The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League West division for a ninth time in the past 10 seasons, and accomplished the feat at Chase Field like they did in 2013.
That year the Dodgers won the NL West behind a remarkable 42-8 stretch after falling to 8.5 games back of first place. Players started celebrating in the clubhouse but several of them sprinted out to the Chase Field pool. Their splashing around not only caused waves at the time, but upset the Diamondbacks organization.
On Tuesday night, local Sheriffs officials stood in the pool area as the Dodgers began to celebrate their latest NL West title. While players never made their way out of the clubhouse, it’s plausible the law enforcement officials were on hand to prevent fans from jumping into the pool as well.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Clayton Kershaw both brushed aside the notion that the team would repeat their pool celebration upon clinching.
“I think that’s in the past,” Roberts told reporters before the division-winning game. “I just don’t think that’s who this team is. I don’t really expect us or see us jumping in a pool in right-center field.”
Kershaw was on the 2013 Dodgers roster, but Roberts did not start managing the club until 2016.
When the Dodgers swept the Diamondbacks in the 2017 NL Division Series, the Diamondbacks had police officers on horseback standing along the warning track to prevent them from celebrating in the Chase Field pool.
Dodgers make history clinching NL West
By wrapping up the NL West in the 141st game of the season, the Dodgers made Los Angeles franchise history as the fastest team to win the division. That previously was the 2019 Dodgers, who won the NL West in the 146th game of the season.
The 1955 Brooklyn team holds all-time Dodgers franchise record by clinching the pennant in 138 games.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
