Though the end result wasn’t favorable, the Los Angeles Dodgers enjoyed a historic 2017 season that included a Major League-best 104 wins and the franchise’s first World Series appearance since 1988.
A season of that magnitude is certainly worthy of recognition, and indeed, the Dodgers will honor the 2017 National League pennant club with an on-field, pregame ceremony before first pitch against the San Francisco Giants on March 31. Included in the festivities will be a video tribute and ring ceremony.
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is conflicted on the matter. While he agrees that the team’s overall success should be honored, he also added that the World Series loss muddies further celebration, via Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“We had a good year. There is something to be celebrated there,” ace Clayton Kershaw said. “But we also didn’t win, so there is something not to be celebrated too.”
Moreover, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is excited that last year’s club will be honored with NL championships rings in front of the home crowd:
“We won more games than anybody last year,” Roberts said. “We didn’t win the World Series, but that third game this season, to be honored with the National League championship rings, I think that will be exciting.”
Last season’s NL pennant was the Dodgers’ 22nd in franchise history. That only trails the Giants’ total of 23 for most all-time.
Los Angeles will also pay tribute to their 1988 World Series championship team during the Opening Series at Dodger Stadium. Most notably, Kirk Gibson will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day.
The following day, March 30, a bobblehead portraying Gibson’s home run celebration in Game 1 against the Oakland Athletics will be handed out to the first 40,000 fans in attendance.
