Dodgers Celebrate Championship with Eyes on the Future
The festivities had barely kicked off when Shohei Ohtani set the tone for the day. “I’m already thinking about the third time,” he stated in Japanese, standing on a double-decker bus filled with enthusiastic Dodgers fans during the team’s 2025 World Series parade in downtown Los Angeles.
Just two days after a thrilling Game 7 win that crowned the Dodgers as baseball’s first back-to-back champions in 25 years, the team paraded through the city and gathered at Dodger Stadium, already focused on the upcoming 2026 season. With three titles in six seasons, they are on the cusp of establishing a modern dynasty.
Ownership and executives are eager to continue this “golden era of Dodger baseball.” “All I can say is we’ll be back next year,” declared owner Mark Walter to the 52,703 supporters at the stadium rally. “Let’s do it again,” echoed Andrew Friedman. Manager Dave Roberts reiterated this sentiment, calling for a “three-peat.”
Shortstop Mookie Betts, the active player with four World Series titles, suggested filling his hand with jewelry: “Three-peat ain’t never sounded so sweet.” This day highlighted not just their victory but their ambition for yet another championship.
In November, the Dodgers celebrated their first parade in 36 years, marking a special reunion after being denied a full celebration following the pandemic-altered 2020 season. As third baseman Max Muncy humorously noted from a stage, “it’s starting to get a little bit comfortable up here.” Star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto reminded everyone, “losing isn’t an option.”
The journey ahead is daunting. The Dodgers finished the season with a win total of 93 and faced the wild-card round for the first time since 2022. They secured their title by winning two closely contested games in the World Series. “We’re all winners. Winners win,” added fan favorite Kiké Hernández.
As they celebrated, Kershaw took a moment to reflect on his journey with the team. “I’m a champion for life,” he said, poignantly marking the end of his illustrious career. Meanwhile, Friedman insisted that their goal transcends defining a dynasty; it’s about continual growth and maintaining high standards for future achievements.
