Los Angeles experienced citywide celebrations after the Dodgers clinched a nail-biting seven-match World Series title. Fans worldwide joined local residents in celebration, marking the first time in 25 years that a franchise has achieved consecutive championships.
Local celebrations included a procession through the city center on Monday morning, a reserved-seating event at Dodger Stadium, and impromptu gatherings across the city.
Social media videos depict countless of Los Angeles residents packing downtown streets, many displaying handmade banners and team flags. The team was seen traveling proudly on a open-top bus through the crowds, hoisting the Commissioner’s trophy proudly.
“My focus is already about the next championship we’re going to do this,” the star player remarked through an interpreter.
The procession path concluded at Dodger Stadium, where the team emerged to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” with DJ Mustard providing music and the artist driving a Pacific blue vintage Cadillac around the field.
Celebrations began prior to the procession, with Dodgers fans setting off fireworks in the streets of the city center on Sunday night.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, named the World Series’ Most Valuable Player, commented plainly about the win.
“We refuse to lose,” he said. “I love the Dodgers. I love Los Angeles.”
In contrast, Mark Walter was met with a cooler welcome at the rally. Recordings from the gathering appear to show Walter walking onstage to a combination of applause and boos, with negative shouts interrupting his address.
The championship acted as a positive moment in what has been a challenging year for Los Angeles. An estimated quarter-million people showed up to the championship parade last year, and according to team member one athlete, supporters this year demonstrated as much if not more support.
“It seems it’s nearly twice from last year,” he remarked. “The supporters are incredible. It’s truly amazing to be a involved in this.”