The City of Angels witnessed citywide festivities after the Dodgers clinched a nail-biting seven-game World Series title. Supporters across the globe joined Angelenos in jubilation, marking the first time in 25 years that a franchise has achieved consecutive championships.
Local celebrations included a downtown parade on the morning of the parade, a reserved-seating event at Dodger Stadium, and spontaneous parties throughout the city.
Online footage depict thousands of Angelenos packing downtown streets, many displaying handmade banners and team flags. The squad was seen riding high on a double-decker bus through the crowds, raising the Commissioner’s trophy proudly.
“My focus is already about the next championship we’re going to achieve this,” Shohei Ohtani remarked through an translator.
The parade route concluded at the stadium, where the players emerged to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” with DJ Mustard spinning music and the artist cruising a light blue classic car around the field.
Celebrations started well before the procession, with Dodgers fans lighting fireworks in the roads of Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday night.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, awarded the MVP of the championship, commented plainly about the win.
“Losing is not an option,” he stated. “I love the Dodgers. I love Los Angeles.”
In contrast, Mark Walter was met with a less warm reception at the celebration. Recordings from the event seem to depict Walter taking the stage to a combination of applause and jeers, with negative shouts interrupting his speech.
The World Series acted as a positive moment in what has been a challenging year for Los Angeles. An approximate quarter-million people attended to the championship parade last year, and according to Dodgers player one athlete, fans this year demonstrated as much if not more support.
“It seems it’s almost double from last year,” Freeman said. “These fans are crazy. It’s truly amazing to be a part of this.”
