Editorials

Dodgers: Five Things to Be Thankful For this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is here and Dodger fans have much to be thankful for this year. For the first time in a long time, the Dodgers are MLB champions. The list could go on forever, but here are the five things to be most thankful for.

1. Kershaw Finally Getting His Ring

After years of ridicule and playoff heartbreak, future first ballot Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw delivered in October. Kershaw posted a 2.93 postseason ERA and won both his World Series starts (3 ER in 11.2 IP) en route to the Dodgers championship.

He completed his professional resume at the ripe old age of 32. He’ll never have to listen to the naysayers ever again. We as Dodgers fans don’t have to ever endure another “yeah, but in the playoffs…” conversation.

In the words of another Hall of Famer, Bill Parcells, “For the rest of your life, nobody can ever tell you that you couldn’t do it. ‘Cause you did it.”

2. One More Championship with Vin Scully

Getting to celebrate another championship with the Voice of the Dodgers is truly special. Imagine how big that signature Vin smile was after Julio Urias recording the final out against the Rays. For the first time, an entire generation of Dodger fans get to bask in a championship alongside the seminal Scully.

3. Kevin Cash Pulling Blake Snell in Game 6

It’s impossible to compile this list without Rays manager Kevin Cash’s fateful decision. Let’s be honest, the Rays probably win that game and force a Game 7 if Snell stays in. To say he was dealing would be an understatement: 73 pitches, nine strikeouts, two hits allowed. Betts, Seager, and Turner were a combined 0 for 6 with six strikeouts.

Instead, Cash pulls Snell. Nick Anderson gives up a double to Betts and then throws a wild pitch to allow Barnes to score. Betts scores on Seager’s infield hit to give LA a 2-1 lead, and the rest is history.

4. Everything Mookie Betts Does On a Baseball Field

The Mookie Betts effect on the Dodgers 2020 season cannot be overstated. From his trio of series-changing defensive plays in the NLCS to his epic World Series Game 6 performance, Betts pushed the Dodgers over the proverbial hump.

From the very first day in Spring Training, Betts felt like a Dodger. His leadership, his composure, and most importantly, his drive propelled the Dodgers to a 2020 championship.

Dodger fans should be thankful for the opportunity to watch a spectacular five-tool player for years to come.

5. Doc’s Newfound Playoff Bullpen Management Skills

After years of questionable playoff bullpen decisions, Doc got everything right in Game 6 of the Fall Classic. He utilized seven pitchers who recorded 16 strikeouts and yielded just one run. 2015-2019 Dave Roberts would have pulled Urias for Kershaw or Jansen for a disastrous ninth inning.

Instead, Roberts rode the hot (left) hand of Urias to cap off his finest performance as a playoff manager.

What are you most thankful for as a Dodger fan this year?

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Eric Eulau

Born and raised in Ventura, not "Ven-CH-ura", California. Favorite Dodger Stadium food is the old school chocolate malt with the wooden spoon. Host of the Dodgers Nation 3 Up, 3 Down Podcast.

3 Comments

  1. Lots of Celebration for the Dodger players and fans on the WS Win…
    Very glad for Kershaw as many have said he was too hard-headed to adapt to changes in his velocity until his visit to Driveline.
    While you can say Doc is miraculously a better manager for in-game bullpen decisions please remember he LOST a WS game by continuing to use Jansen knowing he was erratic and struggling.
    Is Doc willing to understand Jansen cannot be trusted? We do not know. Doc has always been more concerned with being a Player’s friend than a great manager. He does not pull veterans no matter their performance.

  2. This Dodger Girl is very Thankful and Blessed for my wonderful family..And so HAPPY that after 32 long years Our Boys in Blue captured The World Series Title for 2020!! They are so deserving because of their devotion and AWESOME playing skills as a team and so greatful to Dave Roberts for his leadership.And to play the game of baseball with ALL honesty and played the game as it should be played. And to Win Our Beautiful World SeriesTrophy!! And by the way it is not just a PIECE OF METAL!! Our Dodgers can wear their World Series rings with pride and Always remember the day WE WON the World Series because it is a day that WE will never forget!! This Dodger Girl is truly greatful for her Los Angeles Dodgers!

  3. Great to be part of the Dodger Family! Some tough years but love ’em all.

    Best to all!

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