Today, we say goodbye to 2025.
For most people, they can hardly say good riddance to this year (or the past few years) quickly or loudly enough. Personally, I have had trouble letting go of this year, a problem I have not had since my inaugural season of travel as an amateur in 2021.
Back then, I confused quantity with quality, as I felt a kinship with seeing about 20% of the 2021 Dodgers’ season. The 2021 team was a deeply flawed team that mistook the results of a glittery, shortened season for actual
greatness.
The 2025 team, while flawed, had an adventure that will likely never be repeated in scale. From Tokyo to Toronto, I had a front row seat, which I have been happy to share with you. Time marches forward, and so must I. Chasing a high that can never be topped short of being hired by the organization is a fool’s errand.
No one is guaranteed a tomorrow, and accordingly, the Dodgers and baseball have timely released missives that merit attention.
Lion’s Farewell
On that note, the Dodgers took a moment on this final day of the year to say farewell to Clayton Kershaw, who retired after the successful title defense campaign. The video is approximately fifteen minutes long and features various players and Dave Roberts wishing Kershaw well.
Koufax at 90
On December 30, Hall of Famer and living legend Sandy Koufax turned 90 years old. MLB posted a six-minute reflection on Koufax’s life, written by Tom Verducci, narrated by Dodger fan Bryan Cranston.
“To beat the champ, you gotta knock him out!”
Last year, I synced up the end of Game 5 of the 2024 World Series to line up with the clock striking midnight. Having Joe Davis shout “Start the party, Los Angeles” at midnight hit unexpectedly well.
For this year, if someone were to do the same thing, assuming no commercial interruptions and using the MLB.com feed of Game 7 that runs 4 hours, 47 minutes, and 25 seconds at 4:25:30, Joe Davis has his call of “To beat the champs, you gotta knock him out!”
Therefore, if one starts Game 7 at 7:34:30 pm, the game will align to have the final out and call be given at midnight. We would not presume to tell you how to spend your new year, but if you wanted to start the year on a Dodgers’ note, this essay will hopefully help.
In any event, we at True Blue LA wish you all a very Happy New Year as we provide Dodgers’ coverage into 2026!
