Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Tens of thousands of Los Angeles Dodgers fans celebrated a World Series title with a parade on Friday, the first time since 1988 they could offer such a salute to the squad. The Dodgers won their eighth Major League Baseball crown and second in five seasons on Wednesday by defeating the New York Yankees, capturing the best-of-seven final four games to one. It marked their first championship since 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic prevented a parade to commemorate the feat that year.
On Friday, for the first time in 36 years, the Dodgers were able to celebrate with fans in a downtown Los Angeles parade as well as a special gathering at Dodger Stadium. “I’m totally overwhelmed with the amount of fans that are here,” Japanese slugger Shohei Ohtani said through a translator. “It’s incredible. It has been an incredible year. I was so happy I was able to contribute. The fans, and everybody, have been so welcoming.”
Cheering fans showed their love for players who were in a caravan on double-decker buses. “This is incredible. LA really showed out,” said Freddie Freeman, the World Series Most Valuable Player. “It’s hard to believe. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I think this has made up for 2020, too. These fans are going crazy. It’s fun to be a part of. This is special. It’s hard to even put into words. This makes everything so much better. This is amazing.”
Thousands of fans chanted, “Let’s go Dodgers,” as the buses drove along the city streets, with some supporters having arrived seven hours before the start in the pre-dawn darkness to find a good spot. “This has got to be way more than two million people,” Dodgers standout Tommy Edman said. “It’s like the whole city of LA is out here to support us. I feel like I didn’t really comprehend it until today being out here.”
“This is crazy, man. I love this,” Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez said from atop an open-top bus. “This is a dream for me and I love it.” The Dominican star hit a career-high 33 home runs and drove in 99 runs for the Dodgers this season. “Thank you for welcoming me to Los Angeles and making me feel part of this family,” Hernandez shouted to the supporters. “It means the world. This is everything for me.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass started the parade at City Hall over its 45-minute route, with members of the Dodgers traveling atop double-decker buses, culminating in further festivities at their home ballpark. “I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else but the Dodgers,” said three-time World Series champion Mookie Betts. “There’s so much love here. You can feel it. That love is what got us across the finish line.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told the crowd at Dodger Stadium: “You guys wanted a parade, we got a parade. And guys, let’s get ready to run this thing back next year, too.” Ohtani spoke there in English, saying: “Special moment for me. I’m so honored to be here and be part of this team.” Hometown Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty said he never knew the Dodgers meant so much to the city. “This is unbelievable,” Flaherty said. “The city is showing out. People lining up along the buildings and everything. I love this city. I never want to leave.”
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who missed the final two months of the season with a left big toe injury, was overjoyed at his first parade after taking his first crown in 2020. “I’ve waited to celebrate for a long time and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I didn’t have anything to do with this championship but it’s the best feeling in the world,” Kershaw said. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever been a part of.”
Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow laughed as he looked into the crowd and said, “I didn’t even know this many people existed. The support for everybody on this team transcends baseball. I’m lucky to be a part of it.”
© 2024 AFP
