LOS ANGELES − After their significant win over the New York Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated in their clubhouse, immersed in champagne and beer, visibly emotional as they reflected on their journey.

They had just secured the National League pennant with a decisive 10-5 victory at Dodger Stadium, but this championship was merely a prelude.

The moment that Major League Baseball, its broadcasters, sponsors, and countless baseball fans have eagerly anticipated for 43 years is finally here.

For the first time since 1981, the Los Angeles Dodgers will compete against the New York Yankees in the World Series.

Hollywood meets Broadway.

Rodeo Drive crosses Fifth Avenue.

Shohei Ohtani squares off against Aaron Judge.

Mookie Betts faces Juan Soto.

Freddie Freeman challenges Giancarlo Stanton.

The wealthiest take on the wealthiest.

These two legendary sporting franchises, who boasted the best records in their leagues this season, are now set to battle for baseball’s top honor.

“As a baseball fan, how can anyone not be thrilled about this?” Dodgers infielder Max Muncy remarked. “We’re talking about two huge franchises, and the sport’s biggest stars. We’ve got Shohei, Freddie, and Mookie on our side, with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo, and Juan Soto opposing us.

“The brightest talents in the game are on the most prestigious platform.”

“This is akin to Magic Johnson facing Larry Bird.”

“It’s like Muhammad Ali against Joe Frazier.”

“A showdown like Jack Nicklaus versus Arnold Palmer.”

“It’s the Coca-Cola and Pepsi rivalry.”

“This is exactly what fans have asked for,” Betts stated. “It’s what we’ve all wished for.”

Just the thought of Judge and Ohtani sharing the stage — both leading MVP candidates striving for the same championship — is generating excitement worldwide.

“I can’t even fathom the excitement in Japan right now,” expressed Dodgers shortstop Tommy Edman, MVP of the National League Championship Series, who recorded 11 RBIs, tying a postseason record for the franchise. “If they weren’t baseball fans before, they surely are now. Everyone is eager to see these two teams compete on the grandest stage. This World Series is filled with superstars.”

With Judge hitting 58 home runs — leading the American League — and Ohtani hitting 54 — leading the National League — this marks the first World Series encounter between home-run champions since 1956 when Mickey Mantle of the Yankees faced Duke Snider of the Dodgers.

This will be the first World Series matchup for both Ohtani and Judge.

“I genuinely feel like we’ve reached this pinnacle, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” Ohtani shared. “Getting this far was our primary goal, and I’ve envisioned it while signing my contract (10 years, $700 million). Just being able to showcase our efforts as a team through challenging games, it’s a dream to be here now.”

Dodgers center fielder Kevin Kiermaier, set to retire after this season, was emotional as he discussed the significance of this moment. He previously played for the Tampa Bay Rays, who lost to the Dodgers in the 2020 World Series, held during the pandemic at a neutral site in Arlington, Texas, with limited fans allowed.

Back then, when the Dodgers claimed the championship, they celebrated with masks instead of champagne, and there was no parade in Los Angeles.

Now, however, a grand parade is in store for either New York or Los Angeles, as the Yankees aim for their first title since 2009 and the Dodgers seek their first in a full season since 1988.

“This is fantastic for baseball,” Kiermaier noted. “Two storied franchises, both of whom are perennial contenders. It doesn’t get more exciting than this.”

“Even as a player, I consider myself a fan of the sport. The level of talent on display in the upcoming weeks is bound to be must-see TV.

“This Series should be extraordinary. I’m eager to see how it all unfolds.”

The World Series kicks off Friday night (8 p.m. ET, FS1) at Dodger Stadium, where both teams will meet and recognize the journey that brought them to this moment.

Each team has been under immense pressure, burdened by the expectations to secure the World Series title.

No one is concerned that the Yankees have made the playoffs 25 times since 1995, or that they haven’t finished a season in the red since 1992.

No one is focused on the Dodgers’ streak of 12 consecutive playoff appearances and four pennant victories.

What truly matters is whether they can lift the World Series trophy at the end of this season.

It is all about the championship.

That is the reality in New York and Los Angeles.

“There’s immense pressure and high expectations,” said Muncy, who set a postseason record by reaching base 12 times in a row. “Especially this year with the incredible names on our roster. It definitely weighed heavily on us.”

The Dodgers have faced challenges in recent playoffs, having been eliminated in the first round previously.

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After two years of disappointment, the pressure was high for the team to avoid another early playoff exit, especially since some jobs were at stake.

“This year, we did things differently,” Muncy shared. “We took charge and made it very centered on the players. In previous years, we waited for the organization to give us direction. They made attempts at increasing our intensity, but…”

“This season, those of us who have been around decided, ‘No more waiting. We’ll determine how we move forward. This is our plan.’”

Recognizing that their five days off could hinder momentum, they chose to use this time to bond instead, asking for understanding from their families.

“Everyone tends to worry about the five days off,” Muncy said. “We decided to see this as a reward. We wanted to embrace it. We had a blast. The main thing we did was stick together at the stadium for seven or eight hours a day – enjoying good food, chatting, and strengthening our connections.”

“So rather than spend five days at home, we chose to be here at the field, and that really created unity among us.”

This camaraderie mirrored what they experienced in mid-September, when they learned that pitcher Tyler Glasnow was out for the season. Doubts about their chances of winning the World Series surfaced among the players, but Manager Dave Roberts encouraged them to stop feeling sorry for themselves and reminded them of their talent.

“We were looking at a starting rotation that was supposed to feature All-Stars and Hall of Famers, and that didn’t materialize,” Muncy said. “When your ace is sidelined, it’s a tough blow. You could sense the team’s disappointment. It felt like, ‘Here we go again.’”

“Then we had a meeting where we said, ‘Look around. We still have Hall of Famers and highly paid players in this room. We can still achieve this.’

“Well, look at where we are now.”

According to Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, much of the credit goes to Roberts. He kept the team united despite numerous significant injuries, which led to the usage of a franchise-high 40 pitchers.

“This group is as determined as any I’ve encountered,” Friedman remarked. “Their professionalism, preparation, and competitiveness stand out. They are a remarkable team.

“Besides their evident talent, the desire to win shone through as we faced challenges throughout the season.”

Roberts, who watched his team achieve a record 46 runs in the NLCS, passionately addressed the 52,674 fans while accepting the National League trophy: “I have never had more faith in a group than I do in these guys. What matters most is that they trust each other.”

Now, they stand on the brink of playing the most significant Series of their lives, echoing memories of the 1981 World Series featuring legends like Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, and Tommy Lasorda.

“The entire world has been looking forward to this potential matchup,” Roberts noted. “It’s going to be spectacular.”

Not just for the Dodgers.

Not just for the Yankees.

But for baseball as a whole.