STOP! Don’t close this article. You’re on the right page. This is a Her Campus UFL story – not some highly technical and statically based Fox Sports article. So, let’s talk about baseball, but on our own terms.
Girls, it’s baseball season! And you’re hearing this from someone who’s far from being a major baseball fan. I grew up watching lots of soccer, and some basketball and football occasionally. Baseball was never a big deal in my family – actually, my dad thinks it’s too slow. Believe it or not, I just watched a baseball game in person for the very first time this year. So, yeah, I guess UF sports can really change people.
Well, the thing is: my boyfriend is OBSESSED with baseball. He loves both playing and watching it – then maybe playing a little more and re-watching games (because why not?). And, as you can probably imagine by now, baseball is his favorite conversation topic. Meaning, I’ve been hearing A LOT about it since the beginning of the MLB season. And, surprisingly enough, I’d say I’m learning to appreciate and enjoy it.
My favorite part is learning all the drama that surrounds baseball! And drama has reached major scales this season. All because of them: the Dodgers and their “Super Team.”Do you have no clue what I’m talking about? I got you. Let’s dive into what seems to be the biggest baseball controversy of the moment! But, in a Her Campus style, of course.
Dodgers: the MLB’s eye-rolling team
Long story short, the Dodgers have been pissing everyone off. Well, not exactly everyone… Their fans couldn’t be happier with what the team has been doing. But, besides this group, it’s safe to say that most baseball fans are very angry. Hmm, or should I say jealous?
During the off-season months, the Dodgers had no time to waste. The already prominent team used their “break” period to strengthen tactics and fortify themselves to make history in the following season. Here are some points that made all other MLB teams roll their eyes at the Dodgers:
1. Unmatched star power
The Dodgers were known for having good players before, but they truly decided to set themselves apart from the rest this season.
With additions such as Hyeseong Kim and Roki Sasaki to the already strong team of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Teoscar Hernandez and Will Smith, many bets have been placed on the Dodgers winning the World Series 2025.
So, even if you don’t know any of these people, just remember the Dodgers’ roster is full of baseball superstars – to a level nearly impossible to match.
2. Strategical Setup
As if having individual baseball stars wasn’t enough, the Dodgers’ staff knows exactly how to put them together to form a star team. Basically, the players aren’t just good by themselves, but they are also well-trained to excel together. It’s the same idea as a power couple: they’re great separately, but together they become exceptional.
The Dodgers’ ability to build depth is key to the threat they pose to other baseball teams. Plus, the large number of well-qualified players allows them great flexibility to deal with potential injuries without falling behind the season (something most teams struggle with).
3. Versatility of Ideas
We all have heard and discussed the conflict between generations. Which one is better? Should we favor one over another? Are older generations outdated? But what if younger generations are too inexperienced? Will it ever be possible to find a balance? Well, the Dodgers have proved yes!
As they plan plays and set players up, the team uses different generations to complement one another. With a good mix of older, well-experienced players and young rising stars, the Dodgers have achieved a great plan between innovative plays and safe-ground tactics. And it isn’t an easy task for other teams to match this unique perfect equilibrium.
4. Characteristic winning culture
It should be safe to say that all athletes and sports institutions enjoy winning. But not many compare with the Dodgers. This team aims to win at all costs. They aren’t satisfied with the second place; they want the top of the podium. It’s all or nothing for them. And this unstoppable search for victory drives them to success over other MLB teams.
Now, can the Dodgers dominance be a problem?
Okay, so at this point I think we can all agree the Dodgers are awesome. They have incredibly talented players, great team tactics, perfect experience balance and an unstoppable need to win. That’s all amazing for them and their fans. But what about all the rest of the MLB? Is it fair for the Dodgers to be doing this much?
This has been a major discussion topic since the season started. And in case you’re wondering, yes, of course, my boyfriend has been talking about it. And I was surprised to see so many outlets arguing against the Dodgers’ “Super Team.” I mean, what’s wrong with raising the standards for a sport? Absolutely nothing, in my view.
The more qualified a team gets, the more it forces other teams to improve. The more teams improve, the more competitive a sport becomes. The more competitive a sport becomes, the better a sport gets for everyone who’s passionate about it. Isn’t that just so logical?
Now, more specifically in the Dodgers’ case, how is the Dodgers spending billions to get a group of players far above all other teams in talent positive for baseball? First, the Dodgers are in the second largest market in sports (LA). So, all the attention they’ve been grabbing generates enormous revenue for the entire league. Secondly, they have the three biggest Japanese names in baseball – Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. These players have expanded the Dodgers market internationally, bringing in jersey sales, sponsorships and even internationally played games. This creates a culture unheard of in sports (especially in baseball), bringing in millions of new fans to the game and boosting ratings for baseball to the highest they’ve been in over a decade.
Unquestionably, the Dodgers are changing the history of baseball forever – and it is for the best. In a few years, when baseball is in its prime, we’ll all look back to 2025 and thank this “Super Team.” No matter whether you’re a Dodgers fan or not, every baseball lover will recognize the team’s contributions to the sport one day.