Excitement for the World Series
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eight-year-old Charlie Freeman can hardly contain his excitement for the upcoming Dodgers-Yankees World Series.
“He is currently at Universal Studios with a few friends, but he called me to say, ‘Daddy, I can’t wait for the World Series to start tomorrow,’” said Los Angeles first baseman Freddie Freeman during the team’s final practice before the opening game. “He’s been watching videos on YouTube about the Yankees and Dodgers. It shows just how big this event has become.”
A Historic Rivalry
This Series will mark the 12th meeting between the Dodgers and Yankees and the first in 43 years. Their rivalry dates back to 1941, when the Dodgers were still based in Brooklyn, and Joe DiMaggio’s Yankees were vying for their fifth championship in six seasons.
“Great players are measured by their World Series victories,” said Yankees star Juan Soto. “At the end of the day, people will remember you for your accomplishments in the postseason.”
Star Power
The Dodgers and Yankees boast an array of talent, making this one of the most star-studded World Series in recent memory. This matchup is expected to feature five Most Valuable Players (MVPs): Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts for the Dodgers, and Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton for the Yankees. It’s notable that there hasn’t been a Series with four MVPs since 1971.
Ohtani and Judge are the likely MVP candidates this year, which will be the first World Series featuring both since San Francisco’s Buster Posey and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera in 2012. Additionally, it’s the first World Series ever to include two players with 50 home runs: Judge (58) and Ohtani (54).
Rare and Remarkable Matchup
This year’s Series is particularly unique, as it is only the fifth World Series since the Wild Card Era commenced in 1995 to feature teams with the best records from each league.
Players’ Perspectives
“I’m sure I’m going to feel how special this moment is,” Ohtani expressed through an interpreter, as players practiced in the sunny 85-degree weather, showcasing the brightly colored seats of Dodger Stadium.
Freddie Freeman, despite dealing with a tricky ankle injury, assured fans he would be ready for Game 1. The Dodgers, aiming for their eighth championship and second in five years, look to face the Yankees, who are returning to the World Series for the first time since their 2009 title win.
“This is where the real fun begins,” Judge commented, recognizing the importance of winning a championship to truly cement a player’s legacy among Yankees greats.
“Winning titles sets you apart; it gives you a different presence,” he added. “Those who have rings carry a certain aura, showcasing they have overcome adversity and emerged victorious.”
A Friendly Rivalry
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Yankees manager Aaron Boone have a storied history, dating back to a matchup on April 3, 1992, when Roberts’ UCLA Bruins defeated Boone’s Southern California Trojans 11-1 at UCLA’s Jackie Robinson Stadium.
Boone joked, “As we all know, you’re a Trojan for life while you’re just a Bruin for four years,” to which Roberts responded, “That’s harsh! I completely disagree with that.”
When the Yankees arrived in Los Angeles, Boone sent Roberts a playful Yankees emoji and considered sending another emoji but opted for a simple laughing emoji instead.
Matchup Insights
Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty will face the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole in the opener. Flaherty and fellow pitchers Max Fried and Lucas Giolito were high school teammates at Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles. Flaherty reflected on watching Fried win the final game for the Atlanta Braves in the most recent World Series, saying, “It’s a strange feeling; you’re thrilled for your friend, yet you’re a competitor and want your chance on that stage.”
Flaherty has a postseason record of 1-2 with a 7.04 ERA in three starts, while Cole holds a 1-1 record with a 3.31 ERA across his three playoff appearances.
Interestingly, both Roberts and Cole share a connection as they both attended UCLA, yet their opinions often diverge when it comes to baseball matters.
Memorable Moments
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner recalls watching his team win the 1977 World Series at just 7 years old, clinching the title against the Dodgers while Reggie Jackson famously hit three home runs in Game 6. “My most vivid memories are definitely Reggie’s last home run and the chaotic celebration that followed the final out,” he reminisced. “That day was unforgettable!”
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