Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Earvin “Magic” Johnson spoke with MLB Network on the team’s World Series win after Game 5. The NBA legend said how he had the jet-fueled to return to LA for Game 6 in case the New York Yankees prevailed.
New York Yankees Game 4 win even made him believe that the pinstripes might just win the series championship. However, everything changed its momentum after Game 5 fifth inning. The Yanks had a 5-0 lead over the Dodgers, but a critical miss from captain Aaron Judge led to the team’s downfall.
Judge’s mistake was accompanied by several other miscues boosted the LA Dodgers to win the game 7-6. Magic Johnson recalls saying “Thank God,” after Judge missed catching the fly ball, which fell right in his palm and then onto the field.
They had this stadium rocking. And once that happened, all the momentum switched. This changed the game for us. No doubt.
Magic Johnson with MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds.
“They had the stadium rocking… all the momentum switched.”@Dodgers part-owner @MagicJohnson knows momentum is everything in sports, and he describes the feeling during that 5th inning comeback.#WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/ZHrdw2eoiJ
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 31, 2024
Almost instantly, the Dodgers tied the games and, for the latter half of the inning, pushed forth to secure their World Series victory. It can be said that Judge’s mistake cost the team the win. They also let go of Game 1 with mistakes that could’ve been avoided.
Their epic collapse was celebrated by the LA Dodgers win. Magic Johnson expressed how emotional he was when the team won. “I thought we had a shot because the stadium got quiet,” he wasn’t wrong.
NY Yankees offseason plans after epic World Series collapse
While Los Angeles is drowning in music, champagne, and World Series victory madness, New York Yankees are recalling their blunders. There were many instances where the team could’ve won and taken the next step.
But due to manager Aaron Boone’s lineup management and Aaron Judge’s slump, things didn’t work out. Many expressed that while beating the 4-1 lead might have been difficult, there could’ve been something more the pinstripes could try. However, with the Fall Classic curtain fall, the next big agenda on their list is to re-sign Juan Soto.
Juan Soto will be entering free agency with an estimated amount of more than $500 million. The New York Yankees, New York Mets, and maybe even Los Angeles Dodgers are rumored to land the star player.
Dave Roberts deserves to be Manager of the Year! He was simply exceptional throughout this season, especially in the Playoffs!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 31, 2024
As for Aaron Boone, he’ll return as the Bronx manager for the 2025 season. While there were many controversies surrounding the topic, his duty been officially stated. If they manage to retain Soto, they’ll once again try to fight for the Championship ring that they missed in 2024.
