The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the eighth World Series title in franchise history, with the last out coming from a homegrown player in Walker Buehler, who advocated to pitch the ninth inning of Game 5 against the New York Yankees.
Buehler’s regular season was forgettable from a statistical standpoint, but it was his own admission that pitching in big games is what he lives for. Because of his demeanor, Buehler’s performance over the course of the playoffs is that of a battle-tested arm built for the postseason.
Since being drafted by the Dodgers, the right-hander has drawn comparisons to franchise legend Orel Hershiser, who once dominated in October as well.
The two have formed a strong relationship and it led to Buehler wearing Hershiser’s No. 55 Dodgers jersey at multiple points.
Buehler asked to borrow the jersey during the National League Division Series, to which Hershiser joyfully agreed. In 1988, he was given two sets of the jersey, one going to the Hall of Fame, and the other, was shipped from his home in Las Vegas so Hershiser could lend it to Buehler.
Wearing it for the NLDS celebration, then again leading up to the World Series and in the team’s title celebration, the parallels between the ‘Bulldog’ and the bulldog mentality of Buehler were uncanny.
During Game 5 of the World Series, Hershier returned the favor, wearing a No. 21 jersey in support of Buehler as he struck out Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo, ending the Fall Classic.
Walker Buehler showing up to Game 1 of the #WorldSeries in an @OrelHershiser jersey and Bulldog returning the favor tonight is 🤌 pic.twitter.com/5XM8FDG5ME
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) October 31, 2024
Buehler capped off his postseason going 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 13 strikeouts over 15 innings pitched. In his four appearances, he made three starts, with his fourth outing being his Game 5 save.
In his final year under contract, a full-circle moment to his Dodgers tenure is one of the franchise’s greatest storylines.
Will Walker Buehler re-sign with Dodger?
The relationship between the Buehler and the Dodgers is strong. Both with the ties to the fans, but also in the rehab and development during this portion of his career.
After a second Tommy John surgery, Buehler’s playoff success showed enough flashes that his career with the team should not end after their World Series title. They could bring him back on a short-term deal, allowing Buehler to bolster his case for a longer-term contract to cash in if his numbers sustain themselves over the course of a regular season slate.
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