The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again making waves as they prepare for another postseason run, this time heading to Toronto for Game 1 of the World Series. The team’s plane took off from Los Angeles International Airport around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, marking the beginning of their journey to face the Toronto Blue Jays. Fans in Los Angeles are buzzing with excitement as the Dodgers gear up for their third straight playoff series away from home. The team has been in top form this postseason, showing no signs of slowing down.
The Dodgers have proven themselves as road warriors this October, winning all four of their games away from Dodger Stadium. Their perfect 4-0 postseason record on the road has given fans hope that they could return to Los Angeles next Monday and clinch the World Series title at home. This would be a significant achievement for the Dodgers, as they have not won the World Series at home since 1963. Fans are eagerly anticipating the possibility of celebrating the championship on their home turf, especially after the team’s strong performance this season.
“We’re a juggernaut, but it’s baseball, anything can happen,” said Eddie Paz from Alhambra. “But I still believe in my Dodgers.” The optimism among fans is palpable, as they have been following the Dodgers’ remarkable journey throughout the postseason. As the team heads into the World Series, there is a sense of pride and excitement in the air, with fans hoping to see their team make history once again.
The Dodgers’ success this postseason has translated into increased demand for merchandise. Official World Series gear is flying off the shelves at stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pasadena. Fans are flocking to the store to grab the latest Dodgers gear, including items with Shohei Ohtani’s name on them. Ohtani’s outstanding performance in Friday night’s game has fueled even more excitement among fans, who are eager to show their support for the team. Javier Chavez from Commerce shared, “Usually, I have my postseason hat on, but I came in to get the World Series one before I go to work.”
Some fans, like Chavez, are also planning to get new tattoos to commemorate another Dodgers World Series title. “I’ve got to figure out where it will go, but it will go back-to-back, so that will be a different one. It will say back-to-back right there,” he said, showing off his Dodgers sleeve. The excitement surrounding the team’s potential victory is clearly evident, as fans look for ways to mark this historic moment.
At the Citadel Outlets, the Dodgers Clubhouse store has seen a surge in customers rushing to buy World Series gear they missed out on last year. Rosi Lucas from South Los Angeles commented, “Everything got sold out, too, so we barely got like jerseys with like the patch with the 2024.” The scarcity of certain items has only fueled the urgency among fans to grab their gear before it sells out. “We’re trying to get what we can. There’s not a lot of sizes, so get it now before it’s gone,” said Alejandrina Martinez.
Dionicio Silva from Whittier shared that he ordered his Dodgers World Series gear online as soon as the team clinched last Friday. However, due to shipping delays, he decided to visit the store to pick up his gear in person before the Fall Classic begins. “I ordered it immediately, as soon as they won. I actually ordered it online, but they haven’t shipped it. That’s why I came to get it over here,” Silva explained. The anticipation surrounding the World Series is palpable, with fans eager to show their support for the Dodgers as they chase another championship.
While the Dodgers’ playoff run is dominating the conversation, fans are also taking time to reflect on the anniversary of Fernando Valenzuela’s death. On Wednesday, a memorial outside a mural of the legendary pitcher, known as El Toro, grew larger in his honor. Valenzuela’s impact on the Dodgers and their fans is still felt today, and his memory continues to inspire the next generation of Dodgers supporters. As the team moves closer to another potential World Series title, Valenzuela’s legacy remains an integral part of the Dodgers’ rich history.
Some die-hard fans have opted to skip the road trip to Canada and stay in Los Angeles, waiting for the team to return home with a 2-0 lead in the series. “I went to Texas when they won in 2020. I was there… Well, we’ve got Black Snell this Friday, so it’s looking real good on Monday. I’m not gonna say sweep but…” said Chavez. These fans are hopeful that the Dodgers will continue their dominant postseason performance and secure the World Series title once again.
Historically, only four teams have faced a situation where they swept their way to the World Series, like the Dodgers, while their opponents, like the Blue Jays, had to go to Game 7 to get there. In each of those four instances, the team that went to Game 7 ended up winning the World Series. This stat has added an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming matchup, with fans eagerly speculating about the outcome.
For those hoping to attend a Dodgers home game on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, ticket prices are expected to be steep. The cheapest seats are expected to cost around $800, making it a pricey endeavor for fans who want to witness the World Series action in person. Despite the high cost, the demand for tickets is expected to remain strong, as fans are willing to pay a premium for the chance to see the Dodgers make history at home.
As the Dodgers continue their postseason journey, the excitement among fans is reaching a fever pitch. Whether they’re picking up World Series gear, reflecting on the legacy of Fernando Valenzuela, or preparing for the upcoming games, one thing is clear: the Dodgers’ pursuit of another championship has captured the hearts of their loyal fanbase. The next few days will be filled with anticipation as the team heads to Toronto for Game 1, with the hope of returning to Los Angeles with the World Series title.
