World Series Champs: The Dodgers finally celebrate a World Series title
by Megan Garcia
As the double-decker buses cruised around Downtown Los Angles and made their way to Dodger Stadium, the World Series trophy was hoisted to the sky. The Dodgers were finally celebrating a World Series championship with a parade.
A celebration with fans has long been a motivator for the Dodgers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their 2020 championship never received a parade. But after beating the Yankees in five games, fans lined the parade route and filled Dodger Stadium to celebrate the 2024 champions.
“We’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time, and it exceeded every expectation we could have possibly had. It was incredible. Dodger nation, the city of champions, this was for you.” said Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, during the Dodger Stadium rally.
Ice Cube opened the festivities at Dodger Stadium with two classic hits on the center field stage. He was accompanied by manager Dave Roberts on stage as they energized the crowd.
Players, coaches and the Dodger ownership group, styled with championship T-shirts and caps, strolled down the blue carpet as the crowd erupted in cheer. As players graced the stage, Teoscar Hernández ran to left field and waved a Dodger flag in front of the Left Field pavilion.
Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten addressed the crowd to kick off the celebration. He recognized the commitment from fans in Los Angeles and in other countries who have supported the Dodgers for countless years as they worked their way back to a championship. He also concluded the celebration with some words.
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“I want all of you on this stage to hold onto this feeling,” he said. “And I want all of you in the stands to always remember what it felt like to be part of the best damn baseball team in the world.”
Roberts also thanked the fans for their support during the championship season and provided hope another title.
“I want to thank you, the fans, I want to thank you, the players. I love every single one of you guys,” Roberts said. “Let’s get ready to ride this thing back next year.”
Fans erupted when Freddie Freeman took the mic. A mix of “Freddie” and “MVP” chants rang through the stadium as Freeman tried to speak. He held the mic down and admired the sights of the crowd.
Freeman, who surmounted injuries and personal difficulties, credited his teammates for the motivation to return to the field and support them as they aimed for a World Series title.
“I only had one leg, but I got a group of guys who had my back all year,” Freeman said. “From the bottom of my heart, when I came back after my son was sick, you guys showed up for my family and that was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I was so touched. I did everything I could to get on this field for you guys. I’m glad I did because we got a championship now.”
For Teoscar Hernández, this is his first World Series celebration. The nine-year veteran wiped away tears as his teammates and fans cheered for him. Being a World Series champion was a heavy factor for the slugger when he signed with the Dodgers in the offseason.
“The Dodgers gave me the opportunity to come here so I can help this organization, this team, these people win a championship. Thank you for making me a world champion.” Hernández said.
Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw were among the veterans who celebrated their second Dodger title together. Kershaw was unable to participate in this year’s World Series due to a bone spur in his left toe. But as the longest tenured Dodger on the stage, his presence elicited a standing ovation from the crowd and his teammates bowing to him on the stage.
“I can’t imagine being anywhere else right now than with this group of guys right here,” Kershaw said. “I’m at a loss of words. I had nothing to do with this championship, but this is the best feeling in the world.”
In five seasons with the Dodgers, Betts now has two titles. He held up his left hand and pointed to each finger, signifying a ring for each.
“I got to get to at least five or six, right?” Betts said. “I just want to thank each and every one of you for coming out and supporting us. To my teammates, you don’t know how much you mean to me. I love you, guys.”
Roberts also recognized the bullpen for their efforts throughout the postseason. Blake Treinen and Daniel Hudson shared center stage to present the group that adopted the moniker ‘Bullpen Dawgs’ in October.
Then, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto celebrated their first World Series title in their first year with the Dodgers. The “Year of Shohei”as described by Roberts caused the fans to cheer even louder as the presumptive MVP approached the microphone.
“This is a special for me,” Ohtani said in English. “I’m so honored to be here and to be a part of this thing. Congratulations, Los Angeles. Thank you, guys.”
World Series: The Dodgers finally celebrate a World Series championship was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.