Thousands of fans come out to celebrate and honor the Los Angeles Dodgers in the streets of downtown Los Angeles and Dodger Stadium on Friday, November 1. The parade and celebration came two days after the team defeated the New York Yankees 4-1 in game 5 of the World Series.
AJPress contributed photo
ON November 1, 2024, Los Angeles was a sea of blue as fans gathered to celebrate the Dodgers’ hard-fought World Series win over the New York Yankees. The citywide celebration started near City Hall and concluded with a high-energy rally at Dodger Stadium, where players, coaches, and fans came together to revel in the team’s historic victory.
Celebration highlights and key speeches
The parade, lined with thousands of fans waving banners and cheering, showcased the deep bond between the team and the city. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts thanked fans for their unwavering support, calling it the “heartbeat” of the team, while veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw—who missed the postseason—reaffirmed his loyalty to the Dodgers, declaring his love for the city and team.
National League MVP Shohei Ohtani captured fans’ hearts as he addressed the crowd in English, sharing his gratitude for the city’s support and excitement for the future. World Series MVP Freddie Freeman also delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing his pride in the team’s accomplishment and calling the victory “a dream come true.”
Mayor Karen Bass and the City’s pride
Mayor Karen Bass joined the celebration, applauding the Dodgers for their achievement and recognizing the team’s impact on uniting Los Angeles. She noted that the Dodgers have long been a symbol of pride and resilience for L.A., embodying the diversity and strength of the city.
Honoring Fernando Valenzuela
As part of the festivities, fans took a moment to honor the late Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, a six-time All-Star whose 1981 season sparked the unforgettable “Fernandomania.” Valenzuela’s achievements made him a cultural icon, especially within L.A.’s Latino community, and he continued to connect with fans as a Dodgers broadcaster after his playing career. The crowd celebrated his legacy, with his number 34 retirement in 2023 reminding all of his lasting impact on the team.
An unforgettable day of unity
The day was filled with memorable moments, including a performance from rapper Ice Cube that energized the crowd even further. The Dodgers’ 2024 championship parade was more than a celebration of a baseball win—it was a testament to the unity, pride, and passion shared between a city and its team, leaving fans with memories to cherish and a championship to celebrate.
