As the final game of the 2024 World Series concluded, the Los Angeles Dodgers found themselves triumphantly securing the championship against the New York Yankees, closing the series in just five games. For the Dodgers, it was a testament to their season-long consistency and adaptability, traits that ultimately crowned them champions in a match-up against one of baseball's most storied franchises.
A Dominant Performance
The Dodgers approached the series with a quiet confidence, as highlighted by relief pitcher Joe Kelly, who remarked, "All we knew is that we had to play regular Dodger baseball...we didn't have to do anything crazy, and we were going to win the World Series. Look at the team, look at the talent." The team's ability to focus on their fundamentals without succumbing to the pressure of the occasion was crucial in overcoming the Yankees.
The Los Angeles squad capitalized on consistent execution, something reflected in their ability to keep games tight and manage pivotal moments effectively. While the Yankees, despite their formidable regular season, faltered defensively with critical errors, Los Angeles maintained composure. As Kelly noted, "We have a lot of big superstars in our clubhouse, but our superstars also care and aren't lazy and play hard. That's the difference and the biggest separator."
The Series in Context
During the regular season, the Yankees boasted the best record in the American League, finishing with a 94-68 mark. They also recorded an impressive run differential of 147. Yet, the World Series proved to be an entirely different stage, one where even the narrowest of victories counted significantly. The Yankees found themselves on the wrong side of a paper-thin margin, losing by a combined total of just one run across the series.
This stark contrast between the Yankees' regular season success and their postseason performance was bluntly put by Kelly: "It was a mismatch from the get-go. If we had a playoff re-ranking, they might be ranked the 8th- or 9th-best playoff team." His perspective offers a critical lens through which to view the Yankees' struggles—where regular season statistics fail to encapsulate the pressures and unpredictabilities of playoff baseball.
Game Preparation and Execution
The Dodgers' triumph can also be attributed to the meticulousness with which they approached each game. Kelly emphasized their comprehensive preparation, saying, "We go through numerous scouting reports. We pay attention to every single detail." This detailed preparation, combined with execution, is reflective of a team that relies on its star power while staying grounded in disciplined, team-oriented baseball.
For a team that faced formidable opponents throughout the season, maintaining such a level of preparedness was no small feat. The Dodgers had to contend with strong teams such as the Padres, Phillies, and Braves, yet their ability to dissect and counteract these opponents’ strengths spoke volumes about their championship mindset.
The Absence of Contribution
Amidst the triumph, the postseason narrative also included those who remained on the periphery. Joe Kelly, while vocally present, did not contribute on the field during the postseason or the World Series, partly due to his performance in the regular season, where he logged a WAR of minus-0.4 across 32 innings. His vocal, strategic presence, however, underlines the multifaceted roles individuals within a team can play, even when not on the field.
Looking Back
Ultimately, the 2024 World Series highlighted both the strengths and frailties of two iconic baseball franchises. The Dodgers' victory was a calculated display of skill and strategy, woven together with the strong undercurrents of teamwork and discipline. Their win not only secured a title but also sent a clear message across major league baseball: winning at the highest level demands a combination of talent, hard work, and unwavering focus on the task at hand.