THE 2024 WORLD SERIES: A SPECIAL CLASSIC

The 2024 World Series promises to be a global spectacle as two iconic teams face off, with the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and the Yankees’ Aaron Judge headlining the matchup.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his enthusiasm, noting that fans from the U.S. to Japan are eagerly awaiting this clash of baseball’s biggest stars.

«This World Series will be special,” Roberts told reporters at Dodger Stadium before Game One. «With our two renowned organizations, it’s going to be watched around the world. It’s unique, and it’s a moment for baseball.»

Ohtani, already a national hero in Japan, made history this season as the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases, creating MLB’s inaugural 50/50 club. Japanese fans followed his journey closely, and millions tuned in when the Dodgers faced the Padres earlier this month, making it Japan’s most-watched MLB postseason game to date.

Aaron Judge vs Shohei Ohtani. Getty Images.

The Dodgers’ roster is globally diverse, with Dominican slugger Teoscar Hernandez and Puerto Rican infielder Enrique Hernandez. The Yankees bring international talent as well, including Venezuelan Gleyber Torres and Bahamian Jazz Chisholm.

The Dodgers will honor the memory of Mexican pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, a key figure in their 1981 World Series victory over the Yankees, with special patches featuring his name and number, 34. Valenzuela’s contributions helped expand the Dodgers’ fanbase in Mexico, and his legacy continues to shape the team’s identity.

With the Dodgers and Yankees meeting for the 12th time in World Series history, and the first since 1981, Roberts anticipates a record-breaking audience: “More eyes will be on this World Series than any in history,” he predicted.

Main photo: Dave Roberts Looks At Dodgers Training. By Jayne Kamin-Oncea — Imagn Images