In a way, Mark Langill is simply filled with gratitude, looking back on a year marked by health concerns, to be wearing his second World Series championship ring in five years while enjoying the Dodgers’ ride to success along the way.
It was an emotional day on March 28 as players, coaches, management, and staff were presented with decorative boxes containing the sparkling bling that comes with achieving the ultimate prize.
“It’s very nice and humbling for the worst player in the history of the South Pasadena Little League to have a collection of World Series rings, all tucked away in the safety deposit box,” Langill joked.
Yet, as a cancer patient at the City of Hope last year, he’s quick to add the plastic I.D. bracelet he wore means more than any ring.
During the ceremony for employees inside the Dodger Club, team president Stan Kasten told the large gathering the goal is to win another World Series crown in 2025.
“I’m all for that – the chance to be around next year,” said Langill, who continues to receive treatment at City of Hope. “If there’s another celebration like the one staged for the staff, I don’t need a ring as my priorities have changed since a craniotomy last April was required to remove a pair of brain tumors.”
In his next breath came that comic relief those close to the man over the years have long experienced, Langill deadpanning: “But if anyone’s taking RSVPs for a 2026 party, I’ll happily take the coffee and breakfast burrito.”
After speeches by team president Stan Kasten and players Kiké Hernández and Anthony Banda, all employees opened their ring boxes at the same time.
“I was thrilled to see the looks of surprise and happiness on the faces of my talented colleagues, who range in age and baseball experience,” Langill explained. “We tried on our rings and posed with one another like the minutes immediately after a high school or college graduation ceremony. We all would be back to work in a couple of hours, but it was a wonderful sight to see nearly everyone together – so many work in different cities, states, and countries – together to share in the celebration.”
Far different following the 2020 title season, in the heart of COVID, when the regular season was reduced to a mere 60 games, contests were played in front of empty seats, and the usual victory parade was cancelled, last week’s ring ceremony was special for those in attendance at Dodger Stadium.
“It was fun watching the players at the parade because they finally had a chance after three grueling playoff series against the Padres, Mets and Yankees. When they finally received their rings, I’m sure the feeling was something like, ‘Wow, this really happened!’” reflected Langill, taking in the pregame scene.
When the Dodgers won the World Series, the natural checklist for fans was racing to film selfies of the family’s immediate reaction after the last out; jump in the car and purchase the newly minted championship gear and think of a creative excuse to miss work to attend a parade. As the years go by, those harrowing situations like a possible elimination game in San Diego give way to the thought, “We had it all the way!”
Brilliant in every aspect, the ring manufactured by Jostens, as described by Langill, is expertly crafted in 14-karat yellow gold, diamonds and genuine sapphires.
“The ring top features the iconic LA logo crafted from 17 custom-cut sapphires and surrounded with 47 diamonds,” he said. “Encircling the logo is a sunburst shape that represents the sunny climate of Los Angeles and features 34 sapphires. On the left and right sides of the ring top are four large round diamonds, symbolizing the eight World championship titles. An additional 20 diamonds are set along the sides. Adorning the top and bottom of the ring top is the Dodgers 2024 title, WORLD CHAMPIONS, set meticulously with 53 diamonds.”
And it hardly stops there. “A row of 46 diamonds is set along the perimeter of the ring top. Completing the top and bottom edges of the ring are 8 princess-cut sapphires,” Langill went on, saying: “An additional 108 diamonds cascade from the ring top down the edges of the ring, creating a border around the side panels.”
Using a specialized hinge mechanism, the Dodgers’ historian further noted, “The top of the ring opens to reveal added storytelling details. Upon opening, Dodger Stadium is displayed in incredible detail and features the Commissioner’s Trophy with one diamond, commemorating the 2024 World Series victory. Above, eight diamonds celebrate the eight World Championships in Dodgers history. Included are the year dates 1883 and 2024, paying tribute to 142 seasons. The left side of the ring top interior features a piece from the bases used in the World Series with the Dodgers City Connect logo in gold. Encircling the base are 34 sapphires honoring the late Dodgers pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela.”
A lifelong Dodgers fan, Langill became a member of the front office back in 1994, later taking on the role as team historian in 2002. After graduating from South Pasadena High in 1983, he earned his journalism degree at California State University, Northridge, which led him to the Pasadena Star-News as a reporter from 1982-93, including a series of years covering the Dodgers for the paper. When he became the club’s team historian, the position was a first in Major League Baseball.
Like others growing up appreciating the game, Langill has his own theory about the Dodgers’ popularity and why so many gravitate to the team. “It’s hard to talk religion and/or politics with people, but sports is different,” he said. “Whether you’re a newcomer or a fan for a half century, what fun to speculate on what’s going to happen and ride the roller coaster of emotions.”
And what fun it’s been for the Dodger faithful launching into a new campaign, letting the good times roll by kicking off the 2025 season with eight straight victories, another notable mark as no MLB defending champ has ever had a better start. To achieve the latest win, the Dodgers had to climb back from a 5-0 deficit to the Atlanta Braves Wednesday night, climaxed by a bottom of the ninth towering homer by Shohei Ohtani on his bobblehead giveaway night, for a one-run victory.
Stunned after watching the jubilation unfold on the field, announcer Joe Davis, a former South Pasadena resident, told SportsNet LA viewers during a replay of the hit, “Ladies and gentlemen, embrace this, embrace this man, embrace this team, this season. A historical start from the defending champs. Every single night they do something that makes you say, wow!”
Indeed, it’s a great time to be a Dodger fan, some maybe believing a 162-game regular season winning streak is within reach.
“How much fun is this?” asked Davis. “Eight down, 154 more to go, Dodgers 6, Braves 5!”
