When the Texas Rangers recorded the last out of the 2023 season, a familiar feeling had to be felt by everyone in the Philadelphia Phillies' organization and those who root for them.
After coming up two games short of a World Series title in 2022, they fell short of getting back this season.
So, they had to sit at home and watch the Rangers and one of their former outfielders Travis Jankowski hoist the championship trophy that they're striving to win.
The Lancaster, PA native was part of the Phillies during the 2021 season where he appeared in 76 games after being called-up in June.
After recording a slash line of .252/.364/.351 with one home run and 10 RBI, he was outrighted to the minor leagues following the year and elected to hit free agency.
Jankowski played an unlikely hero role for Texas in this series.
When ALCS MVP Adolis Garcia went down with an oblique injury, the former Philadelphia outfielder had to take his place.
Until Game 4 when he filled in, Jankowski had only taken two at-bats in this postseason, getting one hit.
In his first World Series at-bat, he singled to center and scored one batter later after a Marcus Semien triple.
Jankowski finished the night going 2-4 with that single, a double and two RBI.
His performance at the plate and on defense helped the Rangers take a 3-1 lead in the series after their Game 4 victory and ultimately allowed them to close it out on Wednesday.
The former Phillie showed how valuable it is for championship caliber teams to have depth and players who can step up during crucial situations.
More must-reads: