Dodger Stadium has hosted playoff video games, parades, and strain that may crush a season earlier than it even begins. On Saturday, it hosted one thing for the very first time: a fan pageant for back-to-back World Collection Champions.
An estimated 30,000 followers poured into Chavez Ravine for the 2026 Dodgers FanFest, and a chance to see their beloved Boys in Blue for the reason that confetti settled on the celebration in November.
The early hours felt like a block social gathering wearing blue.
Followers drifted by centerfield plaza lined with interactive video games, sponsor activations, reside music, and the acquainted chaos of Dodger Canines and chilly beers disappearing sooner than winter ought to permit. VIP experiences pulled followers into locations often reserved for October pressure, whereas unique merchandise flew off the racks like souvenirs from a dynasty nonetheless in progress.
However what stood out wasn’t the size, it was the convenience wherein the gamers interacted with the followers.
Blake Snell ran alongside the boundaries passing out first bumps. Anthony Banda blushed as ladies screamed out his title, telling him they “cherished him.” Actually, for all of the gamers in attendance, the screams by no means stopped. However neither did the grins on the defending champions faces.
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“That is at all times a extremely enjoyable occasion,” stated Dodgers’ third baseman Max Muncy, after waving to the followers from the Dodgers’ bullpen. “Once you come to this occasion, and also you see how excited the followers are, it simply actually will get you in the precise mindset.”
Autograph traces wrapped round pillars. Selfies with gamers have been a foreign money shared amongst everybody. And when Shohei Ohtani lastly appeared, the response felt much less like baseball and extra like a popular culture phenomenon.
“It was just like the Beatles within the 60s when Shohei pulled up,” stated Brian, a Dodgers fan from Westlake who drove over an hour to be at FanFest.
Ohtani might need gotten the loudest ovation, however Miguel Rojas drew a distinct sort of roar— louder, deeper, extra private. Re-signed for one last season after his Sport 7 heroics, Rojas is now strolling into what followers already view as a farewell tour.
“I’m so glad Miguel Rojas is coming again for an additional yr,” stated Joey Molloy, a lifelong Dodgers fan attending his sixth FanFest. “He obtained the most important ovation by far, exterior of Shohei.”
And but, even with rings flashing and banners looming, the loudest anticipation centered on one thing nonetheless to come back: the primary night time Edwin Díaz jogs in from the bullpen to “Timmy Trumpets.” Chavez Ravine already is aware of the way it will sound.
“That’s going to hit so arduous on this stadium,” stated Molloy.
The chatter throughout the stadium was equal elements celebration and ambition. Again-to-back World Collection titles have been celebrated, then instantly filed away. The true dialog was a couple of three-peat. About turning into the primary staff for the reason that 1998–2000 Yankees to tug it off. About embracing the villain label that comes with spending, profitable, and refusing to apologize for both. “The Dodgers aren’t ruining baseball,” stated Stephanie, decked out in a Dodgers Mexican heritage night time jersey. “The house owners who don’t spend are.”
The day closed with a 90-minute stage present. Dave Roberts didn’t duck the phrase “three-peat.” Neither did the gamers. “We’re snug with profitable,” stated Victor Ramirez, an electrician from Eagle Rock. “We’re a bit spoiled.”
He’s proper. However that is what profitable appears to be like like.
