The Los Angeles Dodgers captured their second straight World Series title, beating the Toronto Blue Jays in a seven-game thriller that marked the first back-to-back championship in 25 years. The victory officially cements their status as a modern dynasty.
Noah Camras from Dodgers Nation laid out the resume perfectly:
“The Dodgers have officially established themselves as a dynasty in MLB. 3 World Series in 6 years. 5 World Series appearances in 9 years. 12 NL West titles in 13 years. First back-to-back World Series champion in 25 years. Next year, they go for the three-peat.”
What makes this championship run even more remarkable? The Dodgers didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard getting there.
They hit just .203 in the World Series – the worst mark by a champion since 1966. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers noted that over the last two seasons, the Dodgers have combined to hit .204 in World Series play while winning both titles.
The Blue Jays hung around throughout the series and looked capable of pulling off the upset at several points. Game 6 provided the pivotal moment that swung everything.
With Toronto threatening to take control, Justin Dean made a heads-up play by calling for a lodged ball – a decision that prevented the Blue Jays from potentially seizing momentum.
Not everyone agreed with the call. SI’s JD Andress pointed out the controversy:
“The fact this is ruled a ‘lodged ball’ but then the CF has no problem picking it up and throwing it in is dumb. He didn’t even make an effort to grab it right away. Blue Jays might have gotten screwed.”
Dean became one of the unsung heroes of the championship run with that single moment of awareness. His role was limited – pinch running and defensive replacement duties – but he understood the assignment and executed when it mattered most.
Less than a week after celebrating the title, though, the Dodgers placed Dean on waivers.
The Giants claimed him, giving their division rival a player who helped secure the Dodgers’ dynasty. It’s the kind of roster move that happens every offseason, but this one carries extra weight given Dean’s clutch moment.
Dean will forever be remembered for that Game 6 play. Without his quick thinking to signal the lodged ball, the Dodgers could’ve been facing elimination instead of clinching their second straight title.
Now he’ll suit up for San Francisco, taking his championship experience to a team that’s watched the Dodgers dominate the NL West for over a decade. The way I see it, Dean earned his ring and his place in Dodgers history – even if his time in Los Angeles has come to an end.
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