Four years ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers won the MLB World Series title against the Tampa Bay Rays in a season overshadowed by the pandemic. Unfortunately, for the players who brought home the Commissionerâs Trophy that year, there was no celebratory parade through LA. Shohei Ohtani, a key player in this yearâs journey, was not part of that 2020 team.
Although Ohtani was instrumental in the Dodgersâ World Series run, his contributions were especially critical in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the New York Mets, solidifying his exceptional regular-season performance.
One player who was part of the 2020 championship squad and now the 2024 team is Enrique âKikeâ Hernandez. Reflecting on the differences between the two victories, Hernandez spoke with Spectrum Sportsâ Nikki Kay, sharing how meaningful this title feels.
âThis moment means the world to me. I could go on and on about why this is so special. I canât imagine a better group of men to share this with. And this time, we get a parade. In 2020, when we won, my family was in the stands, but I couldnât give them a hug because of COVID. Being able to embrace my parents, my sisters, my cousin, and of course my wife⊠itâs incredible. This is so special.â
Enrique HernĂĄndez #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (C) celebrates with minority owner Billie Jean King (R) and Ilana Kloss (L) after the Dodgers defeat the New York Yankees 7-6 in game 5 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium on October 30, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
Hernandezâs stats in this season
Hernandez delivered solid performances throughout the regular season, contributing significantly to Dave Robertsâ game plan. Over 126 games, he logged 362 at-bats, scoring 44 runs with 87 hits.
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In the playoffs, Hernandez appeared in 14 games with 51 at-bats, scoring 11 runs, securing 15 hits, and hitting two home runsâone of which played a crucial role in the Dodgersâ victories in both the MLB NLCS and the World Series against the Yankees.
Hernandezâs 2020 World Series performance
HernĂĄndez was one of the few players, including Mookie Betts, Walker Buehler, Max Muncy, and Will Smith, who repeated their title win with the Dodgers. The first championship, during the pandemic in 2020, felt different due to the restrictions, but his contributions remained impactful.
In the 2020 World Series, HernĂĄndez had 10 at-bats, scoring once, with two hits and three strikeouts, though he didnât record any home runs or stolen bases. Now, the feeling is different; players can celebrate up close with their families, toasting with champagne and beerâa championship experience enriched by togetherness. The Commissionerâs Trophy is back in LA, with a parade planned to celebrate this hard-fought title.
