It's championship season: A Fall Classic like never before will spoil fans of Tampa or L.A.
Imagine: If the Dodgers can pull off a World Series title, it'll be two world championship teams in L.A. in a matter of weeks. Not to be outdone, if the Rays win, that's two Tampa titles in about a month, following the Lightning's Stanley Cup win.
Talk about an embarrassment of riches.
The Fall Classic will be unlike any other, played at the new and neutral-site Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. In some semblance of normalcy, though, fans are back in the stands for it.
The AL-best Rays, seeking their first title, reached the World Series for the second time in franchise history by holding off the Houston Astros in Game 7. The Astros, the team America loves to hate, fought until the end, becoming just the second team in MLB history for force a seventh game after going down 3-0 in the series. A big reason the Astros couldn't overcome the Rays: Randy Arozarena. The 25-year-old rookie outfielder was named ALCS MVP after hitting four homers in the series, including a first-inning blast in Game 7. That shot was his seventh of the playoffs, a new rookie postseason record.
The Dodgers, the best team in all of baseball in 2020, won the NL pennant for the third time in four years by completing a 3-1 series comeback against the Braves. Game 7 was an instant classic, featuring epic baserunning blunders, crazy catches and a home run-hitting hero who apparently dislocated his shoulder celebrating. After back-to-back World Series defeats in 2017 and 2018, the Dodgers are seeking the franchise's first title since 1988.
Must-read stories from week that was
- College football coaches' compensation: There were no shortage of surprises in our latest dive into what college football coaches make. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in pay reductions for many – though those cuts are not always what they seem. Especially in light of the climate, some coaches are Too Big To Buy Out. But there are some bargains still in college football – even for as low as $1.
- Big question: Despite a swelling fan base, why is Hispanic representation in the NFL so minuscule?
- 'Never want to see that happen': Young Eagles diehard sends his best wishes to injured Cowboys QB Dak Prescott.
- Legend: U.S. women's national hockey team captain Meghan Duggan announced her retirement Tuesday after a 14-year career.
- 'I'll be back stronger and better': Dak Prescott made his first public comments since his devastating injury.
- Making up: After reconciling, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson revel in team's latest NBA championship.
- 'James Harden changed my life': Outgoing Rockets GM Daryl Morey takes out full-page ad to thank Houston.
- Can anyone stop Alabama? The stout Georgia Bulldogs couldn't in the massive No. 2 vs. No. 3 showdown in Tuscaloosa.
- 'Tokenism really doesn’t mean that much': Saints veteran DB Malcolm Jenkins wants more from NFL.
- RIP: Pro Football Hall of Famer Fred Dean, a two-time champion with the 49ers, has died at 68.
Quick hits
- Braves closer Mark Melancon caught teammate Ozzie Albies' home run while he was out in the bullpen. Twice in two nights!
- The eight people who were instrumental in making the NBA bubble work.
- Derrick Henry is a large and strong man.
- Sparks star Candace Parker returns to 'semi-normal' life outside the wubble.
- LaMelo Ball is not rolling with Big Baller Brand in the pros.
- Winners and losers from NHL free agency.
- Kentucky won at Tennessee for the first time since 1984.
Best buys from Reviewed.com
- The 39 best health and fitness gifts of 2020.
- 13 pieces of women’s activewear perfect for fall workouts
- The best smartwatches of 2020: Find one to help with your fitness regimen.
Watch this video from Sportskind
PGA pro Jason Dudzinski and his fiancee, Katie, were playing a round of golf in Michigan when a young buck wandered right onto the course.
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