The City of Angels experienced citywide celebrations after the Dodgers won a nail-biting seven-match World Series title. Supporters across the globe joined local residents in jubilation, marking the first time in 25 years that a team has secured consecutive championships.
Celebration Parade Draws Massive Crowds
Local celebrations featured a procession through the city center on Monday morning, a reserved-seating event at Dodger Stadium, and spontaneous parties across the city.
Online footage show thousands of Los Angeles residents packing downtown streets, many displaying homemade signs and team flags. The squad was seen traveling proudly on a double-decker bus through the crowds, hoisting the Commissioner’s trophy high.
“My focus is already about the third time we’re going to achieve this,” Shohei Ohtani stated through an translator.
The procession path ended at Dodger Stadium, where the team emerged to the rapper’s “Not Like Us,” with the renowned DJ spinning music and the artist cruising a light blue vintage Cadillac around the field.
Early Celebrations and Athlete Responses
Celebrations started well before the procession, with Dodgers fans setting off fireworks in the streets of Downtown Los Angeles on the previous evening.
The World Series MVP, named the MVP of the championship, commented plainly about the victory.
“We refuse to lose,” Yamamoto said. “I adore this team. This city means everything to me.”
Mixed Reactions and City Unity
In contrast, Mark Walter was met with a cooler reception at the rally. Video footage from the gathering seem to depict him taking the stage to a mix of cheers and jeers, with jeers punctuating his speech.
The championship served as a positive moment in what has been a trying year for Los Angeles. An estimated 225,000 people showed up to the championship parade last year, and according to Dodgers player Freddie Freeman, supporters this year showed equal or greater support.
“I feel like it’s nearly twice from last year,” he remarked. “These fans are crazy. It’s so awesome to be a involved in this.”
