The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team in 25 years to repeat as World Series champions behind the contributions of several players, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had a performance for the ages.
The right-hander posted a 1.02 ERA and 0.68 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against two walks in 17.2 innings across three appearances (two starts).
Yamamoto went the distance in Game 2 and then earned the win in two consecutive elimination matchups on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays. He tossed 2.2 scoreless frames out of the bullpen in winner-take-all Game 7 just one day after throwing six innings.
Yamamoto was named World Series MVP for his efforts and drew comparisons to Walker Buehler, who similarly put the Dodgers on his back in 2024.
Orel Hershiser, who had similar performances for the Dodgers in 1988, wore the jersey of both pitchers in the ensuing celebrations.
“Both pitchers reminded fans of what happened back in ’88, when I pretty much was trying to pitch as much as possible, just like Walker when he came from behind with his injury,” Hershiser said of Yamamoto and Buehler.
“It looked like he might not even be on the roster in the playoffs, and he all of a sudden does well and gets the final out. And we all know the pose of, ‘Aren’t you entertained?’ or whatever the saying is.
“And then to watch Yamamoto go out there, I thought to honor Walker by wearing his jersey the year before, and then thinking about what Yoshi did, I thought it was the only way to honor a pitcher that did that type of contribution.”
Orel Hershiser enjoyed ‘special moment’ with Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Hershiser wearing Yamamoto’s jersey at the Dodgers World Series celebration was the latest instance of him supporting a current player in that fashion.
During Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, Hershier wore a No. 21 jersey in support of Buehler as he closed out the New York Yankees.
“I’ve never hit three home runs in a playoff game like Ohtani, I’ve never hit a walk-off grand slam like Freddie Freeman, I never hit a key home run like Miguel Rojas, or Will Smith or Max Muncy,” Hershiser said.
“But I did throw a baseball in those same situations and appreciate that. So wearing Yamamoto’s jersey was a great honor, and then also I brought a jersey of mine, and signed it to him from one World Series MVP to another.
“That was a special moment and great picture for me for my office.”
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