World Series Champions Los Angeles Dodgers
Reaching the mountaintop, savoring a monumental season, and knowing no team is better, the Dodgers celebrated winning their eighth World Series championship in franchise history Friday by holding a parade and rally.
And, oh my, were they ever memorable.
An estimated two million fans lined the streets for the parade through Los Angeles, as players, families, staff and front office personnel rode atop eight buses along the route, and another 40,000 later turned out for the excitement inside Dodger Stadium. Rapper Ice Cube, like he did ahead of Game 2 of the Series, performed, turning up the heat and getting the party started.
The Dodgers waited 36 years, since 1988, to host a parade after a crowning achievement. Los Angeles won it in 2020, but as result of COVID-19 all celebratory efforts for the team had to be shelved and put on hold for another year.
Well, that day came on Friday, and the team rejoiced and let loose with fans throughout the morning into the late afternoon.
It’s life changing, as players wearing the Dodger uniform will forever remember what it means to be World Series champions. It’s something that no one can ever take away.
Dodger ownership, players and management talked to Spectrum Sportsnet LA about the challenge of taking down the mighty New York Yankees in dramatic fashion in Game 5, trailing by five runs early, only to tie it, go ahead and eventually win 7-6 to ultimately bring home the Commissioner’s Trophy, winning the best-of-seven game series four games to one.
Destined for the Hall of Fame, now with three World Series titles, including two with the Dodgers and one with the Boston Red Sox, Dodger Manager Dave Roberts, stressed the importance of the city needing a parade. “It’s one thing to celebrate with your coaches, the organization, the players, but I’m telling you, the game is about the players and the fans. And in 2020, we just didn’t have that opportunity. Everyone was wearing masks. This right now, it really puts a bow on the season where there was some unfinished business in 2020.”
The skipper concluded: “We got our parade!”
During the celebration in center field, players expressed their excitement, many overwhelmed by the energy and outpouring of support, grateful for the large turnout, thanking those on hand for helping make it a magical season.
A tearful Clayton Kerhaw, who has had plenty of ups and down over the years in a Dodger uniform, was moved by the number of people who turned out for the parade and rally. “We’ve got a great group. This was the coolest thing I’ve ever been a part of. I’m just so thankful to every single fan that came out. So thankful how well they’ve treated me and my family for all these years.”
Kershaw, injured much of the season but intends on coming back in 2025 to pitch, didn’t play in the postseason, yet has been a major part of the club’s success and was heartfelt with his remarks.
“I mean, we’ve been through it, you know, we’ve been through some stuff, so to be able to see them as happy as they were, being able to celebrate with us. It means the world to me. It really does.”
The word “love” is what carried the Dodgers across the finish line as described by outfield superstar Mookie Betts, struck by the huge number of supporters along the parade route. “It’s super special,” he said. “You could feel it. There was so much love.”
Relief pitcher Alex Vesia, called the parade “unbelievable,” noting, “This was by far he best experience I have ever had. In the baseball world there is nothing like sitting there, driving by and everybody cheering. The support we get from Dodger Nation is unbelievable. The pain, blood, sweat, tears is all worth it for this moment here.”
Kike Hernandez, who fills many roles in the Dodgers lineup, asked: “Who has more championships than us in the 2020s? Absolutely nobody. Absolutely nobody.”
Tommy Edman, a versatile veteran playing the outfield and infield and NLCS MVP who was traded from St. Louis to the Dodgers at the All-Star break in July, said he “always admired the group of guys we have here. Winning a World Series with this team, I’m just so grateful to be here. To have the whole city out here supporting us, it’s just been incredible. There’s nothing better in the world.”
Outfielder Teoscar Hernåndez, a fan favorite, said during the parade, “It has been a hell of a year to be part of this.”
Teammate Gavin Lux, the Dodgers second baseman, added: “These are the best fans in baseball. This is better than I thought it was going to be. This is amazing.”
First baseman Freddie Freeman, the World Series MVP following his heroics, a historic walk-off grand slam in the Game 1, followed by a frenzy of homers, played through much of the postseason on an injured right ankle.
“This is fun to be a part of,” he said, witnessing a sea of people outside a bus rooftop. “This is all for the fans. This is what it’s all about. They came out to support us. On Tuesdays in June, we still had 53,000 people. This is special. These fans are great. It’s hard to put into words.”
Later in the stadium, Freeman talked about a personal hardship he faced during the season. “From the bottom of my heart,” he said, showing an emotional side. “Three months ago, when I came back after my son got sick, you guys showed out for my family and I. That was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had on a field. I did everything I could to be on this field for you guys and I’m glad I did because we have a championship now.”
And with that, Freeman insisted in a matter of days he’d be back practicing for another season.
“I can’t wait to run this back next year,” he said quietly, ready to make it happen all over again.
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