The Houston Astros are the 2022 World Series champions and rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña is the World Series MVP. Peña was named World Series MVP after going 2 for 4 in the Game 6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies (HOU 4, PHI 1) and 10 for 25 (.400) with a home run in the series. He played splendid defense at shortstop as well.
Peña is the third rookie to be named World Series MVP, joining Livan Hernandez with the 1997 Florida Marlins and Larry Sherry with the 1959 Los Angeles Dodgers, and the first rookie position player. Peña was also this year's ALCS MVP against the New York Yankees, remember. He is the ninth player to win Championship Series MVP and World Series MVP in the same year. The other eight:
- Corey Seager, 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers
- Madison Bumgarner, 2014 San Francisco Giants
- David Freese, 2011 St. Louis Cardinals
- Cole Hamels, 2008 Philadelphia Phillies
- Livan Hernandez, 1997 Florida Marlins
- Orel Hershiser, 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers
- Darrell Porter, 1982 St. Louis Cardinals
- Willie Stargell, 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates
In Game 6, Peña singled twice, including ahead of Yordan Alvarez's game-winning three-run home run. He socked the go-ahead solo home run as part of a three-hit effort in Game 5 as well. Peña had a hit in all six World Series games and finished the postseason with a seven-game hitting streak dating back to the ALCS. He is the first rookie with a hit in six consecutive World Series games.
"Man, where do I even start?" the 25-year-old shortstop said postgame Saturday. "It has a lot to do with my family, my upbringing. Shoutout to my teammates as well. They took me in since day one. They gave me the confidence to just go out and play my game and, yeah, shoutout to them, man. This is special."
The Astros of course entrusted Peña to replace Carlos Correa, himself a great postseason performer, and Peña made it look easy. He slugged 22 home runs during the regular season, sixth most among full-time shortstops, and posted a 4.8 WAR thanks to his stellar glovework.
Astros World Series gear now available
The Houston Astros have won their second World Series title ever. Now, you can celebrate with Astros 2022 World Series championship hats, shirts, hoodies, and more. See the entire collection here.
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