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An aerial view of Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)Raucous cheers could be heard far outside of Dodger Stadium Friday afternoon, as the victorious home team arrived aboard a series of blue double-decker buses. Fans packed the stands in blue and white merchandise, anticipating a chance to see the championship squad.
Friday also marked the birthday of the late Fernando Valenzuela, the Dodgers legend who passed away one week ago.
The celebration highlighted L.A.’s musical contributions. Rapper Ice Cube kicked the rally off with a modified performance of his songs “Westside Connection” and “It Was a Good Day,” before announcing the team’s arrival. The Dodgers then walked out onto the field to the tune of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” before displaying the Commissioner’s Trophy to the audience.
Speakers included Stan Kasten, president and part-owner of the team, as well as the team’s players. Often visibly tearing up, speakers thanked the Dodgers’ fans, their teammates, and the city of Los Angeles.
Andrew Friedman, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations commented on the differences between 2024 and the last time the team won the World Series, during the depths of the COVID pandemic. “2020 was incredibly special, but it wasn’t anything like this. To not be able to celebrate it with the greatest fans in the world left a little bit of an empty feeling.”
Star player Shohei Ohtani, having just concluded his first year with the Dodgers, made brief remarks in English “This is so special for me,” said the Japanese phenom. “I’m so honored to be here and to be part of this team. Congratulations Los Angeles. Thank you fans!”
After the speeches concluded, players took photos with the trophy on the field, to the accompaniment of music and confetti.
