#worldseries

‘Twice As Nice’

Tag by Chaka on top of a background by Enkone and Keo.

When Meghan Sussex and Prince Harry attended Game 4 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium, they were there simply to cheer for Los Angeles. Wearing matching Dodgers caps and seated near home plate, they joined a star-filled crowd that included Magic Johnson, Sandy Koufax, and Austin Butler. Cameras captured them smiling, clapping, and chatting as the Dodgers faced the Toronto Blue Jays. The…

Dodgers Bring Home the Championship

The Los Angeles Dodgers have done it again! After a thrilling postseason filled with heart-stopping moments and unforgettable performances, Dodgers beat the Yankees to win World Series title, bringing joy to fans and cementing their legacy in baseball history. On Friday, November 1st, the city of Los Angeles erupted in celebration as the team hosted a celebratory parade and an unforgettable gathering at Dodger Stadium.

The 2024 season was one for the ages, marked by incredible team chemistry, standout performances, and strategic brilliance. From the first pitch of spring training to the final game of the World Series, the Dodgers demonstrated resilience and determination, overcoming obstacles and proving their mettle against formidable opponents. With stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and a new crop of young talent, the Dodgers played with heart, leaving everything on the field.

The Dodgers faced a tough battle in the postseason, but their experience and skill has shone through. After a grueling series against the New York Mets in the NLCS, they won their spot in the World Series against the New York Yankees, reigniting one of baseball’s most storied rivalries. The five-game series was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with late-game heroics and nail-biting finishes. Ultimately, the Dodgers emerged victorious, capturing the championship in a thrilling Game 5 that will be remembered for years to come.

On November 1st, the streets of Los Angeles transformed into a sea of blue and white as thousands of fans gathered for the championship parade. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers, laughter, and a palpable sense of pride. Dodgers’ players rode through the streets on double-decker buses, waving to their adoring fans that showered them with love and gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

After the parade, the celebration continued at Dodger Stadium, where fans packed the stands to join in the festivities. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the championship trophy, which glimmered under the California sun, symbolizing the culmination of a dream season.

This World Series win marks the Dodgers' first championship since 2020 and serves as a testament to the organization’s commitment to excellence. As they bask in the glory of their victory, the team looks ahead, eager to build on this success and bring home more championships in the future. The 2024 season may be over, but the memories of this championship run will live on in the hearts of fans forever.

Lesson #109

We've certainly all heard of Jackie Robinson and understand the groundbreaking role he played (and the risks he took), but today I'd like to honor Robinson's teammate Roy "Campy" Campanella, who blazed quite a remarkable trail of his own. Born November 19, 1921 (Happy birthday!) in Philadelphia, Roy showed an early athletic talent and was reliably picked as captain of nearly every school sports team in which he played. Eventually he began playing for the Negro Leagues in 1937, having dropped out of high school to do so. First picked up by the Baltimore Elite Giants, he then did a stint in the Mexican Leagues for the Monterrey Sultans. His big break came in 1945 when he was signed as catcher for one of the Brooklyn Dodgers' farm clubs. Originally slated to play for the Danville (Illinois) Dodgers, that team's management decided they were not yet ready for racial integration and so Campanella instead started with the Nashua (New Hampshire) Dodgers, which in so doing became the first integrated professional baseball team.

Campanella officially joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in April 1948, only a few months after Jackie Robinson. Ten seasons with the Dodgers followed, a span which also included 8 appearances in the All-Star game and 3 National League MVP awards. Perhaps most significantly Campanella was catcher for the Dodgers' historic 1955 World Series win over the Yankees, himself hitting three home runs in that series.

Sadly Campanella's professional career was cut short when he paralyzed his neck and spine in a car accident in 1958. However he remained a high-profile member of the (now Los Angeles) Dodgers organization, in various public relations and coaching roles. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969 --the second African American to be so honored. His jersey (#39) was retired by the Dodgers in 1972, along with those of his teammates Jackie Robinson (#42) and Sandy Koufax (#32). Campanella died on June 26, 1993. In 2006 the L.A. Dodgers created the Roy Campanella Award, given annually to the Dodger who best exemplifies "Campy's" spirit and leadership.

Career batting avg: .283 Hits: 1,401 HR: 260 RBI: 1,017 Stolen bases: 34

Campanella's MLB stats page