The Los Angeles cemented their outstanding journey in franchise historical past Wednesday night time. The ’ five-game journey to their first full-season World Collection since 1988 featured numerous kindred parallels to greats of the previous.
Forward of Recreation 1 of the World Collection, the paid tribute to former pitcher Fernando Valenzuela who had handed away simply three days prior. Although he didn’t get to witness the taking over the New York Yankees, his legacy lived on within the 2024 World Collection.
What was as soon as “El Toro” taking the mound for the in 1981 in opposition to the Bombers, grew to become the spirit of Fernandomania alive and current because the 2024 dominated the Fall Traditional.
When the have fun their World Collection title with town of Los Angeles on Friday, Valenzuela will even be remembered. The left-handed pitcher would’ve been 64 years previous Friday, however his legacy lives on within the hearts of each participant and fan who attends the parade.
Within the tenth inning of Recreation 1, one other parallel took place. After the Yankees deliberately walked Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman stepped as much as the plate with the bases loaded.
Freeman had been comparatively quiet offensively as he handled an ankle damage your entire postseason. Nonetheless, on Oct. 25, Freeman had essentially the most memorable second in over thirty years.
A swing that despatched the ball flying to proper area couldn’t have emulated the walk-off run by Kirk Gibson extra.
“She is gone,” Joe Davis mentioned. “Gibby, meet Freddie!”
Whereas Davis paid homage to the late Vin Scully along with his personal name of Freeman’s walk-off, the primary baseman cemented his swing into historical past for generations to return.
Gibson’s walk-off was at all times replayed at Stadium to get followers excited. Any more, Freeman’s walk-off grand slam can be what this era recalled as the best second in historical past.
One other 1988 was talked about in a number of comparisons with beginning pitcher Walker Buehler. Orel Hershiser was dubbed as “The Bulldog” by supervisor Tommy Lasorda.
Followers had dubbed Buehler as “The Buehldog” forward of his Recreation 3 efficiency within the Bronx. Buehler led the to their third straight win within the Fall Traditional, however he additionally volunteered to pitch in reduction in Recreation 5 of the World Collection.
Buehler not solely closed the World Collection, however he additionally closed the chapter of a 2024 season full of battle however completed with poise. He additionally wore Hershiser’s game-used jersey throughout the World Collection parade.
Followers not need to look again at greats of the previous to reminisce on the golden period of baseball. On Wednesday night time, the previous grew to become the current.
The are World Collection Champions as soon as once more.
Picture Credit score: Brad Penner-Imagn Photographs
