LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their historic achievement Friday evening as players received sparkling championship rings during a pregame ceremony, honoring their consecutive World Series victories.
Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani opened his blue presentation box, which featured a video display showcasing highlights from the previous season’s playoff journey that ended with a decisive Game 7 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays. The two-way star placed the ring on his finger and raised his fist triumphantly.
This marks an unprecedented milestone for the Dodgers organization, as they became the first team in franchise history to capture World Series championships in successive seasons. The victories represent their third title over a six-year span.
All-Star shortstop Mookie Betts now possesses four championship rings total — three earned with Los Angeles and one from his time in Boston. The versatile player has openly expressed his desire to transition from being known as a five-tool athlete to one sporting five championship rings. He walked across the blue carpet toward a stage positioned near the pitcher’s mound, beaming with joy.
The most enthusiastic crowd response was reserved for World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who acknowledged the fans with waves. When Freddie Freeman received his third championship ring, supporters erupted in “Freddie! Freddie!” chants. Freeman’s initial title came during his tenure with Atlanta.
Ohtani, Freeman, and Betts struck a pose with extended fists. The complete roster assembled around the pitcher’s mound to display their championship jewelry as the ceremony concluded, with actor and comedian Anthony Anderson serving as host. The USC marching band performed while forming the letters “LA” across the outfield.
Orel Hershiser, the pitching standout from the team’s 1988 World Series championship, initially approached the mound for the ceremonial first pitch. However, he was called back and replaced by pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who concluded his 18-year Dodgers career last season. After throwing the ball, Kershaw received his own championship ring from his former teammates.
The elaborate rings feature diamonds and sapphires with an innovative ring-within-a-ring design and incorporate actual dirt collected from home plate during Game 7.
Eighty-six diamonds set in 14-karat yellow gold form the words “world champions” around the ring’s face. A solitary diamond represents their status as baseball’s top team.
The L.A. emblem contains 17 blue sapphires, corresponding to the team’s postseason victories. Positioned behind the logo are 79 diamonds alongside 48 round sapphires. The dates of all nine franchise World Series titles and 15 round sapphires circle the ring’s top portion. An additional 50 diamonds adorn the bezel’s upper and lower sections. Seventy round diamonds create a frame around the centerpiece.
Individual player signatures are etched inside each ring’s band. “Back 2 Back” appears in blue lettering on the ring’s right side. The outer band displays the numbers 4,012,470, representing the Dodgers’ 2025 season attendance figure.
