How Did Jos? Leclerc Overcome Numerous Obstacles to Help the Texas Rangers Win Game 1 of the World Series?

Texas Rangers’ Jos?Leclerc has traveled a long way, leaving behind the struggles and bad times. From a sent back to the minor league to the World Series, this road was not easy. But with his determination and persistence, the player has flipped the pages of his life toward success. Not only that but with his performance, he has earned his team a great Game 1 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The World Series fight has already begun, and the Texas Rangers have progressed a step forward to their first trophy. Though a few of their players did well in snatching this win from the tough fight, Leclerc deserves a special mention. After watching his shining Game 1 performance, let’s revisit his harrowing journey.

Jos? Leclerc Did Not Let Setbacks in Rookie Year Deter Him from His Beloved Sport

The baseball world had never been a soothing place for this 29-year-old pitcher. Jos? Leclerc faced obstacle after obstacle, trying to make his way forward. Within a few weeks of his Major League debut in 2016, the Rangers sent him back to the minors. The reason was quite undeniable.

During his first 5 2/3 innings, he had allowed one run while striking out five. However, the problem, as stated, was his shaky command to the tune of eight walks. Even so, the pitcher didn?t lose hope to return to the MLB stage someday.

Talking about this incident, the current Rangers? catching instructor Bobby Wilson shared his experience. At the time, Wilson was part of the Rangers, and he met Leclerc at the airport as he was going back. The purpose was to encourage the young relief pitcher about his return. Recalling his handshake incident, Wilson said, ?He?s really been the same guy. It?s been mild-mannered ? not too high, not too low.? He praised the consistency of the 29-year-old Rangers player that he never gave up no matter what the situation was.

This determination eventually made things easier. He came back to the team. To be more precise, he came back again and again, surpassing all the difficulties.

Jos? Leclerc?s Glorious Rise Overcoming the Never-Ending Knockbacks

After the disappointing departure, Leclerc came back stronger. In 2018, he did an astounding job, pitching 18 innings and striking out 19, walking just six, and allowing no runs, earned or otherwise. The Rangers acknowledged his success by signing him for a $14 million contract for 2019-2022.

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Astonishingly, the hardships were still not done with him. While the 2019 season started well for Leclerc as the Rangers? closer, the pitcher again faced back-to-back blows. Against the D-backs, he miserably failed three hits, three earned runs, and a walk-off. However, he was still trying to maintain his closer role by walking off eight batters in the last six innings. But the pitcher got another massive blow to extend his ERA to 8.44. With this, he lost his position.

Leclerc’s later performances that year earned him the role of closer again, but unfortunately, 2020 brought a severe injury to his shoulder. He pitched only two games in the 2020 season. The next year, during Spring Training, an elbow injury brought on Tommy John surgery, which resulted in his missing the entire season. Finally, the pitcher returned to the mound in June 2022 at long last.

Throughout it all, he remained faithful to his abilities. ?When you believe in yourself, when you believe that something?s going to be good ? not every time, but most of the time ? good things are going to happen.? This positive attitude motivates him to come back after every failure.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy’s belief in Leclerc soon resulted in a noticeable advancement as his four-seam fastball speed gradually increased, from 94.2 mph to 96.6 mph within five months.?Within one year after his recovery, Jos? Leclerc led his team to the World Series fight.

Leclerc?s 2023 World Series Journey

Leclerc has been with the Rangers in every up and down. So, their postseason journey also has the relief pitcher?s considerable contribution. The 29-year-old? has been continuing with 1.14 WHIP and 3.65 ERA. Though he failed in a few ALCS games, his success rate was still impressive.

Presently, he is leading his team in the World Series and nailed it in Game 1. While Adolis Garc?a dominated against the opponent, Leclerc?s contribution can?t be denied. He retired six batters to earn the 6-5 victory against the Diamondbacks. He even, combined with other relievers of the team, pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings to wrap the opponent up.

One game win won?t decide anything for them as the trial is still on. But the Rangers relief pitcher is always with the team to show how to make a victorious return.

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