Dodgers Secure Sixth Straight World Series Title with Will Smith Heroics

The Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling Game 7, clinching their sixth consecutive World Series title on Saturday night, October 7, 2024. This remarkable achievement continues an extraordinary trend of success linked to a player named Will Smith, highlighting both the catcher and pitcher of the same name who have played pivotal roles in recent championships.

The Dodgers’ victory marks their second World Series win with catcher Will Smith, following their previous triumph in 2020. During the years between, both the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros, along with the Texas Rangers, featured pitcher Will Smith on their rosters, creating a unique statistic in Major League Baseball (MLB) history where a team with a player named Will Smith has now won the championship six straight times.

While some might expect a standout performance to accompany such a streak, Will Smith the catcher has not dominated the World Series. His postseason batting average stands at just .194, with 14 hits, four home runs, 10 RBIs, and nine runs scored from 80 plate appearances. Nonetheless, his impact in crucial moments cannot be overlooked.

In the decisive game, Smith made history by hitting the first extra-inning home run in a winner-take-all World Series game. This was his fourth career go-ahead home run in the postseason, placing him in elite company alongside Javy López and Gene Tenace for the second most by a catcher, trailing only Johnny Bench. Additionally, his home run in the 10th inning made him the first catcher to homer in a Game 7 of the World Series since David Ross did so in 2016, and he became one of only six catchers to accomplish this feat.

The ball he launched traveled an impressive 366 feet, a significant distance that matched the flyout by Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement with the bases loaded, which ended the ninth inning.

The Dodgers’ championship was sealed in dramatic fashion, as they executed a game-ending double play, becoming only the third team in MLB history to clinch the World Series in this way. As the Dodgers celebrate, Will Smith the catcher remains under contract with the team for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Will Smith the pitcher is a free agent after signing a one-year, $5 million contract with the Kansas City Royals in December 2023.

This latest victory not only emphasizes the Dodgers’ dominance in recent years but also cements Will Smith‘s legacy as a key player in their historic run. As fans and analysts reflect on this remarkable achievement, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on the unique circumstances surrounding the namesake players and their contributions to the game.