### Dodgers Celebrate World Series Victory with Grand Parade in Los Angeles

The streets of downtown Los Angeles buzzed with excitement as the city celebrated the Dodgers' long-awaited World Series championship parade. This joyous event marked the Dodgers' eighth World Series title and their first celebratory parade since 1988.

For Dodgers players and fans alike, the parade was a momentous occasion. "It's the best thing I've ever been a part of," shared longtime Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw with SportsNet LA during the procession. "It's incredible. I've never seen so many people in my life. And they're all Dodgers fans. And they all love it as much as we do. It's unbelievable."

The team secured its second World Series victory in the last five years, defeating the Yankees. The 2020 triumph did not see a parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the turnout on Friday more than compensated for that missed celebration. An estimated 250,000 fervent fans lined the streets as the parade made its way to Dodger Stadium.

Players like World Series MVP Freddie Freeman were deeply moved by the turnout. "This is incredible. L.A. really showed out today," Freeman remarked. "It's hard to believe. It hasn't sunk in yet.... These fans are going crazy, and this is fun to be a part of." Freeman, who joined the Dodgers after winning a championship with the Braves in 2021, experienced his first parade with his new team, a moment he described as surreal.

Teoscar Hernández, who received his first World Series ring after nine seasons in the league, was overwhelmed by the experience. "This is crazy, man," Hernández declared as fans chanted his name. "I love this. This is a dream for me, and I love it." Reflecting on the support from the fans, he added, "This is everything for me. This is why I play."

Tommy Edman, another key player in the Dodgers' World Series run, shared his awe at the parade's scale. "I feel like I didn't fully comprehend it until today," Edman said. "Just seeing everybody out here, it's been amazing. A really, really special feeling."

Pitcher Jack Flaherty, a native of Southern California, also expressed his astonishment at the sheer number of fans. "People lining up on the freaking buildings and everything -- it's unbelievable. Oh my god," Flaherty exclaimed. He gave a special shoutout to Freeman, who had a standout performance in the World Series, leading the Dodgers to victory. "Seeing Freddie pictures everywhere -- Freddie's the freaking man. I love that dude. I would give him a kiss right now," he added.

The parade had an emotional start as it coincided with the birthday of the late Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Dodgers pitcher. Fans waiting by Dodger Stadium honored his memory by singing "Happy Birthday."

Reflecting on the celebration, pitcher Tyler Glasnow, who grew up as a Dodgers fan, said, "I had no idea it was gonna be like this. I didn't even know this many people existed. This is unbelievable. It seems like the entire city of L.A. came out today. It's phenomenal."

The Dodgers' victory has not only united the city’s baseball fans but has also created memories that players and supporters will cherish for years to come.