One night after playing on Halloween for the first time in franchise history, the Los Angeles Dodgers took the field for Game 7 of the World Series in another first at Dodger Stadium. Overall, it was the sixth winner-take-all Fall Classic game the Dodgers have played.
Throughout this year’s postseason and World Series, the Dodgers have paid tribute to their championship teams and legendary members of decades past. Prior to Game 1, Rachel Robinson and her children held the honor.
Then for Game 2, Vin Scully walked out to the mound for what appeared to be his ceremonial first pitch. Scully instead deputized Fernando Valenzuela, who threw to Steve Yeager. When the series returned to Dodger Stadium, Orel Hershiser and Tommy Lasorda shared the honor before Game 6.
And prior to Game 7 on Wednesday, Sandy Koufax and Don Newcombe each threw a first pitch, with Steve Garvey and Rick Monday catching, via FOX Sports:
.@Dodgers legends Sandy Koufax & Don Newcombe throw out the 1st pitch before Game 7. #WorldSeries https://t.co/jMiN3P4twb
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 2, 2017
In addition to their great careers with the Dodgers, Koufax and Newcombe were no strangers to pitching in memorable Game 7s. Furthermore, Nov. 1 marks a memorable date for Koufax, as that’s when he was presented with a third career Cy Young Award in 1966.
The Dodgers are looking to win their first World Series since 1988, while it would be the first for the Astros in franchise history.