The Dodgers are in the World Series and won the first game. But we have to remember that this series is different, and features 25% stadium capacity, piped-in crowd noise, and playing at a neutral ballpark in Arlington, Texas. Emily Bonilla spoke with a Deadspin columnist, FS1 analyst, and adjunct Annenberg professor Rob Parker who will be traveling to Arlington to report on the Dodgers as well as big time Dodger fan Kevin Seavers on his predictions for the series.
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The Dodgers crushed the Rays on Tuesday night 8 to 3, and predictions are running high for the mighty LA team just after Game 1. The back to back fire at Globe Life Park is only getting started all in a not so typical World Series covid setting. Not only has the playing field changed, but also the experiences for reporters such as USC’s Rob Parker.
“You know, you’ll be there at a press box. You won’t be the camaraderie of being next to guys and talking during a game. We’re kind of at, you know, distant from each other. And, you know, we’re wearing a mask. It’s just totally different. And the players are on virtual screens, you know, when you’re interviewing them that way. Not like the old days where I was in the locker room and people are spraying champagne and jumping around and screaming. It’s a scene.”
Despite the difficulties that come with the new social distance reporting, Parker looks forward to a World Series experience unlike ever seen before.
“This is big because the Dodgers haven’t won the World Series since 1988. So it’s been thirty two years. It’s been a long drought for such a storied franchise like the Dodgers that have all the resources, have the great fans. Four million people show up to Dodger Stadium every year. People love the Dodgers. So this could be finally them breaking through. They’ve been to the World Series three times in the last four years and have nothing to show for it.”
15 year Dodger fan Kevin Seavers not only has his predictions set in stone, but also explains how hearing the plays more clearly through TV is a special experience.
“I played baseball growing up. So I enjoy that part. I really enjoy that part because it tells me that coaches are making changes, shifts. It’s really your manager who is like taking the game to the next level because before they could yell at you and outfielder and you would never be able to hear them. So he’s just hoping and praying like, oh, maybe they’ll get the message. But now that you can actually hear me, OK, I can see what he’s trying to do. And I really appreciate that. As the fan and as a previous baseball player”
Seavers is also ready to celebrate the big win, Covid style.
“When they win. I’ll probably run around on my block at least three or four times yelling at the top of my lungs, because that’s that’s all I have. And I probably wouldn’t want to go anywhere else because, you know, all the fireworks. I know for sure. For sure. Like, you’re gonna hear like hundreds of fireworks, as you know, when the Lakers when you hear, like, a few fireworks here and then I think there’s no reason in my area. I think there’s more Dodger fans.”
So what’s his ultimate prediction?
“Oh, yeah. Dodgers in five Dodgers in five. Easy.”
Really? The Dodgers aren’t going to sweep this series? We’ll see what happens tonight at 5. For Annenberg Media, I’m Emily Bonilla
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Update: the Dodgers fell to the Rays 6-4 in Game 2 following this story’s publication.