Los Angeles witnessed widespread festivities after the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a thrilling seven-game World Series title. Supporters across the globe joined local residents in celebration, marking the first time in 25 years that a franchise has achieved back-to-back championships.
Los Angeles area events featured a procession through the city center on Monday morning, a ticketed rally at the team's home stadium, and impromptu gatherings throughout the city.
Online footage show thousands of Los Angeles residents flooding downtown streets, many carrying handmade banners and Dodger flags. The team was seen riding high on a open-top bus through the masses, raising the championship trophy proudly.
“My focus is already about the next championship we’re going to do this,” Shohei Ohtani stated through an interpreter.
The parade route concluded at the stadium, where the players walked out to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” with DJ Mustard providing music and Ice Cube cruising a Pacific blue classic car around the stadium’s outfield.
Celebrations started prior to the parade, with supporters setting off fireworks in the streets of the city center on the previous evening.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, named the World Series’ Most Valuable Player, spoke plainly about the victory.
“Losing is not an option,” he stated. “I adore this team. This city means everything to me.”
In contrast, Mark Walter received a cooler welcome at the rally. Recordings from the event appear to show him taking the stage to a combination of cheers and jeers, with jeers punctuating his address.
The championship served as a positive moment in what has been a trying year for Los Angeles. An approximate 225,000 people attended to the championship parade last year, and according to team member one athlete, supporters this year showed as much if not more enthusiasm.
“I feel like it’s nearly twice from last year,” he said. “The supporters are incredible. It’s so awesome to be a part of this.”
