The Los Angeles Dodgers had their ring ceremony ahead of Friday's tilt with the Washington Nationals, with longtime starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw looking like a jubilant little boy.
Kershaw was perhaps the best modern pitcher yet to win a World Series until the Dodgers' triumph last October. The postseason also erased years of postseason demons for the future Hall of Famer.
It was quite evident just how much the moment meant to Kershaw on Friday. He was beaming from ear to ear as he received his first championship ring.
He looks so happy, lol. pic.twitter.com/qGNWPrldnI
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) April 9, 2021
Sorry. https://t.co/DhOCoO4Yrv pic.twitter.com/b2Q7Lmlvo3
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) April 9, 2021
The ceremony also featured a hilarious cameo from Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., who did the “Joe Kelly” face before the right-handed reliever was announced.
Ken Griffey Jr. (with the Joe Kelly face impersonation😂): "Joe Kelly, you all know who he is, you can pitch for my team anytime." pic.twitter.com/ipywH66iBH
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 9, 2021
The face, of course, is a reference to Kelly's memeable expression made during a game against the Houston Astros early in the 2020 season.
Los Angeles celebrated its first title since 1988 on Friday. But the Dodgers very well could be celebrating two straight World Series wins later this year.
Dave Roberts' team has looked every bit as excellent as it was last year, if not even better. The lineup is incredibly dangerous, especially with rookie infielder Gavin Lux making his presence felt and shortstop Corey Seager hitting everything in sight.
The rotation is every bit as good, in spite of Kershaw's early struggles. Young arms Julio Urias and Dustin May were particularly dominant in their first starts of the season.
Los Angeles will look to become the first repeat champs since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees. But first the Dodgers took time to appreciate past accomplishments.
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