When MLB finalized a 60-game schedule for a shortened 2020 season due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it spawned debates over whether the eventual World Series champion would be diminished in any way.
To a man, the Los Angeles Dodgers said they did not view this year’s title in any less regard compared to a normal season. Manager Dave Roberts and several players maintained that stance throughout the season and again once they were on the verge of winning the World Series.
“I have the same answer,” Roberts said. “If you can pull back stuff from Summer Camp, my answer is still the same. A championship to be had, we want it. All that’s encompassed all of us and all the things we had to deal with, you could say it’s even more difficult.
“Not just talking about playoff format, but all the things we had to do as opposed to the long, rigorous six-week Spring Training, 162 (games), the regular (postseason) format. My point being there should not be an asterisk.”
Justin Turner added: “Winning the World Series is winning the World Series. I know there was a lot of talk as to whether or not this is a normal season or what a World Series championship would mean, but from Day 1, we came out as a group and said if there’s a championship to be won, we’re going to go after it and try to run it down.
“Playing good teams, a difficult format, not playing at home, being in a bubble, not seeing a lot of the teams all year long that we’re playing in the postseason, there’s a lot of challenges that go into winning a championship this year.”
Roberts puts Dodgers over self
The Dodgers winning the World Series took a burden off not only the franchise but Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen and Turner, among other veterans who have been through prior postseason heartbreaks with the team.
It also was a bit of validation for Roberts, who has faced scrutiny seemingly each year. However, he does not view the title as any sort of personal accomplishment.
“Happy for Julio. Clayton, when people talk about him it’s World Series champion first, then future Hall of Famer. For Kenley, Justin, everybody. I’m so excited for all these guys,” Roberts said.
“I try to not make things personal. I’m just really happy for the organization. I’m happy for the players, I’m happy to help lead this team to a championship. There’s always going to be skeptics, but this is something no one can take away from us.”
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