Walker Buehler isn’t holding back now that he’s officially a two-time World Series champion. Buehler and the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off a thrilling comeback in Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday against the New York Yankees, securing the 2024 championship. With a narrow 7-6 lead in the ninth inning, the Dodgers made a surprising call, turning to veteran starting pitcher Walker Buehler to close out the game.
Despite having just started Game 3 three days earlier, Buehler took the mound and delivered a perfect 1-2-3 inning to clinch the title for the Dodgers. It was a momentous achievement, marking not only the Dodgers’ victory but also the first save of Buehler’s career.
After recording the final out, Buehler was interviewed on the field by FOX’s Ken Rosenthal. During the interview, Buehler had a pointed message for critics who had downplayed the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series victory.
“Everybody talks s–t about 2020, but there’s not much they can say about it now,” Buehler said, clearly relishing the moment. The broadcast aired the expletive on a slight delay, bleeping it out, but Buehler’s sentiments were unmistakable.
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It was a triumphant moment for Buehler, especially considering his challenging journey back to form.
The two-time All-Star had endured multiple surgeries, including two separate Tommy John procedures, and his return to peak performance had been anything but guaranteed.
However, with the Dodgers’ rotation depleted by injuries to key players like Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Tony Gonsolin, Buehler rose to the occasion in the postseason, delivering when his team needed him the most.
The Dodgers’ 2020 World Series title, in which Buehler also played a pivotal role, has often been a target of criticism due to the unusual circumstances of that season. The 2020 championship came after a shortened 60-game regular season and was played at a neutral-site location in Texas due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many detractors argued that it lacked the legitimacy of a typical title run. But with the Dodgers now claiming another championship under full, normal conditions in 2024, Buehler and his teammates have effectively silenced those criticisms.
Of course, it’s likely that critics will soon find new arguments to make—whether it’s pointing to the Dodgers’ massive payroll, which surpassed a billion dollars last winter, or attributing the Yankees’ defeat to their own mistakes in Game 5.
Regardless of what the naysayers come up with next, Walker Buehler and the Dodgers have added a new chapter to their storied history—one written with resilience, determination, and a little bit of swagger.
This championship is not just another trophy in the case; it’s a statement to everyone who doubted them, and it’s one that Buehler made loud and clear.
