The Dodgers bus arrived back at Dodger Stadium Thursday morning with fans amassed outside after the team’s World Series victory over the New York Yankees. KNX News’ Jon Baird reported that fans surrounded Gavin Lux’s car and chanted “MVP, MVP” when Freddie Freeman arrived.
During a press conference Thursday morning, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass told reporters she was feeling like “victory, victory.”
“On behalf of the entire city, I want to express our pride and heartfelt,” she said. “Congratulations to the Dodgers, to the players and to their families, the coaches, the trainers, the front office and everyone who had a hand in making history last night, every night. Each of you exemplified the very best of our city and put greatness on display.”
She added that when the Dodgers arrived back in the city, the fire department greeted them with a salute.
“Let me just say that as soon as this press conference is over, I will be shipping a Dodger jersey to my colleague in New York, Mayor [Eric] Adams because he has lost the bet and he will be wearing a Dodger jersey in city hall in New York,” Bass said.
After the team’s big win Wednesday night, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman took home the MVP award after he hit four home runs and tied a Dodgers record with 12 RBIs in the World Series.
“Everything went right for us,” Freeman told reporters. “And I mean, that's the epitome of our team being down five nothing and coming back and winning. That’s the adversity we faced all year and we were able to accomplish the goal that we started off in February.:
Through his interpreter, Shohei Ohtani said it was an honor to be a part of the team and win the World Series in his first year as a Dodger.
“We were able to get through the regular season I think because of the strength of this team, this organization, and the success of the postseason is very similar to how we were able to pull it off during the regular season again,” he said.
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That night, Dodger fans in Los Angeles watched the game with bated breath.
“I was gonna have a heart attack. I couldn't contain myself,” one fan told KNX New’s Pete Demetriou.
Fans at 33 Taps broke into song to celebrate the team’s win, singing along to Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day.”
Celebrations spilled out onto the streets and quickly turned into chaos with businesses being looted and a Metro bus being set on fire in Echo Park. The LAPD issued a citywide tactical alert, adding that several arrests were made.
The team’s victory parade is planned Friday morning in downtown Los Angeles. It’s set to begin at 11 a.m.
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