MLB:

The 2024 World Series is a dream come true for Major League Baseball.

It pits two of the most storied franchises in what will be a ratings boon.

And the series is sure to bring in a windfall of advertising dollars for MLB and Fox.

Former Villa Park High School star Aaron Boone, the son of former Angels’ catcher Bob Boone, and the brother of former Mariners’ second-baseman Bret Boone, returns home as the manager of the Yankees.

The series also features a rarity in that arguably the two best players in each league will be on display in front of a national and international audience.

LA’s Shohei Ohtani and New York’s Aaron Judge were nothing short of remarkable over the 2024 regular season.

Ohtani led the National League in batting average (.310), hits (197), home runs (54) and RBIs (130).

Had Judge played in the National League, he would have been No. 1 in average, home runs and RBIs.

However, in the American League, Judge was first in HRs (58) and RBIs (144), and he finished third in both average (.322) and hits (180).

The Dodgers have home-field advantage in the best-of-seven series.

LAD will host games 1 & 2, while the series heads east for games 3, 4 & 5.

If a game six or seven is needed, it will be played within Chavez Ravine.

Los Angeles is a slight favorite at (-130), while New York plays the role of underdog at (+110).

For those of you that aren’t degenerate gamblers, that means you’d have to bet $130 to win $100 if one selected the Dodgers.

And for a $100 bet on the Yankees, a series victory would pocket you $210.

Surprisingly, it’s been 43 years since LAD and NYY have met up in the World Series.

That year, in 1981, Ronald Reagan was nine months into his first term as President of the United States, gas was just north of $1 a gallon, a movie ticket cost less than $3, ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ by Kim Carnes won song of the year, and John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s ‘Double Fantasy’ earned the Grammy for best album.

That year, the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in six games.

Historically, New York has massive advantages over the Dodgers in World Series titles (27-7) and they’ve defeated Los Angeles eight times in their 11 meetings at the Fall Classic.

The Yankees are 7-2 thus far in the 2024 postseason, while the Dodgers are 7-4.

LAD (.258) has a 10-point advantage in team batting average over NYY (.248).

And the Yankees pitching staff (3.74) has a narrow edge over the Dodgers (3.90) in team ERA.

As always, I never put my opinion or who I’m rooting for.

I leave that up to our area players and coaches.

I asked them to answer the following three questions: Who wins? How many games? And why?

Former Citrus coach, Skip Claprood:
Winner: NY
Games: 7
Why: I may be old school, but I like NY’s four starters vs Dodgers non-existent rotation. I believe the Dodgers bullpen is man-for-man better than the Yankees. Vesia is a key, they need multiple left handers to attempt to neutralize Soto.
C: Edge LA
1B: if Muncy edge LA, all others a push
2B: Edge NY
3B: Muncy edge LA, all others Push
SS: Edge LA
LF: Edge LA
CF: Edge NY
RF: Tough call, Edge NY
DH: Tough call, Edge LA
Starters: Edge NY
Bullpen: Edge LA

Former APU coach, Tony Barbone:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: This is kind of tough one, because I think both are very similar. I think both offensive lineups and strong bullpens will show, and I believe the difference will be the team that gets better starting pinching length, and a solid defense behind them.

University of La Verne coach, Scott Winterburn:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: First and foremost, their offense has been putting a lot of pressure on the opposing team in the actual strike zone. Those quality at-bats is what turned around the San Diego series, scored bunches of runs in the LCS, and will be the difference in the World Series.

The Dodgers have shown they are willing to do things that it takes to win a ballgame, which hasn’t always been the case. They put Edman in the 4 hole last game and someone deserves a lot of credit for making such a bold move that many teams wouldn’t make.

They laid down some bunts, executed some offense by doing some of the little things. Sure seems like Coach Roberts has made some big time in-game decisions for this club, which seems like a switch from some front office scripting from years past. Loved it.

The Yankees are coming off a close series where the Guardians really chased pitches at a really high rate. One game I counted 40 times they went out of the zone. And… their series was full of close scores. So, I believe the Dodgers will give them more trouble at the plate.

It’s very interesting that the Dodgers come into this series with three starters, none of which has been with the team the whole year and healthy. Their bullpen is pretty awesome and they’re capable of backing up any quality start and they’re also capable of handling a ballgame by themselves. The Dodgers will need one of those bullpen games on the road in New York. This is a tough order, but they seem ready to deliver, especially with recent experience doing that.

But the Yankees are similar on the mound. They’ll run Cole and Rodon on regular rest, but they will be quick with Gil and Schmidt. Yanks bullpen is quality, but I think the edge goes to LA.

Both teams rely on power, the Dodgers are the deeper offense, and their power will travel in this series at Yankee stadium.

Yankees have displayed some prolific playoff power. If they keep that up, it will be an epic series. I see the games being higher scoring games with lots of fan excitement. I really can’t wait. It’s been 43 years since a Dodgers/Yankee World Series, and we’ll be all in watching with family and friends.

Mt. SAC coach, John Knott:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: There are many matchups to like here, but I think one I’m interested in is Yankees starting pitching (specifically Cole and Rodon) vs the Dodgers deep lineup, also the Yankees best hitters (Judge and Soto) against the strong Dodgers bullpen. It should be very enjoyable for all baseball fans and I think the dodgers will find a way to get it done at home.

Chaffey College coach, Andrew Smith:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: The Yankees have too many streaky hitters. Dodgers have a grittier lineup and their bullpen is electric.

Bonita coach, Ryan Marcos:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: I want to see a great series that goes seven games. It’s the two biggest markets and a great match up. I think the Yankees have an advantage at the plate, but the Dodgers have momentum, I’m a big fan of Shohei Ohtani, and I think they’re going to pull this out.

San Dimas coach, Mike Regan:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: I think their offense and bullpen will get it done. If they can get 4 or 5 out of their starters which is a big if, I like their chances even more.

Damien coach, AJ LaMonda:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: They have a deeper lineup, can run and play small ball, and have a better bullpen.

Maranatha coach, Matt Shupper:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: The Dodgers have better overall pitching, more consistency through the lineup and I love the chemistry.

Former Ayala & current Sunny Hills coach, Chris Vogt:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: The Dodgers path to the World Series has been much more difficult and I think they are battle tested. Also, even though I don’t like the Dodgers, the roster is really likable. I hope Shohei gets his ring after getting out of baseball hell(Anaheim).

South Hills coach, Darren Murphy:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: I think the Dodgers are the more seasoned veteran team used to playing in the in the postseason, and I think they are actually really relaxed and ready to go after getting the Padres off their backs. That was their pressure series. I think they are the superior club. The fact that they have to throw staff games in at least two games is why I think it possibly gets to seven games.

Etiwanda coach, Don Furnald:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: The Dodgers bullpen and experience will be the difference. They’re determined to finish.

Northview coach, Dan Roddy:
Winner: NY
Games: 6
Why: I am a Big Dodger fan, but I think their luck will run out. You have to give Dave Roberts a ton of credit navigating through this season and the playoffs with a pitching staff decimated with injuries. You are going to have two powerful offenses slugging it out or in this case, trying to. This series will be won by the pitching staff.

Covina coach, Tim O’Leary:
Winner: NY
Games: 6
Why: Both lineups match up pretty evenly. The Yankees pitching definitely has the edge, while the Dodgers have been taxing their bullpen over the last two series. I’m just looking for a good competitive series to bring baseball back.

Monrovia coach, Brad Blackmore:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: Over the course of the series, the Dodgers lineup will wear them down. Advantage in starting pitching to the Yankees, but as long as the Dodger starters hang in there, their bullpen is unreal.

Former Charter Oak coach, Elias Chavez:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: I think the Dodgers have a better bullpen and the role players have been stepping up in every series. You don’t only have to worry about Ohtani or Betts or Freeman, there’s Muncy and Edman and Kiki. Teoscar starting to put some good swings together, and the Dodgers are not scared to play some small ball.

Los Osos coach, Travis Kelly:
Winner: NY
Games: 7
Why: I don’t think the Dodgers can get past Cole and Carlos R, and I believe they both get two starts in the series. In my opinion, the Yankees match up with the Dodgers fire power. Also, the lack of starting pitching can only get them so far. But I believe Edman, Will Smith and Chris Taylor could be the difference if the Dodgers take it. Their ability to get on, hit the ball to the right side, execute when runners are on, and things that only get seen in the box score.

Rio Hondo Prep coach, Mark Carson:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: As a Dodger fan, I’m going with the Dodgers. I think they find a way to win in 7, and they’ll probably getting blown out in their three losses due to lack of pitching depth.

Pasadena coach, Chris Rucker:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: The Dodgers bullpen is the strong suit of the team. Bats produce runs in a timely manner but the bullpen holds down a lead with the energy. A good mix of new guys and veteran leaders.

Lifelong Dodger fan & Assistant Coordinator of Marketing, Student Recruitment & Community Relations at Marshall Fundamental, Felita Kealing:
Winner: LA
Games: 5
Why: When looking at the last 25 games of the regular season, the team’s records were close. The Dodgers were 18-7 & the Yankees were 17-8, giving the Dodgers a slight statistical edge and momentum ending the season. Offensively, the Dodgers have an added edge at the plate and defensively on the mound with a robust pitching staff. The Dodgers are stronger from top to bottom with a balanced team. The Yankees have strong players, however, not across the roster.

South Hills junior, Carson Baker:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: I think with everyone saying that the Dodgers are a regular-season team, and people saying that their 2020 WS was a Mickey Mouse ring is going to make them hungrier than the Yankees.

Former SDHS & current CSUN pitcher, Kody King:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: I think the Dodgers will win because they have a better offense and better bullpen. I also think the Dodgers will win because they are more rounded and better team.

Glendora senior, Aaron Jacobsen:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: The Dodgers have been amazing at having patient approaches. Their bullpen looks very strong for the most part too.

Former Northview & current ULV pitcher, Ethan Galindo:
Winner: NY
Games: 7
Why: The Yankees have had a relatively easier path to the World Series, and their pitching, led by Gerrit Cole, has been more stable than the Dodgers. While Aaron Judge has struggled a bit in the postseason, Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto have carried the Yankees offensively, making them a serious threat. The Dodgers have good stars like Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Teoscar Hernandez, but I think overall the Yanks will come out victorious.

Former Bonita & current UCSD catcher, Garrett Patterson:
Winner: NY
Games: 6
Why: The Yankees have a better starting rotation, and they don’t rely on their bullpen as much and won’t use as much bullpen.

Former Marshall Fundamental stud, Travis Delgado:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: Both lineups are stacked, and all of the starting pitchers are average this season, so I expect a lot of runs. What I think will put the Dodgers over the edge in seven games is that they’re bullpen is on fire this postseason, and the Dodgers roster has tons of World Series experience. They’ve gone four times in the last eight years, while the Yankees don’t have much experience, except a few players. The Dodgers WS experience will help them win this series.

Former La Salle & current PCC catcher, Evan Nahra:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: I think their bullpen has been really solid and hard to get around. However, I think the key for them winning this series is quality starts from their three-man rotation that they’ve been using. Bad starts will force them to use bullpen arms more and earlier in games, and that can be problematic for longevity throughout the series. If they can find a way to consistently sit down 2/3 of Soto, Judge, and Stanton, then I think they will be just fine.

Los Osos junior, Wyatt Mohler:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: The Dodgers are battle tested, and they’ve proved they know how to win. From Tommy Edman bunting people over to Ohtani always getting the job done with runners in scoring position, I think they really know how to execute. While the Yankees may have the best nine-inning guy during this postseason, the Dodgers bullpen has seemingly been bulletproof, with the exception of game 3 against the Mets. The flexibility of the lineup and rotation that the Dodgers have is something that is really hard for any opposing team to prepare for and can be a nightmare for many managers. With the pitching being able to limit damage from the Yankees core, the Dodgers offense will be able to do enough to get it done in six games.

Los Osos junior, Gavin Loeb-Keene
Winner: NY
Games: 6
Why: I think New York will win, because I think the offenses are pretty even for both teams, but the Yankees pitching is a little bit better.

Rio Hondo Prep senior, Josh Curtis:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: Their hitting is peaking right now, especially home-run production. And I always bet on Betts.

Rio Hondo Prep senior, Nate Curtis:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: The Dodgers’ hitting is too dynamic and their pitching is overpowering. The Yankees won’t be able to compete with that bullpen.

Former RCHS & Chaffey College & current ULV infielder, Aaron Whobrey:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: I think they have a much better bullpen, and their bats are on fire and very hard to stop right now. That combination of an elite bullpen and hot bats at the right time is hard to beat.

Former SDHS & current PCC infielder, Rocco Regan:
Winner: LA
Games: 6
Why: I think they’ll win because of their lineup and bullpen. The Yankees haven’t played anyone like the Dodgers yet in the playoffs. They’ve also been winning games by small margins and the Dodgers lineup has done much more damage scoring 70 runs so far.

Maranatha pitcher, Zach Strickland:
Winner: LA
Games: 7
Why: The Dodgers will win because the few starters they have, and their bullpen will do well. And they also have Shohei Ohtani.

By the Numbers:
Regular Season Record: NY (94-68); LA (98-64)
Playoff Record: NY (7-2); LA (7-4)
Playoff Runs Scored: NY (43); LA (44)
Playoff Runs Allowed: NY (32); LA (47)
Team Batting Average: NY (.248); LA (.258)
Team ERA: NY (3.74): LA (3.90)
World Series Titles: NY (27); LA (7)
World Series Head-to-Head: NYY 8, LAD 3
Team Payroll in the Millions: NY (309); LA (241)
Preseason Odds to Win WS: NY (+900); NY (+320)
WS Winner Odds: LAD (-130); NYY (+110)
Last Full-Season World Series Title: NY (2009); LA (1988)
** Dodgers won WS title in 2020 after 60-game season

Playoff Results:
AL Division: NYY def. KC, 3-1
NL Division: LAD def. SD, 3-2

AL Champ: NYY def. Cleveland, 4-1
NL Champ: LAD def. NYM, 4-2

World Series Schedule: (Every game has a 5:08 pm first pitch)
Game 1: 10/25: Yankees at Dodgers
Game 2: 10/26: Yankees at Dodgers
Game 3: 10/28: Dodgers at Yankees
Game 4: 10/29: Dodgers at Yankees
Game 5: 10/30: Dodgers at Yankees (if necessary)
Game 6: 11/1: Yankees at Dodgers (if necessary)
Game 7: 11/2: Yankees at Dodgers (if necessary)

Pitching Leaders:

Wins:
Carlos Rodon (NY): 16-9, 3.96 ERA
Luis Gil (NY): 15-7, 3.50 ERA
Gavin Stone (LA): 11-5, 3.53 ERA
Marcus Stroman (NY): 10-9, 4.31 ERA
Tyler Glasnow (LA): 9-6, 3.49 ERA

Saves:
Clay Holmes (NY): 30
Evan Phillips (LA): 18

Batting Leaders:

Batting Average Leaders:
Aaron Judge (NY): .322
Shohei Ohtani (LA): .310
Mookie Betts (LA): .289
Juan Soto (NY): .288
Freddie Freeman (LA): .282
Teoscar Hernandez (LA): .272
Gleyber Torres (NY): .257

Home Runs:
Aaron Judge (NY): 58
Shohei Ohtani (LA): 54
Juan Soto (NY): 41
Teoscar Hernandez (LA): 33
Giancarlo Stanton (NY): 27
Freddie Freeman (LA): 22

RBIs:
Aaron Judge (NY): 144
Shohei Ohtani (LA): 130
Juan Soto (NY): 109
Teoscar Hernandez (LA): 99
Freddie Freeman (LA): 89
Giancarlo Stanton (NY): 72

World Series Head-to-Head Results:
1941: NYY def. LAD, 4-1
1947: NYY def. LAD, 4-3
1949: NYY def. LAD, 4-1
1952: NYY def. LAD, 4-3
1953: NYY def. LAD, 4-2
1955: LAD def. NYY, 4-3
1956: NYY def. LAD, 4-3
1963: LAD def. NYY, 4-0
1977: NYY def. LAD, 4-2
1978: NYY def. LAD, 4-2
1981: LAD def. NYY, 4-2

Most World Series Titles:
Yankees: 27
Cardinals: 11
Red Sox: 9
A’s: 9
Giants: 8
Dodgers: 7
Pirates: 5
Reds: 5
Braves: 4
Tigers: 4