TORONTO, Ontario (WAOW) — The teams for the World Series are now officially set in place. The Los Angeles Dodgers already punched their ticket to the Fall Classic last Friday when they completed a sweep of the Brewers, and now they know who they’ll be playing. It all came down to Game 7 of the ALCS between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays, and a central Wisconsin native played a key role in the game.
Former Marshfield Tiger Daulton Varsho drove in the first run of the game for the Blue Jays on a base hit to center field in the first inning. In a game that the Blue Jays ended up winning by a score of 4-3, that run was crucial in bringing the Blue Jays to their first World Series in over 30 years.
It also marks a potentially historic event, as (according to Baseball Reference) no MLB player from the 9 News area has ever won a World Series ring. Several players from Wisconsin have become champions, but none from north central Wisconsin have been able to do so.
Players from Wisconsin to win a World Series include:
- Gavin Lux, Kenosha (2020 Dodgers, 2024 Dodgers)
- Eric Hinske, Menasha (2007 Red Sox, 2009 Yankees)
- Jarrod Washburn, Webster (2002 Angels)
- Damian Miller, West Salem (2001 Diamondbacks)
- Gene Brabender, Black Earth (1966 Orioles)
- Bob Uecker, Milwaukee (1964 Cardinals)
- Tony Kubek, Milwaukee (1958, 1961, 1962 Yankees)
- Ryne Duren, Cazenovia (1958 Yankees)
- John DeMerit, Port Washington (1957 Braves)
- Andy Pafko, Boyceville (1957 Braves)
- Hal Peck, Big Bend (1948 Indians)
- Ken Keltner, Milwaukee (1948 Indians)
- Morrie Arnovich, Superior (1940 Reds)
- Burleigh Grimes, Emerald (1931 Cardinals)
- Al Simmons, Milwaukee (1929, 1930 Athletics)
- Fred Thomas, Rice Lake (1918 Red Sox)
- Happy Felsch, Milwaukee (1917 White Sox)
- Billy Sullivan, Fort Atkinson (1906 White Sox)
- Roy Patterson, St. Croix Falls (1906 White Sox)
- Claude Elliott, Pardeeville (1905 Giants)
- Craig Counsell*, Whitefish Bay (1997 Marlins, 2001 Diamondbacks)
- Jarvis Brown*, Kenosha (1991 Twins)
*Was not born in Wisconsin, but attended school there
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