LOS ANGELES — On a celebratory evening for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw proudly revealed their sparkling World Series rings alongside their teammates. The festivities kicked off on Friday night with manager Dave Roberts sharing his enthusiasm, “There’s just a tremendous energy, more than I’ve ever seen within the Dodger community and among our players,” as his team staged a comeback win against the Detroit Tigers, 8-5, after 10 intense innings.
Reflecting on the exhilarating start to the season, Roberts remarked, “It’s been an unforgettable opening week. I couldn’t have imagined a better way to celebrate.” The ceremony, featuring a choir in the left field pavilion singing “We Are the Champions,” was emceed by actor and die-hard Dodgers fan, Anthony Anderson. “We set the standard last year, and I believe we’ll do it again this year,” Anderson declared.
On a vibrant blue carpet leading to a circular stage, Ohtani, World Series MVP Freddie Freeman, and Roberts drew thunderous applause. As Ohtani acknowledged the crowd, shouts of “Freddie! Freddie!” echoed when it was Freeman’s moment to shine. The trio received warm welcomes and blue boxes from team owner Mark Walter, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, CEO Stan Kasten, and general manager Brandon Gomes.
Kershaw, who missed last year’s postseason, watched as his teammates clinched the World Series title against the New York Yankees. Meanwhile, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and catcher Austin Barnes, busy warming up, had their rings collected by a clubhouse manager. Leading to their triumph, the Dodgers showcased a new championship flag and emblem during Thursday’s victorious opener.
“This is the perfect conclusion,” Roberts stated, noting the shared joy with fans, closing the chapter on their 2024 accomplishment. Though not fond of wearing rings, Roberts appreciates the sentimental value, keeping his previous rings safely stored. Mookie Betts, celebrating his third championship ring, expressed, “This one’s the best so far. Eager to earn more to compare.”
Meticulously crafted by Jostens, the rings are embellished with 14-karat yellow gold, diamonds, and sapphires. Inside, a video highlights their World Series victory, and a hinge reveals an intricately detailed Dodger Stadium and the Commissioner’s Trophy adorned with diamonds marking their eight previous championships. It uniquely features a base piece from the World Series and 34 sapphires in tribute to Fernando Valenzuela, who passed shortly before the series.
Max Muncy, among others, marveled, “The ring is extraordinary.” Former Dodger Jack Flaherty pitched for the Tigers on Friday and awaited his own ring. Roberts quipped, “Let’s defeat him today and reward him tomorrow.”
Hailing from nearby Burbank, Flaherty had starred in pivotal games at Dodger Stadium, returning stability amidst a season plagued by injuries. “He was indispensable,” Roberts lauded.
Battling back from illness, utilityman Kiké Hernández participated in the ceremonies. “He seems much better,” Roberts noted. As the team assembled for photos, with brass bands playing “They Not Like Us,” Roberts jestingly hoped for a perfect ring fit, “If it only fits my pinkie, there’s trouble.”