Dodgers Key Reliever Believes He’s Found a Home in Los Angeles
Dodgers reliever Anthony Banda believes he has found a home in Los Angeles. At the Dodgers annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, Banda told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain how much he adores the community and appreciates the overwhelming support of fans.
“I feel like I found a home,” Banda said. “I think, regardless of where I end up, I’m always going to have a special place of L.A. in my heart as far as because of the fans and the support and love that I’ve gotten from them.”
In 2024, Banda posted a 3.08 ERA and had 50 strikeouts in 49.2 innings. Banda was traded to the Dodgers for cash considerations in May, but quickly emerged as a key reliever in the bullpen as the season progressed.
“Being able to put this uniform on and to express that gratitude towards them, giving them back, giving it back to the community and then them appreciating it, smiling and enjoying themselves, it really brings a lot,” Banda said.
In October, Banda remained a steady force for a Dodgers pitching staff that was riddled with injury. Banda was arguably one of the best high-leverage relievers in baseball as he finished the postseason with a 1.23 ERA in 7.1 innings.
Banda was a key cog in helping the Dodgers win their first full-season World Series title since 1988. In his first year in a Dodgers uniform, Banda earned a championship ring.
“It’s still surreal,” he said. “It’s hard to believe, but here we are.”
Banda believes the Dodgers would be nothing without the support of the community. The reliever wanted to show his appreciation for the fan support by participating in the Turkey Drive.
“Without this community, I believe that this organization isn’t where they’re at now,” Banda said. “I believe we have the best community, the best fans, the best supporters. You know how much they really, really buy into each event, how much they’re in the seats, they’re filling up the stands. I think it really pushed us forward as an organization, as human beings as well.”
Angelenos are well aware that Los Angeles is a Dodgers town. Fans are eager to watch the offseason unfold as the Dodgers hope to return to the Fall Classic in 2025.
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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