LA Erupts in Celebration as Dodgers Claim Second World Series Victory
The City of Angels witnessed citywide festivities after the Dodgers won a nail-biting seven-match World Series title. Fans worldwide joined local residents in jubilation, marking the initial time in 25 years that a franchise has secured back-to-back championships.
Victory Parade Attracts Enormous Crowds
Los Angeles area events featured a procession through the city center on Monday morning, a ticketed rally at Dodger Stadium, and impromptu gatherings across the city.
Social media videos show thousands of Los Angeles residents packing city center avenues, many carrying handmade banners and Dodger flags. The team was seen riding high on a double-decker bus through the masses, hoisting the championship trophy proudly.
“I’m already thinking about the next championship we’re going to do this,” the star player remarked through an translator.
The procession path ended at Dodger Stadium, where the team walked out to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” with DJ Mustard spinning music and the artist driving a Pacific blue vintage Cadillac around the stadium’s outfield.
Pre-Parade Festivities and Athlete Responses
Festivities started prior to the parade, with supporters lighting fireworks in the roads of Downtown Los Angeles on the previous evening.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, named the MVP of the championship, spoke plainly about the victory.
“Losing is not an option,” Yamamoto said. “I love the Dodgers. I love Los Angeles.”
Mixed Reactions and City Unity
In contrast, Mark Walter was met with a less warm reception at the rally. Video footage from the gathering seem to depict Walter taking the stage to a combination of applause and jeers, with negative shouts punctuating his speech.
The World Series served as a bright spot in what has been a trying year for the city. An approximate 225,000 people attended to the championship parade last year, and according to team member one athlete, fans this year showed equal or greater support.
“I feel like it’s almost double from last year,” he said. “These fans are crazy. It’s so awesome to be a part of this.”