After a groundbreaking season, the Los Angeles Dodgers made their mark in professional baseball history by securing the 2025 World Series win with a close 4-3 victory in the final Game 7 over the Toronto Blue Jays. After a season of hard work, determination, and dedication, the Dodgers and Blue Jays faced their fair share of challenges throughout the seven-game stretch—from a harsh 18 innings in Game 3 to a win by a single run in the final game, both teams gave their all, truly making this year’s World Series a hit.
The Dodgers, defending champions going into the World Series and eight-time champions, faced the Blue Jays with only two World Series wins, back-to-back from 1992 to 1993. The Dodgers sailed through their regular season, extending their postseason streak for a record-breaking 13th time in a row, according to Major League Baseball. Pitching emerged as the backbone of their roster with Yoshinobu Yamamoto arriving from Japan and immediately impacting the Dodgers’ performance on the mound. In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, manager Dave Roberts claimed that “Yamamoto would be the only pitcher unavailable in Game 7,” to which he was proven wrong. After his incredible performance of pitching three times in the World Series with the first being a complete game in Game 2, over six innings in Game 6, and almost the full game in Game 7, it was no surprise that his 3-0 World Series pitching record would bring him success. Yamamoto’s workload and ability to win these critical games showed that he wasn’t just playing well; he was performing when it counted the most—which led to him earning the World Series MVP honor.
In contrast to the Dodgers, pitching was a weak spot early in the season for the Blue Jays; however, it became a real asset later on, helping them greatly in the World Series stretch. The Jays battled with the Astros and Yankees to reach the World Series, proving they could compete with the best teams. For a team that had faced years of inconsistency, this run marked a genuine turning point. As a Tenafly resident and Yankees fan myself, I had reason to root for the Blue Jays this year. After a season of turmoil and strong willpower, they had a chance to beat the Dodgers, who had beaten the Yankees in 2024. Another reason for my support was Don Mattingly, the Jays’ manager. After playing on the Yankees himself, and coaching for the Dodgers, Mattingly hadn’t been part of a team on a World Series-winning year. What many don’t know is that Mattingly wasn’t just an elite baseball player—he was also once a Tenafly resident!
The Blue Jays’ offense was carried by Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., with their pitcher, Kevin Gausman, earning his career-best ERA. When the World Series started, it was clear that neither team was willing to give an inch. The teams traded wins through six challenging games, featuring dramatic comebacks, many home runs, and standout pitching. The proximity of scores for the series led it to feeling almost like a chess match disguised as baseball (especially the 18-inning-long Game 3!).
The Dodgers’ back-to-back titles confirmed they’re still the team everyone else is chasing, with these consecutive wins solidifying them as the mark for success across the league. As for Toronto, their determination signals a promising future. They may have just fallen short, but they proved they belonged there. If there is anything that this World Series taught fans, it’s that the Blue Jays definitely have a chance at taking the spotlight in years to come. After all, both teams gave their all in a postseason worth catching.
