The Los Angeles Dodgers held their 2024 World Series parade on Friday in what was a celebration long coming due to the COVID-19 pandemic preventing such a celebration when they won a championship four years.
Austin Barnes, Mookie Betts, Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, Brusdar Graterol, Kiké Hernández, Joe Kelly, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, Max Muncy, Will Smith, Chris Taylor and Blake Treinen were on the 2020 Dodgers team that won the World Series and who are still part of the organization.
Gonsolin and May didn’t pitch this year because of respective injuries.
For Buehler, Hernández, Kershaw and Muncy, celebrating the Dodgers’ latest World Series win was particularly special given the circumstances when they last won.
And for the likes of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the parade and rally at Dodger Stadium punctuated wildly successful first seasons with the Dodgers.
Top moments from Dodgers World Series parade day
Dave Roberts dances with Ice Cube
Just like before Game 2 of the World Series, the Dodgers invited Ice Cube to perform two of his most well-known songs, “Bow Down” and “It Was a Good Day.”
This time, he was joined on the stage in center field by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who danced and rapped along during the performance.
Kiké Hernández
Among the player speeches, Kiké Hernández gave arguably the most energetic. He revisited saying a profane word during an interview with Ken Rosenthal, but this time teeing up the fans in attendance to scream the expletive.
“I didn’t say it,” Hernández quipped.
He also poked fun at the New York Yankees having Fat Joe perform Game 3 of the World Series, and noted the Dodgers didn’t need to play that night in order to win.
Clayton Kershaw
While recognizing he didn’t contribute to the team because of a bone spur injury that’s going to require surgery, along with repairing the meniscus in his left knee, Clayton Kershaw still was emotional when addressing the crowd.
He referenced not being able to celebrate with Dodgers fans in 2020 and this year’s championship parade having added value because of that.
Kershaw concluded his speech with, “Dodger for life.”
Shohei Ohtani & Yoshinobu Yamamoto
At the urging of teammates, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto both delivered messages in English. That’s a rarity for both players as they each have a translator whenever conducting interviews.
“This is a special moment for me,” Ohtani said. “I’m so honored to be here and to be part of this team. Congratulations Los Angeles! Thank you fans!”
Teoscar Hernández
As most others tapped into the enthusiasm of the crowd, Teoscar Hernández was more sentimental and emotional in his mesage.
Hernández fought back tears as reflected on signing with the Dodgers for 2024 and thanked fans for their strong support.
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