Wrapping up World Series week

 

Just one more World Series-related post to finish off the week. I can tell by the views that people no interested in my Series discussions, but I wouldn't be a fan if I didn't write about my team when it gets to the championship and wins. What am I supposed to do, discuss Topps Update?

That's what the offseason is for.

 

I don't know when the next time the Dodgers will reach the World Series (and judging by some fans' typical reactions, I may not want to write about them if they win again next year), so I'm taking advantage.

 

This post will tie up some loose ends and thoughts about the Series.

 

First off, I need to mention "the blob" and "the king of the hill" on this post. Long-time readers will know that "the blob" is the player that makes the last out in the World Series. It comes from when I was a kid and me and my brother would determine "the blob" each year. I most-recently updated the World Series blobs two years ago, and have added to that post with subsequent blobs. I'll add 2024 when I get a chance.

 

This year's blob is:

 

Alex Verdugo, former Dodger. Verdugo is one of those unfortunate players who left the Dodgers just before they won two World Series title.

Verdugo is the second straight blob to make the final out by strikeout. The Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte did the same last year. Both Series lasted five games, too.

 

The "king of the hill" this year is one of my favorite ones:

 

Walker Buehler came in the ninth inning in his first relief appearance in six years to become King of the Hill.

 

Even in this era of relief pitchers, the Dodgers' King of the Hills through history have mostly been starters. Only Larry Sherry in 959 was a reliever.

 

I've updated the list of King of the Hills on the same blob post, by the way.

 

I'm waiting for Topps to put out some commemorative Dodgers World Series set. I know they did something in 2020, I haven't been paying attention to see if they've continued doing that. But I'll likely get it if they do, provided it's not ridiculous.

 

I already grabbed a Topps Now card of Walker Buehler's final-out reaction. Those cards are cheaper now so it was an easy decision.

 

 

That World Series produced a lot of favorite moments for me. Probably my favorite, outside of the final out being recorded, was Freddie Freeman's grand slam in Game 1.

After that, it's definitely the five-run rally in the fifth inning of Game 5 (5-5-5). I've already watched that half inning four times.

Another favorite is Teoscar Hernandez throwing out Giancarlo Stanton at the plate in Game 3.

Least favorite? The morons grabbing the ball from Mookie Betts in foul territory. Brought back old Yankees-loathing memories from when I was a kid, I do not understand being so proud of doing something absolutely rude and idiotic.

I also enjoyed the Dodgers being able to hit almost through the entire postseason. With the exception of only one or two games, they always put up the runs. There's been lots of times over the years when the Dodgers' hitters didn't show up and the pitchers had to pick up the slack, going way back to the 1970s (and definitely the '60s). But 2024 was like what the old '50s Brooklyn teams did, I imagine.

I wrote a pretty much ignored post about the best Dodgers hitters in the history of the World Series last week. Already that needs to be updated. Here is the top 10 OPS leaders before this year's World Series (minimum 10 at-bats);

1. David Freese - 1.333

2. Pedro Guerrero - 1.179

3. Mickey Hatcher - 1.137

4. Bill Skowron - 1.044

5. Frank Howard - 1.000

6. Joc Pederson - .975

7. Duke Snider - .945

8. Charlie Neal - .903

8. Ron Fairly - .903

10. Steve Yeager - .902

And here's the updated top 10:

1. Freddie Freeman - 1.364

2. David Freese - 1.333

3. Pedro Guerrero - 1.179

4. Mickey Hatcher - 1.137

5. Bill Skowron - 1.044

6. Frank Howard - 1.000

7. Tommy Edman - .988

8. Joc Pederson - .975

9. Duke Snider - .945

10. Teoscar Hernandez - .931

That's three new names from one World Series and the Dodgers have been in a lot of World Series in their time! That's some hitting!

 

 

In the last post, Bo mentioned in the comments that Dave Roberts may have solidified a spot in Cooperstown with this latest title, comparing his record with other managers who recently have been inducted.

And after reading this FanGraphs post today, I can see it. It's been a remarkable run, I admit I've been clouded by the years that ended in a loss, but I now realize that I've never seen anything like it from my favorite team. I like to be nostalgic over the Dodgers' postseason showing in the late 1970s and early 1980s but it can't compare to this run.

 

Dodgers seasons 1976-88

 

Dodgers seasons 2012-24

The end results have been much better lately (Yeah, I know, there were no Division Series in '70s and '80s).

Also, the current Dodgers teams have had to play through a gauntlet of playoff rounds that teams from my childhood didn't have to endure. I get the sense that the teams that make the World Series are pretty gassed these days. And as a fan, an entire month of pressure-packed games is a little too much to take. MLB sure could pare it down, but I don't anticipate that happening. They'll just let everyone get ulcers. We won't be able to afford your postseason tickets, MLB, we have medicine to buy!

I haven't done much shopping around for World Championship memorabilia, I just haven't had the time. But I imagine I'll be doing some of that. I know that ever since the final out was recorded, my Christmas list has gotten two pages longer.