“I was the cheerleader today” - When Trea Turner expressed gratitude after winning World Series with Nationals in 2019
Trea Turner and the Washington Nationals had a magical season in 2019. They took down the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and St. Louis Cardinals in the postseason to make it to the World Series.
Washington would then be matched up with the Houston Astros, which was an exciting series. It was a back-and-forth event, but the Nats came out on top taking down Houston 4-3.
After their series victory, Turner did not have much time to soak it in before getting interviewed on the field. During the interview, he spoke about the team's mentality during the postseason.
"We got a bunch of guys that just don't quit and they compete and it doesn't matter the situation, it doesn't matter good or bad or indifferent. We're just going to go out there and give it our all," said Turner.
Turner explained that much of the team's success came from how many of the players carried themselves. They did not let the situation get the better of them. They kept their heads down and fought no matter what.
"I was the cheerleader tonight but I will gladly cheerlead these guys on and you know, be a part of this special team. I think it's everything we talked and dreamed and wanted and we're going to enjoy the heck out of it," said Turner.
The interview then shifted to Turner's impact, especially during that final game. The slugger went 0-for-4, but his teammates picked up the slack during a pivotal Game 7.
Trea Turner still searching for his second World Series title following the Nationals' success in 2019
Trea Turner would spend two more seasons with the Nationals before he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was part of the trade that sent Jodish Gray, Keibert Ruiz, Gerardo Carrillo, and Donovan Casey to Washington.
He made the postseason twice in his two seasons in LA but they failed to make it to the World Series. He then signed an 11-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies ahead of the 2023 season.
During his time in Philadelphia, Turner has again been to the postseason twice, with not much to show for it. This year, they won the National League East but were taken out by the New York Mets in the NLDS.
All eyes will be on this club next season. Their championship window is wide open, and their star players are not getting any younger.