A role player stole the show at Monday’s parade to celebrate the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series championship.
Kiké Hernández added to his growing October legacy before going cold in the Fall Classic, but the former Boston Red Sox hitter now has three rings with the Dodgers. The 34-year-old ignited the Dodger Stadium crowd with a rousing speech during the team’s victory lap, courtesy of SportsNet LA.
“My teammates have been pretty humble, but I think it’s time to talk that (expletive),” Hernández said.
The conversation has turned to whether the Dodgers are forming a dynasty after they became the first team in 25 years to win two straight championships. Hernández declared that they already are one while using some fiery language.
“Everybody’s been asking questions about a dynasty,” he continued. “How about three (titles) in six years? How about back-to-back? Yes, we’re a motherf’in dynasty, baby! And I want to take this time to apologize … to absolutely (expletive) nobody. The triple champ does what the (expletive) he wants.”
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Although he hit a pedestrian .250/.290/.359 this postseason, Hernández still wields an .826 OPS in 103 career playoff games. He tallied four doubles, a home run and seven RBIs en route to another Dodgers title.
Hernández will enter free agency after completing his one-year, $6.5 million deal. It’s hard to see the loaded Dodgers prioritizing someone who registered a .621 OPS during the regular season, but the fan favorite’s playoff success could make him a tough loss to swallow.
