Just over 50 years ago, the Washington Senators moved to Arlington, Texas, and became the Texas Rangers.

On Thursday afternoon, the Rangers made a return visit to the nation’s capital to celebrate their first-ever World Series championship—a momentous achievement after spending 10 years in Washington and 52 years in Texas.

General Manager Chris Young, Manager Bruce Bochy, and members of the 2023 Rangers team, including players, coaches, and staff, flew to Washington on Wednesday evening to mark the occasion with President Joe Biden.

“Dallas-Fort Worth and the entire Metroplex are known for their championship wins, and I’ve noticed that,” Biden remarked, referencing the victories of the Cowboys, Mavericks, and Stars. “From football to basketball to hockey, there were many who doubted baseball would ever join that list. Well, to paraphrase Corey Seager, ‘I guess we do know.’”

The Rangers had the opportunity to tour the White House, with the Commissioner’s Trophy in tow for photos afterward. During the ceremony in the East Room, President Biden commended World Series MVP Corey Seager, ALCS MVP Adolis García, and postseason pitching standout Nathan Eovaldi for their outstanding performances throughout the playoffs.

Biden also highlighted the Rangers’ dramatic journey, noting how they missed out on the AL West title on the final day of the regular season, which led to a challenging cross-country flight and a lack of home-field advantage during the postseason.

“From struggling to make the playoffs to finally clinching your first championship, you embody a word that comes to mind: resilience,” Biden remarked. “You are an incredibly resilient team. You never gave up. You kept the faith. Like your favorite band Creed, you continually lifted each other up.”

The visit kicked off with a nod to the team’s postseason mantra, as a classical rendition of “Higher” played while they entered the White House.

At the end of the ceremony, Bochy presented Biden with a gold-trimmed Rangers jersey with the No. 46 sewn on the back, and a pair of custom Texas Rangers cowboy boots.

“The opportunity to be honored here at the White House by the President of the United States is the continuation of what has been the most successful and historic season in the history of the Texas Rangers baseball club,” Young said to close out the day.

“The character of this team and the resilience they demonstrated will forever define the 2023 Texas Rangers. These players made history and forever changed the perception of our franchise.”

This is the fourth time that Bochy has visited the White House as the defending World Series champion manager following trips with the San Francisco Giants in 2011, 2013 and 2015, all with former President Barack Obama.