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LOS ANGELES — Excitement is palpable as 8-year-old Charlie Freeman anticipates a Dodgers-Yankees World Series showdown.
Freddie Freeman, the first baseman for the Dodgers, shared a nugget about his son, who is currently enjoying a day at Universal Studios with friends.
“The moment he mentioned he can’t wait for the World Series to kick off tomorrow shows how much buzz is surrounding this event,” said Freeman.
He added that Charlie has been glued to YouTube, soaking up videos related to the historic rivalry between the Yankees and Dodgers, highlighting the significance of the matchup.
This upcoming series marks the 12th time the two teams have faced off in the World Series, with the previous encounter dating back 43 years.
The rivalry itself has roots going back to 1941, when the Dodgers were based in Brooklyn while the Yankees, led by Joe DiMaggio, were on a quest for their fifth title in six years.
In reflecting on the stakes, Yankees star Juan Soto remarked, “At the end of the day, people will remember you because you won a World Series—everything else pales in comparison.”
The confrontation between Broadway and Hollywood promises an unforgettable spectacle, featuring a roster filled with talent.
The League Championship Series recently recorded the highest U.S. television ratings since 2017, with Dodgers’ games garnering even more viewers internationally, especially in Japan, fueled by the fascination with Shohei Ohtani.
“Globally, it’s hard to argue against the Yankees and Dodgers being the most popular and recognized teams out there,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts stated confidently.
This World Series is poised to include an unprecedented five MVP winners: the Dodgers’ Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts, along with the Yankees’ Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
Since 1971, there hasn’t been a Series with even four MVPs. With Ohtani and Judge likely vying for this year’s MVP award, it sets the stage for the first World Series to feature both since the matchup between Buster Posey and Miguel Cabrera in 2012.
It’s also noteworthy that both Judge, who hit 58 home runs, and Ohtani, with 54, are among the few with such impressive statistics in a World Series.
In a time when playoffs are expanding, this series stands out as just the fifth occurrence since the Wild Card Era began in 1995, where both competing teams finished with the best records in their respective leagues.
“I believe I will truly feel the significance of this occasion,” Ohtani expressed through a translator.
During the team’s practice under the sun’s warmth, with temperatures around 85 degrees, the distinctive colors of Dodger Stadium provided a striking backdrop.
Despite having an ankle injury, Freeman affirmed he would participate in the opener.
As the Dodgers aim for their eighth title, and their second in five years, the Yankees are returning to the World Series for the first time since their 27th title in 2009.
“This is where the real excitement begins,” Judge commented.
He understands that securing a championship is essential for earning a place among the franchise’s legends.
“There’s an undeniable presence when you see the players with rings,” he added. “You can tell they’ve faced challenges, navigated the ups and downs, and emerged victorious.”
In a fun twist of fate, Roberts and Yankees manager Aaron Boone have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to April 3, 1992, when Roberts’ UCLA team triumphed over Boone’s Southern California team.
“You’re a Trojan for life, but you’re only a Bruin for four years,” Boone teased.
Roberts responded with a laugh, playfully asserting, “That’s a tough jab, but completely incorrect.”
Upon the Yankees’ arrival in Los Angeles, Boone sent a Yankees emoji to Roberts, to which Roberts humorously recounted considering an alternative emoji but opted for a more lighthearted response instead.
On the pitching front, Dodgers’ starter Jack Flaherty will face off against the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole in the opener.
Flaherty, who has a history with Cole from their UCLA days, reflected on the mixed emotions of seeing friends succeed while striving for similar accomplishments themselves.
“I felt conflicted watching him win; it’s thrilling for a friend, yet as a competitor, you want that experience for yourself,” he remarked, regarding watching his peers achieve greatness.
Flaherty’s stats tell a different story, with a 1-2 record and a 7.04 era from his postseason outings this year. Cole, on the other hand, logs a 1-1 record with a 3.31 era across his three starts.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner recalled a personal memory from 1977 when he was just 7 years old, celebrating the Yankees’ victory over the Dodgers with a notable Game 6 performance that featured Reggie Jackson hitting three home runs.
“My two most vivid memories are Reggie’s third homer and the final popup caught by Mike Torrez, which sparked absolute pandemonium. It was truly a remarkable day!” he reminisced.
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