Mike Napoli would have been the 2011 World Series MVP if the Rangers would have won. The Rangers did not win. Mike Napoli was brilliant that series. The “NAP-O-LI” chants across the ballpark were epic. It was truly a great year in Rangers history.
Now two players from the 2011 World Series team have retired. Mike Napoli announced today his retirement from profession baseball. 
Mike Napoli began his career with the Angels and as a catcher. He joined the Rangers and as mentioned was part of the 2011 World Series team. He then went on to win a World Series with the Red Sox and going to another one with the Indians. The 2011 season with the Rangers was the best season in his career. Napoli batted .320 and hit 30 home runs. He was primarily a catcher with the Rangers, and later he moved to first base.
Some of my personal favorite memories of Napoli would have to be being in the ballpark chanting his name. The atmosphere was electric when he was at the plate. I also remember an “incident” when he lost a bet to FoxSports Southwest reporter Emily Jones where he had to walk up to the song “Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain. I was at then game, and it was great.
You can read Naopli’s statement above, and I am sure you have fond memories of his time in Texas as well. The 2011 World Series team is getting old. It should be about time for another World Series run, but not quite yet. Fans are left to wonder who will be the next Mike Naopli or Adrian Beltre. I hope we do see more with the kind of talent that those gentlemen had with the Rangers. I hope it is sooner rather than later.
