NFL
By: Henry Curi
This World Series is truly one for the history books. In a shortened season, bubble playoffs format, and unprecedented times, the Los Angeles Dodgers come out on top as champions for the first time since 1988—defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in six games. But as much as some people want to put an asterisk on this year’s title, it’s more deserving of a gold star than anything.
After four years of utter disappointment, the Dodgers dealt with a number of adversities that only built them to seize this very moment.
Failure Turned Motivation
In 2016, the team fell to the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS championship and missed their opportunity to compete in the game’s biggest stage. Only to see that Chicago team go on and win it all. In 2017, LA fell to the Houston Astros in the most controversial World Series match-up that cheated the team out of their title hopes and questioned the integrity of that Houston franchise. In 2018, LA came up short again, but this time in the hands of former Boston Red Sox but now team member Mookie Betts. In 2019, LA fell victim to former Dodger Howie Kendrick’s grand slam that put their postseason dreams away in heartbreaking fashion. In front of the home crowd as well to make matters worse.
All these outcomes are exactly what any franchise wants to avoid. Coming so close, yet virtually being so far. Almost half a decade where the team and fans felt their efforts diminish in the most gut-wrenching ways possible. But now, that curse is finally over.
Not only did they dominate the regular season with a 43-17 record, but they successfully carried that momentum all the way through the post-season. From the players, to the front office, everything went their way.
Dave Paves the Way
Although highly criticized by his questionable decision-making at times, manager Dave Roberts became the focal point of what this team has the potential to accomplish. Regardless of his antics, his poise throughout the playoffs has been something his team was able to adapt as well. And for this end-goal to become a reality, it has put him in a state of awe.
“You know, I think the word surreal is used all the time. But it is [surreal],” stated Roberts in a post-game interview. “I’m so happy for our guys, our fans. It just hasn’t set in but I’m beyond elated.”
Since being named the Dodgers manager back in 2016, he had one mission and one mission only. That was to bring back a World Series victory to Los Angeles and bring the team back to the pinnacle of baseball success. Now he becomes just the third manager in the franchise’s history—alongside Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda—to have a title under his belt.
As for the players, this was the perfect ending for a special group of guys that share not only talent, but a sense of camaraderie. Individuals like Betts, Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, Will Smith, Chris Taylor, Joc Pederson, Justin Turner, Julio Urias—the list goes on, as they can all now call themselves 2020 champions. As deserving as these players might be, there is probably no one more deserving than 13-year veteran pitcher and eight-time all-star Clayton Kershaw.
The Lefty Pitcher Finally Gets His Ring
Kershaw has been through the ringer with this franchise. After facing heavy criticism himself from lackluster playoff performances in the past, this was the time to rewrite his narrative not only as a player but as a winner.
“It’s hard to describe. You work so hard…I’ve been to the postseason, I’ve lost every single year,” Kershaw stated in a postgame interview. “Now to look up, I wish it was Dodger stadium, but it feels like it right now…to get to see how happy these fans are, they’ve been waiting a long time too. I just got a lot emotions right now, it’s just a special feeling man. World Series champs, they can’t take that away.”
It has become an unforgettable season for not just Dodger fans, but for all fans of baseball. To successfully complete a season and crown a champion during these times is no easy task. In fact, it’s an incredible feat on its own. Although the implications moving forward are unclear still due to COVID-19, one thing is certain.
If the Dodgers can make it through the most difficult season in MLB history winning the franchise’s seventh title, just imagine what they can do moving forward with this core? Years of domination? Most likely. But for now, they celebrate.
