When the Los Angeles Dodgers ended their World Series drought last year, the celebration looked much different from what’s been tradition due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The festivities were mostly limited to the field, as per MLB’s health and safety protocols, with champagne being barred from the clubhouse. The Dodgers additionally have not been able to hold a parade to celebrate their World Series win with their fans to this point.
With the offseason now in the rearview mirror, the team is finally back together again for the start of 2021 Spring Training, as position players reported to Camelback Ranch on Monday.
The first thing on Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ agenda is to remind his players of what they accomplished last year. “I think the first message is going to be congratulations,” he said.
“I didn’t have that opportunity to address everybody as far as what we accomplished last year. Understanding we have different faces and people here, but I do think that’s forefront of mind.
“And as far as turning the page and moving on towards ’21, it’s more of just being mindful of the things we need to do to keep that same success. How we go about practice and understanding we can’t win the World Series in February.”
Roberts noted there is a much different vibe in Spring Training this year compared to previous seasons, but knows his players won’t let off the gas and lose sight of the ultimate goal. “I think there’s not a lot of questions of what we didn’t do to win a World Series,” he said.
“Those questions are not going to be asked, so that’s nice to look forward to. I think the narrative is going to be, ‘How can we do it again?’ but it’s just a different mindset. I think there’s a little bit of relief, to be quite honest.
“But I still think we understand that we still have a lot of work to do for ’21.”
Roberts highlighted World Series in previous message to pitchers and catchers
When pitchers and catchers reported to Camelback Ranch last week, Roberts had an opportunity to address them before their first official workout. He gave a speech that mentioned the focus of winning the World Series for a second consecutive year and understanding that can’t be accomplished in February.
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