The Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the New York Yankees to capture their eighth World Series title in what was one of the most highly anticipated matchups in recent memory.
The Dodgers and Yankees renewed their longtime rivalry, which dates back to when both teams made their home in New York. They’ve met 12 times in the Fall Classic, with L.A. winning the last two matchups.
The Dodgers and Yankees also boast two of the largest fanbases in all of sports, which added further intrigue to this year’s World Series.
Alex Vesia noted that his father is a longtime Yankees fan but made an exception to cheer for the Dodgers in the World Series after initially wanting to wear a split jersey, via “The Chris Rose Rotation” show:
“So my dad is a big-time Yankee fan. Big time. Like, from the womb, I’ve worn Yankees stuff. And over the years, pretty much once I got into college, I never really had a favorite team after that. So for him, when we played the Yankees, I think it was in July, that was funny.
“That man wanted to wear a half Dodger, half Yankee jersey. He’s a man of all trades, so he wanted to sew one and do all that. I said, ‘Dude, if you do that, I am not getting you tickets to these games.’ So World Series rolls around, everyone is texting him, ‘Who are you going to root for?’ He’s like, ‘I’m rooting for my son. I have to.’ It was just a super cool moment to be at Yankee Stadium and celebrate on the field.
“All of our dreams have come true. No one ever thought I was going to make it to the big leagues, let alone be on a playoff team, let alone be in the World Series pitching and doing all that stuff. It’s what we had dreamed about and talked about. That was a very special moment for me.”
Vesia was one of the Dodgers’ most effective relief pitchers in the postseason as he combined to throw 5.2 scoreless innings over seven appearances. That included 2.2 shutout innings against the Yankees in the World Series.
Vesia was left off the Dodgers’ National League Championship Series roster due to an intercostal injury, but made enough progress to return for the World Series.
The left-hander went 5-4 with a 1.76 ERA, 3.45 FIP, 1.00 WHIP and 11.8 strikeouts per nine in 67 appearances during the regular season.
Alex Vesia: Padres were bigger challenge to Dodgers
Vesia agreed with manager Dave Roberts that the San Diego Padres were a bigger challenge to the Dodgers than the Yankees in the postseason.
L.A. eliminated San Diego in the NL Division Series after overcoming a 2-1 deficit.
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