The Los Angeles Dodgers had another successful year despite a disappointing ending to the season. They won a total of 112 games and reached the playoffs for a ninth consecutive season even through all the injuries and in-season challenges.
For their season to come to the end, it took the eventual World Series champions to eliminate them, which has happened every season since 2016 — aside from 2020 when the Dodgers won the title.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, manager Dave Roberts and several players have recognized how successful of a year it was despite falling short of repeating.
And in acknowledging there was a lot to be proud of, Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten also recognized the result wasn’t good enough without a World Series title, via SportsNet LA:
“Well, it was a good year but it wasn’t what we wanted. I would say almost every other team in baseball would be thrilled with the year, but it isn’t good enough for us. We understand that. We don’t expect to win every year, but each year we think we might, and I know we’re going to feel the same way as we start next year, which is an All-Star year. We’re already working on that and we’re very excited about the future.”
Besides for not winning the World Series, the Dodgers also saw their National League West streak come to an end at eight years as the San Francisco Giants won the division by one game.
However, with the Dodgers tying a franchise record by winning 106 games during the regular season, more than any defending World Series champion in MLB history, you just need to tip your cap to the Giants.
Now, all the Dodgers can do is focus on next season, with 11 players becoming free agents, including Corey Seager, Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer.
The Dodgers will also host the 2022 MLB All-Star Game, which was originally supposed to be held at Dodger Stadium in 2020, but it was cancelled because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Mookie Betts proud of Dodgers’ season
Mookie Betts appreciated what the team was able to accomplish this season with all the challenges despite not completing their goal.
“It’s easy to overlook all that, but we don’t,” Betts said. “We know what it takes to get to this point. The injuries, being on the road so much, people don’t think about you dedicate your life to this.
“So I’m not going to hang my head. I’m going to be excited and be happy about what we did, what we accomplished and tip my cap to the Braves.”
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