Thousands of eager Dodgers fans flooded the streets of downtown L.A. Friday for a parade celebrating the team’s World Series championship win against the New York Yankees.
Fans waved flags and cheered as parade floats passed, shouting “Let’s go, Dodgers.”
The parade began at Gloria Molina Grand Park in front of City Hall on Spring Street, moving down 1st Street to S. Grand Avenue and then to 5th Street, concluding at 5th and Flower streets in an estimated 1.2-mile celebration.
Following the parade, Dodgers players headed to Dodger Stadium for a ticketed fan celebration at 12:15 p.m.
Dodger fans celebrate at the World Series parade, waving their flags in excitement. Photos by Kate Valdez.
Friday’s event was particularly meaningful as it coincided with what would have been Fernando Valenzuela’s 64th birthday. The Dodgers star died on Tuesday, Oct. 22, only three days before Game 1 of the World Series.
“Fernando was a friend of mine. I know he’s smiling right now and very proud of this organization,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told NBCLA. “He’ll be missed. I’m sure he would have wanted to be a part of this, and it’s emotional for all of us.”
During the parade, Dodger fans sang Happy Birthday to the late pitcher.
Dodgers fans sing happy birthday for Fernando Valenzuela on what would have been his 64th birthday ? pic.twitter.com/PzGhQyx75g
— MLB (@MLB) November 1, 2024
The last time the Dodgers beat the Yankees in the World Series was back in 1981 for their fifth World Series title with their most recent World Series win during the pandemic in 2020 when they beat the Tampa Bay Rays.
Following the Dodgers’ title win, Fanatics, the official online retailer for major North American sports leagues, set a sales record in the first 12 hours, with merchandise sales up 20% from four years ago, according to the L.A Times.
Vendors in Boyle Heights also seized on Dodger fever to sell merchandise, from shirts and jerseys to baby onesies. On Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, a small storefront showcased a vibrant display of blue and white apparel.
“What we sell depends on the sports season,” said Maria Altamira Cabrales, who runs a merch business that spills out from Giromex Money Transfer. “But when it comes to the Dodgers, we have things all year round here.”
Minutes after the Boys in Blue beat the Yankees Wednesday night, fans took to the streets, including in Boyle Heights, East L.A. Some celebrations in L.A. turned chaotic, leading to arrests for burglaries, vandalism, and fires, according to the L.A. Times.
Boyle Heights artist Robert Vargas will unveil a three-panel mural honoring the late Valenzuela at noon on Sunday. The artwork was painted on the side of the Boyle Heights Apartments, roughly a block west of Mariachi Plaza, and will stretch over 50 feet.
