The Texas Rangers were welcomed to the White House on Thursday with a unique musical tribute that set the tone for their visit: a classical rendition of Creed’s “Higher” and the band’s iconic hit, “With Arms Wide Open.”
The 2023 World Series champions were in Washington, D.C., to celebrate their historic victory, and the choice of music held special significance for the team.
During last season’s playoff run, Creed’s music became an unofficial anthem for the Rangers, sparking a rallying cry that carried the team through the postseason.
The connection began when pitcher Andrew Heaney revealed that the team had started playing Creed’s songs before games in the second half of the season. What started as a pre-game ritual quickly turned into a viral sensation, with Creed’s music regaining a level of cultural relevance it hadn’t seen in years.
As the Rangers made their way into the East Room for the celebratory ceremony, the familiar notes of Creed’s music echoed through the halls, a fitting tribute to the soundtrack of their championship journey.
The team’s bond with the band was further solidified during their playoff run, as the Rangers not only celebrated their victories by singing along to Creed but also hosted the band for personal appearances at Globe Life Stadium.
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Given this deep connection, it was no surprise that Creed’s music played a prominent role in the Rangers’ White House visit. President Joe Biden, who presided over the ceremony, even acknowledged the band’s influence on the team in his remarks.
“You never, never gave up. You kept the faith, and like your favorite band Creed, you took each other higher and higher. You really did,” Biden said, drawing a parallel between the band’s uplifting lyrics and the Rangers’ unwavering belief in their ability to win.
The visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue came at a pivotal moment in the Rangers’ season, sandwiched between a series with their rivals, the Houston Astros, and an upcoming three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. Despite their tight schedule, the team made the most of their time in Washington, embracing the honor of being recognized at the White House.
As part of the ceremony, the Rangers presented President Biden with a customized team jersey emblazoned with his name on the back, as well as a pair of black cowboy boots, a nod to the team’s Texas roots. The gesture underscored the pride the Rangers felt in representing their home state on the national stage.
The White House celebration marked a crowning moment for the Rangers, who claimed their first-ever World Series title by defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in a decisive five-game series the previous fall.
The team’s journey to the championship was characterized by resilience, unity, and a shared belief that they could achieve greatness—qualities that were perfectly encapsulated by their connection to Creed’s music.
As the Rangers continue their season, the memory of their White House visit, accompanied by the soundtrack that powered them to victory, will undoubtedly remain a source of inspiration. For the team and its fans, the music of Creed will forever be linked to the moment they reached the pinnacle of baseball success.
