The Ultimate Battle of the Coasts: A World Series for the Ages
The 2024 World Series is set to deliver a thrilling clash between two iconic franchises, the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, later this week. The last time these two teams met in a World Series was in 1981, marking a 43-year-old rivalry in the making for the “Battle of the Coasts.”
The 2023 World Series of the Texas Rangers beating the Arizona Diamondbacks in just five games, was the least watched on record. This year with such prominent teams, viewership is predicted to see figures like 20 million, surpassing the 2016 series of the Chicago Cubs victory. However, figures from countries like Japan, where star players Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto were born, having a loyal and passionate fan base, will add to the ratings total.
After signing MLB’s most expensive contract—a 10-year deal worth $700 million—Shohei Ohtani has not disappointed the Dodgers’ fanbase in his first season with the team. Although recovery from his UCL injury delayed his time on the mound, he has met expectations at bat. Ohtani became the first and only member of the 50-50 club, achieving 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. He boasts a postseason batting average of .286, with three home runs and ten runs batted in.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, formerly the Brooklyn Dodgers, are no strangers to a New York City World Series, having last played there in 1956 against the Yankees before moving to the opposite side of the country in 1957.
What to expect: The Dodgers have enjoyed a record-breaking postseason, scoring 46 runs in the NLCS—more than any other National League team. This season, the Dodgers’ bullpen has emerged as a key strength, performing exceptionally well despite the challenges faced by the starting pitchers. With 12 players on the injury list heading into the postseason, the starting pitchers have endured a tough season due to various ailments, including notable names like Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, and the recently recovered Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Enrique “Kike” Hernandez a third basemen for the Dodgers has proved himself in the postseason, with an average of .303 being one to watch in the impending series.
Tommy Edman, the utility-man that the Dodgers acquired before the trade deadline, received the MVP title for the NLCS. After a postseason performance in center field to fill in as shortstop, Edman has stolen the most bases of the post-season. Proving to be a crucial asset for both offense and defense against the Yankees to claim an eighth title for the team.
After holding the most World Series wins with 27 titles, this year the Yankees are making their 41st appearance in the series.
With a batting average of .333 and a three-run homer to secure their World Series ticket, the Yankees’ offensive leader, Juan Soto, may just be their secret weapon. He is supported by his teammate and captain, Aaron Judge (.322 avg.), forming one of the best hitting duos in the league. Judge has been statistically underperforming this postseason, with an on-base percentage of .161. However, designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (.294 avg.) revived his performance by winning the ALCS MVP award after hitting four home runs, driving in seven runs, and achieving a 1.222 on-base percentage.
The Yankees’ offense has played a key role in stopping opposing lineups, aided by pitcher Gerrit Cole, who has an earned run average of 3.91 over nine innings. They have secured important victories because their bullpen has been dependable under pressure. To beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the Yankees need to maintain their offensive surge while focusing on neutralizing the Dodgers’ deep lineup. Consistent starting pitching and bullpen dominance will also be crucial in securing the championship.
Gerrit Cole will start game one for the Yankees, while Jack Flaherty will be the starting pitcher for the Dodgers.
Yankee Stadium is notorious for its short right field, known as the “Short Porch.” The right-field fence was designed to be closer to home plate to accommodate Babe Ruth, a left-handed slugger. By chance, the two best hitters in the league, Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto, are both left-handed. Switch-hitters, such as the Dodgers’ Tommy Edman and the Yankees’ Oswaldo Cabrera, will also look to take advantage of the field. Are several home runs to be expected at the New York games?
Based on the odds and standings, the Dodgers are heavily favored to win at -125, while the Yankees are listed at +150.
The first world series for both teams superstars Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.
History is being made with the 120th World Series, as the world is ready for the potential of the greatest show in baseball.
The series begins with game one on Friday 25 October in Los Angeles at 5.08pm PST (1.08am BST on Saturday 26 October), with game two following the next day. Fans can expect an exciting Fall Classic as these two heavyweights vie for the championship.
