There’s a buzz of excitement in the air as sports fans prepare for one of the year’s most popular events. The Major League Baseball World Series is fast approaching after the starting pack was whittled down to just two teams. World-famous pair the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers stand on the cusp of greatness with the opening game of the season-defining series on Friday. Armchair fans can follow all the action live on FOX, but which team will secure a winning start after battling through the MLB season and playoffs?
Both NY and LA were impressive in the Championship Series, and they progressed to the World Series in style. The Yankees thrashed a talented Cleveland 4-1, and the result was never in danger. New York played impressive baseball, showing their strengths across the field. They have players capable of putting big numbers on the board and will be eager to hit the ground running by winning the opening game this weekend. Just like in the previous round, a fast start could be the key to success.
The LA Dodgers proved too good for another team from New York in the Championship Series when crushing the NY Mets. The Dodgers made a mockery of what had been billed as a competitive contest, blasting their way to a stunning 4-2 final score. Although the result was tighter than the win enjoyed by Friday’s opponents, the Mets were also convincing winners. Mets fans now want to see their team lay down a marker for the World Series by securing an early advantage.
The World Series attracts a mix of avid baseball fans and lovers of professional sports. This year’s event has all the ingredients of a classic, and followers hope the players ensure the game lives up to the hype. Which team will come out on top and prove themselves the best in the world? The Dodgers have attracted the most attention so far, but anything can happen in the World Series.
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Breaking barriers
As tension grows ahead of the opening game, we wanted to help set the scene with an interesting angle. Lovers of MLB know Black players have had a crucial role in professional baseball worldwide, especially in this competition. But who are the most successful Black players to have worn the famous colors of the Yankees and Dodgers? Our content team answers that question in this article.
As many readers already know, the Los Angeles Dodgers were once known as the Brooklyn Dodgers. The team played a special role in the sport’s history when it helped to break the MLB color barrier by fielding Jackie Robinson for a debut back in 1947. Robinson paved the way for many young Blacks to break into the MLB, making their mark on the competition and etching their names into the history books. The Dodgers have given countless players a chance to seek a better life through sport and will continue to do so for years to come.
The New York Yankees are another team with a rich history of providing opportunities for black baseball players. Reggie Jackson remains one of the most famous after saving his best form for the playoffs. Jackson is a renowned name to those loyal to the Yankees cause, but he’s not the only Black player to contribute to the team’s illustrious history. We highlight the success of Reggie as well as others, including Elston Howard and Derek Jeter, who remain NY Yankees legends.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Starting with the main man for the LA Dodgers, Jackie Robinson, who played in the MLB between 1947 and 1956. He captured several honors during that time, including Rookie of the Year and National League MVP Award, and he was a six-time MLB All-Star. Jackie played a pivotal role in driving the Dodgers to their first World Series in 1955.
Don Newcombe is the second player to appear on our list. He debuted for the Dodgers in 1949 and was one of the first Black pitchers in MLB history. His best performances came in the 1950s, and after winning the Rookie of the Year title in 1949, he added the Cy Young Award and the National League MVP Award in 1956, becoming the first man to win both in a single season.
Maury Wills played for the Dodgers between 1959 and 1966 and again between 1969 and 1972. He was famous for his knack for stealing bases, leading the MLB for steals in six consecutive seasons. Wills played a crucial part in three of the Dodgers World Series titles, helping the team to glory in 1959, 1963, and 1965.
New York Yankees
Our first name on the list of famous black players who helped deliver success to the New York Yankees is Reggie Jackson. He arrived in 1977 and made an instant impact, helping the team win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1977 and 1978 seasons. Jackson secured his place as a legend when he hit three consecutive home runs from three pitches in game six of the 1977 World Series.
We now turn our attention to another great for the Yankees in Elston Howard. The first black player in Yankees history, Howard broke the color barrier in 1955, playing as a catcher and outfielder in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Elston’s career stats show he was an 11-time MLB All-Star, six-time World Series champion, and the first Black player to win the American League MVP Award.
We complete our look at famous Black players who represent the Yankees with a mention for Derek Jeter. One of only a few players to dedicate their entire professional career to the Yankees, he played between 1995 and 2014 and collected a long list of gongs. His standout achievements include five World Series championships and 14 All-Star appearances, and he’s a five-time winner of the Gold Glove Award. Jeter is remembered for his calmness, consistency, and leadership in the post-season, especially the 2001 World Series, where he earned the name Mr November.
