The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series for the first time in 32 years. After an unprecedented comeback from a 3-1deficit in the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves, the Dodgers ended their over three-decade losing streak on Oct. 27, 2020 with a 4-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The MLB’s attempts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during the playoffs resulted in “bubble locations,” meaning that the playoffs would be played only in select parks in San Diego, Arlington, Houston and Los Angeles. The World Series was played in Arlington, Texas.
Asked about the Dodgers’ 3-1 game deficit in the semi-finals against the Atlanta Braves, English teacher Mike Barnhill said, “I’ll be honest, there were times I was concerned. But when you look at their season and what this team accomplished late in games, plus the lineup they have, you know you can’t keep a team like that down for long. The Braves are an excellent team which is a testament to how strong the Dodgers are this year.”
The Dodgers have a history of coming close but failing to get a title.
Junior and avid Dodgers fan Joe Knoll said, “After so many different teams and amazing players, the Dodgers win was huge. They’ve been through a lot in the last few years and to have them come out on top is just amazing.”
Barnhill noted, “Gosh, this is the first time in my life time that the Dodgers have won. That final inning I got quite nostalgic. Going to Chavez Ravine with my dad, it being a whole day thing. Sitting in the left field grass watching fireworks. I thought of Vin Scully, longtime Dodgers’ broadcaster and how much he has seen – how much this must mean to him. When I’d go to games with my dad, people would bring portable radios just to listen to him during the live game, so you’d hear his voice echo through the stadium. This season was just a culmination of all of those memories for me.”
Dodger star Justin Turner had to exit game 6 early because of a positive COVID test, which was unexpected.
Knoll commented, “Turner testing positive was definitely out of nowhere, especially since the entire team was in a bubble for weeks. Despite this, it was pretty sad to see him away from the team. Hopefully he makes a full recovery.”
Senior Nick Padua, who attended game 6 of the World Series, said, “There was so much going through my head when the Dodgers won. I have been a Dodger fan all my life so it was just a crazy moment. I was with my friend, his dad, and my brother so we had all been waiting for this moment for a while. I was just thinking of all the times going to the games with my family when I was younger, and the past 4 years how we were so close and weren’t ever able to close it out. Just so happy and grateful to be in Texas at the games. When Justin Turner got pulled it was really surprising everyone was shocked when we heard what actually happened. I was concerned for him and everyone else’s health.”
The end of a 32-year losing streak brought communities together, and Los Angeles was alive the night they won. Fireworks filled the night sky as Los Angeles celebrated its second professional sports title of 2020.