The 2020 World Series title, won in a bubble during the pandemic-shortened season, was bittersweet for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It came with whispers of doubt, with critics quick to place an asterisk on the title, calling it an “unearned” championship. Despite the hurdles they overcame to win that year, including the challenges of a truncated season, the atmosphere of empty stadiums, and the unique conditions of a global pandemic, there were always those who felt the circumstances didn’t give them the full credit they deserved. But in 2024, after an incredible comeback run through a season of adversity, the Dodgers were determined to put those doubts to rest. The team had grown stronger, wiser, and more resilient, and they were ready to prove that their 2024 World Series title was legitimate, with no asterisk attached.
As Gavin Lux, one of the standout players for the Dodgers, put it, “You want the whole season just to put an end to all this talk. It bothers everyone that you don’t get the credit you deserve.” For the Dodgers, the 2020 title had been a contentious victory, marked by controversy over the short season and the circumstances of the global pandemic. But four years later, after a battle-tested season full of ups and downs, the 2024 World Series title came with a sense of closure—and with it, the Dodgers could finally claim that their win was one for the ages
This Time, No Asterisks.
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A Season Built on Resilience: The Road to Redemption
The Dodgers’ 2024 season was a testament to resilience. From the first pitch of the year to the final out of the World Series, this team had faced adversity on every front. Injuries, roster changes, and a grueling schedule made the road to the title anything but easy. Their pitching staff, once a source of immense strength, had been decimated by injuries, leaving them with a patchwork rotation. Yet, despite these challenges, the Dodgers kept their focus and found ways to win.
The team’s ability to rise above injuries was perhaps most evident in their pitching staff. Key pitchers like Walker Buehler, who was coming off his second Tommy John surgery, were not expected to play a significant role in the postseason. Yet, when called upon, Buehler came through in the clutch, pitching crucial innings and even closing out the final game of the 2024 World Series. The resilience of Buehler and other pitchers in the bullpen symbolized the team’s spirit—a group that would not back down, no matter the odds.
For example, the Dodgers’ bullpen, one of the most relied-upon groups throughout the season, found itself working overtime in the postseason. From regular relievers like Blake Treinen and Evan Phillips to young arms who hadn’t been as prominent during the regular season, every player on the pitching staff stepped up to fill the gaps when needed. Despite the injuries, the bullpen allowed the Dodgers to keep their opponents at bay, even when the starting pitchers couldn’t go deep into games.
In addition to the pitching struggles, the Dodgers’ offense had its fair share of hurdles. Star players like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts were battling through injuries, with Freeman spraining his ankle just weeks before the playoffs. But, as always, Freeman showed his determination and grit, playing through pain and proving himself to be one of the most valuable players in the postseason. His two-run home run in Game 5 of the World Series was pivotal, giving the Dodgers a boost in their eventual comeback win.
Max Muncy’s Reflection: “Now there’s two of us, baby, what do you say? World Series champs. Get that Mickey Mouse shit out of your mouth. We got a full season. It’s on.”
Muncy’s words directly responded to those who had belittled the legitimacy of the 2020 title. His message was clear: this championship was earned, and there would be no doubt this time. The Dodgers had done it the hard way—by grinding through a season entire of adversity, injuries, and tough losses but ultimately finding a way to win when it mattered most.
A Championship Built on Strong Decisions
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run was manager Dave Roberts’s strategic brilliance. Roberts had been heavily scrutinized in past years for his decisions during critical moments, but in 2024, his leadership was instrumental in the team’s success. With injuries mounting, Roberts found creative ways to piece together a winning roster, often relying on the bullpen to cover more innings than average.
Roberts’ strategic brilliance was on full display when he leaned heavily on his bullpen throughout the postseason, using his best arms in key moments, even when they hadn’t pitched in the previous games. This approach, while risky, paid off. His decision to trust relievers like Blake Treinen and Evan Phillips to get critical outs, even in high-leverage situations, kept the Dodgers’ postseason run alive.
Reflecting on this strategy, Blake Treinen remarked, “I’ll be the first to say there will never be a bullpen team that wins the World Series.” Yet, in 2024, the Dodgers proved that a deep bullpen could be just as valuable as a dominant starting rotation. Roberts’ ability to make bold moves, such as using players in unconventional roles, was a key factor in their success.
This approach wasn’t just limited to pitching. The Dodgers’ management of player health and strategic rest days was crucial in ensuring that key players could stay fresh for the postseason. With aging stars like Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers understood the importance of managing their veterans to maximize their contributions in October.
The Breakthrough Victory: A Moment of Glory
For the Dodgers, the victory in the 2024 World Series was more than just a title—it was a moment of redemption. After years of battling questions about the legitimacy of their 2020 win, they had finally proven that their championship credentials were beyond reproach. The 2024 season, full of twists, turns, and challenges, had tested their mettle, and they had come through stronger than ever.
As manager Dave Roberts aptly said, “I’m going to enjoy it to the full. I’m sure there won’t be any restrictions this time.” His statement was a nod to the years of frustration accompanying the 2020 title. With a full season of triumph and a World Series victory earned on the field, the Dodgers had proven they could rise above any adversity, both on and off the field.
Max Muncy’s statement, “This is No. 2 for us, No. 2 for me. Hopefully we get a few more,” spoke volumes about the team’s hunger still burning. The Dodgers were not content with just one title. They had their sights set on building a dynasty and securing multiple championships for years to come. But for now, they could savor the sweet victory of 2024. This victory would be etched in the history books with no asterisks, controversy, or question about its legitimacy.
The Parade and the Fans’ Long-Awaited Celebration
After the final pitch of Game 5, the Dodgers’ victory parade was scheduled for Friday—a moment of celebration that had been postponed for years due to the pandemic. The parade would be significant as it coincided with what would have been Fernando Valenzuela’s 64th birthday. Valenzuela, a legendary figure in Dodgers’ history, had been a symbol of the team’s connection to its past, and his influence loomed large over the celebrations of this hard-earned victory.
For the players, the parade was a moment to honor the fans who had stuck with them through thick and thin. The Dodgers’ faithful had endured the frustration of near-misses and heartbreak in recent years, but now, at long last, they had something to celebrate: a World Series title that was truly earned.
The confetti fell as the Dodgers marched down the streets of Los Angeles, and the fans roared. The 2024 championship would be remembered for the victories on the field and the story of a team that refused to be defined by its critics, a team that overcame adversity and silenced its doubters once and for all.
The Dodgers were champions again—and this time, it was for good.
