Parallels in 2024 World Series Between Dodgers and Past Teams Cements Historic Year
The Los Angeles Dodgers cemented their remarkable journey in franchise history Wednesday night. The Dodgers’ five-game journey to their first full-season World Series since 1988 featured a number of kindred parallels to Dodger greats of the past.
Ahead of Game 1 of the World Series, the Dodgers paid tribute to former pitcher Fernando Valenzuela who had passed away just three days prior. Though he didn’t get to witness the Dodgers taking on the New York Yankees, his legacy lived on in the 2024 World Series.
What was once “El Toro” taking the mound for the Dodgers in 1981 against the Bombers, became the spirit of Fernandomania alive and present as the 2024 Dodgers dominated the Fall Classic.
When the Dodgers celebrate their World Series title with the city of Los Angeles on Friday, Valenzuela will also be remembered. The left-handed pitcher would’ve been 64 years old Friday, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of every player and fan who attends the parade.
In the tenth inning of Game 1, another parallel came about. After the Yankees intentionally walked Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded.
Freeman had been relatively quiet offensively as he dealt with an ankle injury the entire postseason. However, on Oct. 25, Freeman had the most memorable Dodgers moment in over thirty years.
A swing that sent the ball flying to right field couldn’t have emulated the walk-off run by Kirk Gibson more.
“She is gone,” Joe Davis said. “Gibby, meet Freddie!”
While Davis paid homage to the late Vin Scully with his own call of Freeman’s walk-off, the first baseman cemented his swing into Dodgers history for generations to come.
Gibson’s walk-off was always replayed at Dodger Stadium to get fans excited. From now on, Freeman’s walk-off grand slam would be what this generation recalled as the greatest moment in Dodgers history.
Another 1988 Dodger was mentioned in several comparisons with starting pitcher Walker Buehler. Orel Hershiser was dubbed as “The Bulldog” by manager Tommy Lasorda.
Fans had dubbed Buehler as “The Buehldog” ahead of his Game 3 performance in the Bronx. Buehler led the Dodgers to their third straight win in the Fall Classic, but he also volunteered to pitch in relief in Game 5 of the World Series.
Buehler not only closed the World Series, but he also closed the chapter of a 2024 season filled with struggle but finished with poise. He also wore Hershiser’s game-used jersey during the World Series parade.
Fans no longer have to look back at Dodger greats of the past to reminisce on the golden era of Dodgers baseball. On Wednesday night, the past became the present.
The Dodgers are World Series Champions once again.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
