Photo: Unsplash
(Podcast length 4:17 mins)
What do you get when you combine Miles Teller, the invention of the high five and cheating scandals? The 2022 World Series. The Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros will take to the field for the 118th World Series starting Friday, October 28. Here's what you need to know.
1. Fans in Philly are amped for their team's first World Series appearance in 13 years. They set a 24-hour record for merchandise sales. Why the extra excitement? Well, the Phillies season looked like it was over in June when the team fired manager Joe Girardi, but first-time manager Rob Thomson took over and look where they are now. NEVER SAY NEVER
2. The Astros are undefeated throughout the playoffs, which landed them their fourth World Series appearance in the past six years. Leading the Astros is veteran manager Dusty Baker. Baker is not only a World Series-winning player but also half of the duo credited with inventing the high five in 1977 alongside his Dodgers teammate Glenn Burke. THE MORE YOU KNOW
3. It turns out famous people like sports too. Cheering on the Phillies is their biggest fan, actor Miles Teller, who has been front and center in all of the celebrations. Then there's singer Calum Scott who is ready to perform the Phillies’ rally song "Dancing On My Own" live. Not to be outdone, there's a campaign from fans for Taylor Swift to relieve her 2008 World Series appearance and sing the national anthem before a game. Don't forget about swimsuit model Kate Upton, who will cheer on her husband, Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander. MUSIC TO MY EARS
4. Due to their past cheating scandal, the Astros roll into the series as a foe to many. Here to help guard against cheating is PitchCom, a small device used by the catchers. The device helps to stop pitch stealing. It is an electronic device that allows catchers to press buttons to signal the pitch to a pitcher and select defenders through a headset (typically shortstop/centerfield). This device also speeds up the game as you don't have to wait for pitches to be called. FULL SPEED AHEAD
5. Throwing some facts out there. With the Astros’ 106 regular season wins taking on the 87-win Phillies, this World Series will have the second-largest win disparity of all time between Fall Classic opponents. The Yankees have the most World Series wins, and the Seattle Mariners are the only MLB team to never appear in the Fall Classic. PLACE YOUR BETS
PS: Steal a base, get a taco is back. When a player on either team records the first stolen base during the World Series, Taco Bell will give away a free Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco. Unlike previous years, you don't have to wait and can get your taco the same night, but you have to join the rewards program.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
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