The World Series or Our Favorite Teen Drama?
If you grew up religiously watching teen shows like we did, you know there's a foolproof formula for a great storyline. You have the main characters–whether it's the broody heartthrobs, the charming underdogs, the cool it-girls, and their fierceless best friends. Each episode brings intense situations, balancing predictable storylines with unexpected twists that keep things exciting. This obviously leads to plenty of dramatic moments at every opportunity. The best part? The cities they live in play a crucial role in the narrative, with their unique histories shaping the characters' lifestyles and setting the show's tone.
Every once in a while, the stars align, and the baseball gods gift us a World Series, so out of this world, it feels as if life we are living in our favorite Netflix show. This year's MLB championship is a thrilling series featuring two of the most beloved franchises in baseball: the LA Dodgers and the NY Yankees. The passion for these teams is rooted in several factors–their rich histories, the legendary players that have graced their lineups, immense cultural impact, and, of course, the fact that they hail from two of the most vibrant cities in the world.
The debate between Los Angeles and New York has infiltrated many cultural discussions, from the iconic sports rivalry to the ongoing argument over which teen drama is superior: The OC or Gossip Girl. As fans of both worlds, this symbolic World Series reunion feels like a familiar storyline. To clarify any lingering confusion, let's look at the parallels that emerged as the MLB's season finale approached.
The best place to start is by stating the obvious. The Dodgers are based in Los Angeles, close enough to the OC, while the Yankees and Gossip Girl are in New York. Yet the comparison goes beyond a simple geographic fact. Historically, both cities have influenced the storylines of the shows and the teams.
The Yankees have a background of being one of the most traditional teams, maintaining it by keeping a classic approach to their gameday looks. Just as you'd never see Chuck Bass without a perfectly tailored suit, the Yankees have always worn their classic pinstripe uniforms without players' names on the backs. This timeless style harks back to the original outfits they wore. On the business side, they are the second-highest valued franchise in the world. If Bart Bass were still in charge, you could say the team would definitely be part of Bass Industries.
Their SoCal counterparts are known for their more laid-back, open-minded approach. The Dodgers' reputation describes them as a team of the people, with incredibly progressive decisions throughout their history, such as being the first team to include a person of color in their lineup, the legendary Jackie Robinson. Their values have always aimed to incorporate equality and diversity into the game, the same way Sandy Cohen was always looking out for new ways to fight for just causes and give everyone the grace to overcome any adversity they were facing.
The main characters play a crucial role in the storylines. The dynamic duos, who balance each other out and complement each other's personalities while navigating their everyday challenges, can be seen in both scenarios. In "Gossip Girl," we have Chuck and Nate, while in baseball, the Yankees feature Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodón.
Aaron Judge holds a leadership position as team captain, commanding the field as one of the game's stars. His energy is matched only by someone like Chuck Bass, who commands attention in every room he enters and achieves any goal he sets his mind to. Carlos Rodón, like Nate Archibald, serves as the yin to Judge's yang. Rodón's role helps alleviate some of the pressure off Judge, and their teamwork relies on mutual trust, allowing them to execute a flawless game together.
On the West Coast, the Dodgers' roster shows the dynamic between Ryan Atwood and Seth Cohen. Shohei Ohtani stands out as the team's main character, with a storyline reminiscent of Ryan's. Although Ohtani relocated to Los Angeles from further away than Chino, CA, he understands the challenges of starting over and the pressure to prove oneself after such a drastic move. After enjoying a successful career in Japan's NPB, he decided to pursue his dreams in the U.S. by signing with the Los Angeles Angels. However, the transition was difficult; many teams hesitated to sign him due to the risks associated with his dual roles as both a pitcher and a batter. Eventually, he joined the Dodgers, where he has flourished, recently achieving a 50/50 season for the first time in league history. Ryan's journey resonates deeply, highlighting a passion for overcoming adversity and earning one's place no matter where you go.
Of course, this also includes a partner in crime. Luckily, we have Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Seth Cohen to fill those roles. The pitcher is known for his precise skills and controlled play, which often helps balance out the dynamism and explosiveness of Shohei Ohtani's game. Just as Seth always tried to keep Ryan grounded, both are essential in helping the other succeed. Yamamoto, like Ohtani, came to MLB after a successful career in NPB and shares an underdog quality with Seth, breaking expectations and proving why you should never count them out too quickly.
The LA Dodgers face the New York Yankees in the World Series (Getty Images)
Given their rich history and recent achievements, it's clear that this championship is set to be a historic event. This marks the 12th time these two teams have faced each other in the finals, a record for any two teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), with the Yankees claiming eight victories and the Dodgers three. While the Yankees have historically been favored, this year's series promises to showcase incredible talent, featuring iconic players who embody 'main character energy.' Both teams possess the capability to win, as their seasons were filled with milestone achievements, a showcase of extraordinary talents, and the desire to live up to the expectations set by their franchises' legacies.
Whether it's because you have a new excuse to watch the World Series or you're a longtime fan of the franchises, don't miss out on Game 1 on Friday 25th, at 8:08 ET.
You know you love baseball, so California and New York, here we go!