After the Los Angeles Dodgers received their World Series rings during a pregame ceremony, they punctuated the afternoon with a 1-0 win over the Washington Nationals. Justin Turner was the headliner of the home opener as he delivered the game-winning blast in the sixth inning.
“It was obviously a very, very special day and a special moment. Something I’ll never forget. And then to go out and get the win on the home opener, ring day, was just huge,” Turner said. “It was just great to have fans back in Dodger Stadium.
“Hearing the roar of the crowd and getting that win was nice. It’s good to be home.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called it “very fitting” that Turner’s solo home run proved to be the difference in the victory.
The day also carried significance for Turner in that he got to participate in an actual World Series celebration without any cloud hovering over it. “Today was a big day for me personally,” Turner said.
“It felt like the first real time I got to get out there on the line with all my teammates and enjoy this. Enjoy the championship and celebrate the ring. Especially to do it with fans in the stands, made it even more special.
“I know normally on Opening Day the place would be backed with 56,000. Hopefully as things get better, we get an opportunity to get all our fans back in here to enjoy watching baseball games again.”
Turner previously discussed the feeling of having watched three teams celebrate a World Series win and how that was serving as motivation to repeat and be part of the final out on the field.
Turner loves all aspects of World Series ring
The Dodgers have garnered plenty of praise for the World Series ring they presented to players, and Turner was among those to gush about the hand-crafted jewelry.
“They did a great job. It’s just very simple, clean cut and it just looks really nice. I like it all,” he said. “The detail in it is pretty cool, with the series wins on the inside and signature on the bottom, and then the outside of the ring is simple and clean cut.
“I think they did a great job.”
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