Like Randy Newman sings, “another perfect day” in Los Angeles couldn’t have felt more real than it did this week. After 36 long years, the Dodgers celebrated a thrilling World Series victory with their fans at Dodger Stadium, creating a moment that LA will cherish for decades. For the Dodgers and their fans, it was much more than just a title – it was about long-awaited pride, a collective sigh of relief, and the celebration of a team they love.
You could feel the anticipation building up across the city, especially after the final game against the New York Yankees. The Dodgers clinched their eighth World Series title in Game 5, and the excitement exploded as fans took to the streets of LA. Imagine the scene: people pouring into Downtown Los Angeles as early as 3 a.m., lining up for the parade before the sun even rose. Public transportation was packed, with Union Station teeming with fans ready to witness history. In a city known for its hustle and bustle, this day had a special electricity.
For Dodgers fans, this celebration had been a long time coming, and it was a chance to heal old wounds. The memory of the 2020 championship – won in an empty stadium due to the pandemic – left fans longing for a proper celebration. Although the Dodgers hoped they could find a way to celebrate back then, the time never came. But this year was different. After four years of heartbreak and postseason near-misses, LA finally had its day.
Fans weren’t the only ones overwhelmed by the turnout; the players themselves were stunned by the scene. Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow couldn’t believe his eyes: "I didn’t even know this many people existed.” National League MVP Shohei Ohtani echoed Glasnow’s surprise, sharing that he was “totally overwhelmed” by the waves of fans who came out to celebrate. Even for a team that consistently draws massive crowds, the spectacle of Los Angeles coming together for this moment was extraordinary.
Inside Dodger Stadium, over 42,000 fans awaited the team’s arrival to cap off the day with a party only Los Angeles could pull off. The iconic Ice Cube returned to perform, just like he had during Game 2, bringing even more energy to the stadium. Manager Dave Roberts joined in, dancing and rapping along with Ice Cube, embodying the joy and freedom that winning brings. And when Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” played, you could see the pride in everyone’s faces as they sang along to their city’s anthem. The show wrapped up with Randy Newman’s "I Love L.A.," a staple for every Dodgers home victory, making the moment feel both celebratory and sentimental.
As Roberts shouted to the crowd, “You guys wanted a parade, we got a parade!” it was clear this celebration was as much for the fans as it was for the players. Many of the Dodgers on this year’s team, including veterans like Clayton Kershaw, were also part of the 2020 roster that never had a chance to celebrate. For them, this title felt even more significant, a reward not just for this season’s hard work but for all the challenges and disappointments they’d faced. Kershaw, a 17-year veteran, couldn’t hold back his emotions: “I’ve waited for this day for a long time. I waited to celebrate for a long time.”
On top of celebrating, the Dodgers made it clear that they’re not done aiming for greatness. Utilityman Kiké Hernández had made a bold statement before the 2020 season, calling the 2020s “the LA Dodger decade.” Now, he’s back to remind everyone: “Guess what? Who has more championships than us in the 2020s? Absolutely nobody.” With two titles in just five seasons, the Dodgers are building a legacy, and several players made it known they’re not content with just two trophies.
There’s a feeling of determination among the team to keep this success going. Teoscar Hernández got emotional as he took the mic, and the crowd cheered with chants of “re-sign Teo!” They’d grown to love him in his short time with the team, and Teoscar didn’t hold back his enthusiasm, saying he’d prioritize staying in LA if the team wanted him back. With core players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Ohtani – who will pitch again in 2025 – still under contract, the Dodgers look poised to continue their streak.
Even Jack Flaherty, the hometown starter, expressed his love for LA, saying, “I love this city and I never want to leave.” It was clear that the Dodgers have created something special, and everyone from the players to the fans wants this feeling to last.
Mookie Betts, the only active three-time champion in the league, wasn’t shy about setting even bigger goals for the future. In a nod to NBA legend LeBron James, who famously promised multiple championships with the Miami Heat, Betts raised his hand and said, “We got like eight, nine years left. I got to get to at least five or six, right? I got three. I’m trying to fill this hand up.” With his energy and ambition, Betts ignited a belief that this team could truly go down in history.
As the day came to a close, fans and players alike felt a renewed sense of purpose. Manager Dave Roberts summed it up best with a challenge to his team and the fans: “Let’s get ready to run this thing back next year, too.” The Dodgers have the roster, the drive, and the loyal fanbase to aim for another victory – and they’re already looking toward 2025 to add to their trophy case.
In the end, this championship celebration was about more than just a win – it was about reclaiming the city’s pride and acknowledging the struggles that led to this moment. The 2023 Dodgers didn’t just earn a title; they built a legacy. And for Los Angeles, it was a day to remember, a triumphant return to the top, and a promise for even greater things to come. As fans left Dodger Stadium that night, you could almost hear them saying, “Another perfect day in L.A. – and here’s to many more.”
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