth inning,Freddie Freemandelivered an RBI single to left, scoring d'Arnaud and cutting the Astros' lead to 5–2. Houston extended their lead to 6–2 in the sixth on afielder's choicethat scoredYordan Álvarez.The final run came in the bottom of the seventh inning, as Altuve homered on the first pitch byDrew Smyly,making it 7–2.[31]It was the 22nd home run of Altuve's postseason career, tying him withBernie Williamsfor the second-most all-time.[32][a]This was the first victory by the home team in a World Series since2018.[b]

Game 3

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Ian Andersonthrew fiveno-hitinnings as Atlanta's starting pitcher in Game 3.
October 29, 2021 8:12pm (EDT) atTruist ParkinAtlanta,Georgia,49 °F (9 °C), drizzle
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Houston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Atlanta 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 X 2 6 1
WP:Ian Anderson(1–0)LP:Luis García(0–1)Sv:Will Smith(1)
Home runs:
HOU: None
ATL:Travis d'Arnaud(2)
Attendance:42,898
Boxscore

In pregame ceremonies, theceremonial first pitchwas thrown out by Hank Aaron Jr.,[33]ashis fatherwas honored before the game;[34]the national anthem was performed byZac Brown.[35]This was the first World Series game ever played atTruist Park,[c]and the first played in Atlanta since1999.Ian Andersonstarted for Atlanta whileLuis Garcíastarted for Houston, marking the first time two rookie pitchers started against each other in a World Series sinceJustin VerlanderandAnthony Reyesopened Game 1 in2006.[36]

After two and a half scoreless innings, the Braves scored on an RBI double byAustin Rileythat drove inEddie Rosarioin the bottom of the third inning. García was relieved after3+2⁄3innings, having allowed one run on three hits while striking out six batters. Anderson allowed no hits, three walks, and onehit batsmanwhile striking out four in five innings.[37]The Astros remained hitless through seven innings, asA. J. MinterandLuke Jacksondid not allow a hit in the sixth or seventh, respectively.Tyler Matzekstarted the eighth for the Braves and allowed a bloop single toAledmys Díaz,who was replaced byJosé Sirias a pinch-runner. With two outs, Siristolesecond and advanced to third on a throwingerrorbyTravis d'Arnaud,but was left on base asMichael Brantleypopped out. In the bottom of the eighth, d'Arnaud hit a solo home run to extend Atlanta's lead to 2–0. That home run was the first time home runs were hit in back-to-back games by the same player sinceRyan Kleskodid so in the1995 World Series.d'Arnaud became the first catcher to do this sinceRoy Campanelladid so for the Dodgers in the1955 World Series.Will Smith,Atlanta'scloser,pitched in the top of the ninth inning. He allowed a leadoff single toAlex Bregman,then retired the next three batters, giving Atlanta a 2–1 lead in the series.[38]The seven-inningno-hitbid by the Atlanta pitching staff was the longest in a World Series game sinceJim Lonborgof theBoston Red Soxwent7+2⁄3innings before allowing a hit in Game 2 of the1967 World Series.[39][40]This was the first shutout in the World Series sinceGame 3of the2016 World Series.

Game 4

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Jorge Soler'spinch-hithome run was the deciding run of Game 4.
October 30, 2021 8:11pm (EDT) atTruist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, 53 °F (12 °C), cloudy
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Houston 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 0
Atlanta 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 X 3 8 1
WP:Tyler Matzek(1–0)LP:Cristian Javier(0–1)Sv:Will Smith(2)
Home runs:
HOU:José Altuve(2)
ATL:Dansby Swanson(1),Jorge Soler(2)
Attendance:43,125
Boxscore

Prior to the game, the Astros replaced backup catcherJason Castroon their roster withGarrett Stubbs,due to COVID-19 protocols.[41]Theceremonial first pitchwas thrown out by cancer survivor Elizabeth O’Connor,[42]and the national anthem was performed byJordan Fisher.[35]Zack Greinkestarted for Houston, whileDylan Leeacted as anopenerfor Atlanta in his first MLB start.[43][44]Greinke was placed eighth in Houston'sbatting order,the first starting pitcher in a World Series game not to bat ninth sinceBabe Ruthin Game 4 of the1918 World Series.[45]

In the top of the first, Lee allowed a hit toJosé Altuvewhile issuing two walks and recording one strikeout, then was relieved byKyle Wright.[46]Altuve scored on a ground out byCarlos Correato give the Astros an early 1–0 lead. Altuve hit a solo home run in the top of the fourth to extend Houston's lead to 2–0. Greinke exited after four innings, having allowed no runs on four hits while striking out three and walking none.[47]In the bottom of the sixth, Atlanta had runners at first and second with one out, via a double and a walk. Houston relieverPhil Matonentered, struck outOzzie Albies,and allowed a hit toAustin Rileythat scored a run, cutting the lead to 2–1. After anintentional walktoJoc Pedersonthatloaded the baseswith two outs, Maton struck outTravis d'Arnaudto end the rally. Back-to-back solo home runs byDansby SwansonandJorge Soleroff ofCristian Javierwith one out in the bottom of the seventh put Atlanta ahead, 3–2.[48]After a scoreless eighth inning, AtlantacloserWill Smithentered to pitch the top of the ninth. He retired the side for his secondsavein two days, as Atlanta took a 3–1 lead in the series.[49]

Game 5

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Martín Maldonadohad threeruns batted induring Game 5.
October 31, 2021 8:15pm (EDT) atTruist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, 52 °F (11 °C), partly cloudy
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Houston 0 2 2 0 3 0 1 1 0 9 12 0
Atlanta 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 8 1
WP:José Urquidy(2–0)LP:A. J. Minter(1–1)
Home runs:
HOU: None
ATL:Adam Duvall(2),Freddie Freeman(1)
Attendance:43,122
Boxscore

Hall of Fame inducteeGreg Madduxthrew out theceremonial first pitch,andLauren Alainaperformed the national anthem.[35]Framber Valdezstarted for Houston, whileTucker Davidsonstarted for Atlanta; Davidson had not played in an MLB game since June 15, 2021.[50]

Adam Duvallhit agrand slamfor Atlanta with two outs in the bottom of the first inning, the first grand slam in the first inning of a World Series game since1960.[51]The Astros scored two runs in the second inning, with an RBI double byAlex Bregmanand asacrifice flybyMartín Maldonado.Houston scored twice more in the top of the third, coming on anerror,walk,double, and ground out, to make it a 4–4 tie game. A solo home run byFreddie Freemanin the bottom of the inning put the Braves back ahead, 5–4. Both managers brought inrelief pitchersduring the third inning. The Astros tied the game at 5–5 in the fifth inning when Maldonado drew a walk with the bases loaded, and then scored two more runs on a single byMarwin Gonzálezto take a 7–5 lead. The Astros added a run in the seventh on an RBI single by Maldonado, and a run in the eighth on an RBI single byCarlos Correa,making it 9–5.Kendall Gravemanpitched the final two innings for Houston, holding the four-run lead as the Astros avoided elimination and sent the series back to Houston.[52]

Zack Greinkesingled for Houston in the fourth inning as apinch hitter,becoming the first pitcher with a pinch hit in a World Series game sinceJack Bentleyof theNew York Giantsin1923.[53]Game 5 of the 2021 World Series marked the last game to date in which thedesignated hitterrule was not used. Starting in2022,the National League added the DH permanently.[54]This makes Greinke the last pitcher to date to get a hit in the postseason (pitchers such asShohei Ohtanihave since gotten hits in the regular season). Additionally, Freeman's home run in this game is the furthest-hit home run in the World Series since the beginning of distance tracking in 2015, at 460 feet.[55]

Game 6

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Max Friedpitched six scoreless innings in Game 6 and earned the win.
November 2, 2021 7:10pm (CDT) atMinute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, 72 °F (22 °C), partly cloudy
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Atlanta 0 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 0 7 7 1
Houston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
WP:Max Fried(1–1)LP:Luis García(0–2)
Home runs:
ATL:Jorge Soler(3),Dansby Swanson(2),Freddie Freeman(2)
HOU: None
Attendance:42,868
Boxscore

A "Rally Nun"[d]threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and country music artistCarly Pearcesang the national anthem.[58]Before the game,Johan CamargoreplacedEhire Adrianzaon the Braves' roster as Adrianza was placed on the paternity list.[59]Luis Garcíastarted for Houston andMax Friedstarted for Atlanta. The Braves took a 3–0 lead in the top of the third inning on a single andwalkfollowed by a towering two-out home run byJorge Solerthat leftMinute Maid Parkover the raised train tracks in left field.[60]Garcia exited after Soler's home run, having pitched2+2⁄3innings while striking out three batters. In the top of the fifth, a two-run home run byDansby Swansonfollowed by a walk then a two-out double byFreddie Freemanextended Atlanta's lead to 6–0. In the top of the seventh, Freeman hit a solo home run with two outs to make it 7–0.Tyler Matzekentered in relief in the bottom of the seventh; Fried allowed no runs on four hits while striking out six batters and walking none in six innings. AtlantacloserWill Smithwas brought in to pitch the bottom of the ninth. He allowed a leadoff single toMichael Brantleyand retired the next three batters, the last out being aYuli Gurrielinfield grounder fielded by Swanson, who threw to Freeman, giving the Braves the title.[61]With this final inning,Will Smithfinished off a postseason in which he closed 11 of 16 Braves games while allowing no runs.Jorge Solerwon theWorld Series Most Valuable Player Award.[62]

With the World Series victory,Joc Pedersonbecame a back-to-back World Series winner on two different teams, joiningJack Morris,Ryan Theriot,Jake PeavyandBen Zobristas the only players to have accomplished that feat.[63]Pederson had become a fan-favorite throughout his three-month stay in Atlanta, particularly for his preference to wear pearls.[64]

Series statistics

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2021 World Series (4–2):Atlanta BravesbeatHouston Astros.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Atlanta Braves 6 2 7 0 4 1 3 2 0 25 48 7
Houston Astros 2 6 2 2 3 1 2 2 0 20 45 1
Home runs:
ATL:Jorge Soler(3),Travis d'Arnaud(2),Adam Duvall(2),Freddie Freeman(2),Dansby Swanson(2)
HOU:José Altuve(2)
Total attendance:257,671Average attendance:42,945
Winning player's share:$397,331Losing player's share:$258,373

Broadcasting

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John Smoltz,color analystforFox

Television

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For the 22nd straight year, the World Series was televised in the United States byFox(including the local affiliatesWAGA-TVin Atlanta andKTTVin Los Angeles).Joe Buckcalled the games as aplay-by-playannouncer, along with Hall of Famer and former Braves pitcherJohn Smoltzascolor analystandKen RosenthalandTom Verducciasfield reporters.[65]Kevin Burkhardthosted the pregame and postgame shows, joined by analystsFrank Thomas,Alex Rodriguez,David Ortiz,andDontrelle Willis.[65]Game 6 was the final Major League Baseball game that Buck called on Fox and one of the final major sporting events he called on the network (his final broadcast on Fox was the 2021 NFC Championship Game).

MLB Internationalfed the series to broadcasters outside the United States, withScott Braunproviding play-by-play andDan Plesacas color commentator.[66]The MLB International feed was produced byMLB Network.[67]

Ratings

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Further information:World Series television ratings
Game Ratings
(households) 		Share
(households) 		U.S. audience
(in millions) 		Ref
1 6.1 11.08 [68]
2 5.8 10.54 [69]
3 6.1 11.47 [70]
4 5.65 10.78 [71]
5 7.4 13.82 [71]
6 7.9 14.14 [71]

Figures are per cited sourcing and subject to revision.

Television ratings for the 2021 World Series were 20% higher than the 2020 World Series in the shortened season.[72]It also averaged a higher rating than the NBA Finals for the second straight year.[73]However, ratings for the 2021 World Series were still below where they had been pre-COVID. Game 6 drew a 33.5 rating and 54% share in the Atlanta market, the highest since Game 4 of the 1999 World Series. It drew a 25.6 rating and a 47% share in the Houston market.[74]

Radio

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For the 24th consecutive year,ESPN Radioaired the series in the United States, led byDan Shulmanon play-by-play withJessica MendozaandEduardo Pérezas color analysts; Kevin Winter hosted the pregame coverage with analystChris Singletonand reportersBuster OlneyandMarly Rivera,while Olney provided in-game reports and conducted postgame interviews.[75][76]

This was the first World Series to be broadcast onTUDN Radio,which had acquired national rights to Spanish-language MLB radio broadcasts in early October.[77]TUDN Radio commentators included Jose Napoles, Jesus Acosta, Alberto Ferreiro, and Luis Quiñones.[78]

The flagship radio stations for both teams also produced local broadcasts of each game. In Atlanta,WCNNandWAOSbroadcast in English and Spanish respectively,KBME(in English) andKLAT(in Spanish) aired the games in the Houston market. Outside of those stations, MLB rules dictated that team-affiliated stations carry the ESPN Radio broadcasts of the games.[79]

Aftermath

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Astros

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Following the conclusion of the season, the Astros lost five players tofree agency:Carlos Correato theMinnesota Twins,Zack Greinketo theKansas City Royals,Marwin Gonzálezto theNew York Yankees,Kendall Gravemanto theChicago White Sox,andBrooks Raleyto theTampa Bay Rays.[80]Justin Verlanderwas the lone free agent to re-sign with the Astros, returning on a two-year deal with a player option in the second year after missing all of the 2021 season.[81]

On August 2, 2022, the Astros traded starterJake Odorizzifor Braves relieverWill Smith.Smith was the pitcher who recorded the last out of the World Series, making him the first pitcher ever to be traded the following season to the opposing team that he recorded the last out against.[82][83]

The Astros repeated asAmerican League Westchampions in 2022, their sixth consecutive postseason appearance and fifth division title in six seasons. They swept theSeattle Marinersin theDivision Seriesand theNew York Yankeesin theChampionship Seriesto return to and win theWorld Seriesby beating thePhiladelphia Philliesin six games.[84]

Braves

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The much maligned Braves bullpen turned out to be the team's biggest strength during their World Series run. The bullpen was dominant throughout the postseason with the late-inning combination ofWill Smith,Tyler Matzek,Luke Jackson,andA.J. Minterleading the way. Closer Will Smith struggled at times during the regular season having posted a 3.44 ERA, particularly with a 5.40 ERA during the dog days of a closeNL Eastdivision race in August. Those struggles however disappeared for Smith in the postseason as the veteran reliever worked 11 consecutive scoreless innings in October allowing only five hits, three walks, and eight strikeouts with six saves.[85]As it turned out, 2021 would be the last full season the bullpen was together as Smith was traded to Houston at the 2022 trade deadline, Jackson suffered an elbow injury in April 2022, and Matzek had a similar injury before the start of the 2022 postseason in October. The media came up with the nickname 'The Night Shift'for the bullpen, but Luke Jackson later stated he was the one that came up with the name.[86]

The Braves celebrated their championship with a parade on November 5, with fitting nods toHenry "Hank" Aaron,the franchise legend who died in January at the age of 86. On their parade route, the Braves stopped throughGeorgia State University'sCenter Parc Stadiumcomplex including the landing spot of Aaron's 715th home run whereAtlanta-Fulton County Stadiumused to stand. Once the parade reachedCumberlandandTruist Park,the crowd was addressed by Henry's widow, Billye Aaron, in a fitting tribute to the slugger.[87]The Braves honored Hank Aaron during the 2021 season by including his jersey number 44 on the back of the team caps, along withPhil Niekro's jersey number, 35, who died one month earlier in December 2020. They also painted 44 in the midfield at Truist Park. Aaron was also honored in the design of the team's World Series championship ring, which includes 755 total diamonds to commemorate Aaron's career home runs, and 44 emerald-cut diamonds to represent Aaron's jersey number with the Braves.[88]

Media

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This wasJoe Buck's last World Series, which ended a 23-year run (1996–2021), the longest run of any play-by-play announcer on network television calling the World Series. Buck and his NFL broadcast partnerTroy Aikmansigned a lucrative multi-year deal withESPN,which saw them become the new lead broadcast team ofMonday Night Footballbeginning in the2022 NFL season.[89]FOXwould promote number two play-by-play baseball announcerJoe Davisto replace Buck's spot for the regular season,All-Star,and postseason games.

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^Manny Ramirezhit 29 postseason home runs.[32]
  2. ^All seven games of the2019 World Serieswere won by the away team, while the2020 World Serieswas played at a neutral site.
  3. ^Truist Park opened in 2017.
  4. ^The "Rally Nuns" are members of theDominican Sistersof Mary Immaculate Province,[56]based in Houston.[57]

References

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  1. ^"Umpires for the 2021 World Series announced"(Press release).New York:MLB Advanced Media,L.P. October 25, 2021.RetrievedNovember 15,2021.
  2. ^Kelly, Matt (October 13, 2021)."Who gets home field in the World Series?".New York:MLB Advanced Media,L.P.RetrievedOctober 13,2021.
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