Dodger Kiké Hernández, in the center, has played a pivotal role in fostering the team’s renewed mindset, propelling them past the San Diego Padres and into the National League Championship Series. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
During one of the lowest points of their season last week, the Dodgers chose not to remain in their quiet home clubhouse.
Following their significant loss in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, where they watched their composure fade along with the home crowd during a 10-2 defeat by the San Diego Padres, they didn’t wallow in despair. Instead, they swiftly loaded team-branded duffel bags and boarded a charter bus parked outside.
With their season hanging in the balance, they set off for San Diego.
This time, they made a collective decision to travel together as a unit.
Max Muncy and Kiké Hernández of the Dodgers celebrated on the field after their victory over the Padres secured the NLDS series on Friday at Dodger Stadium. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
“Throughout my time here, we have never traveled to San Diego by team bus,” remarked veteran third baseman Max Muncy. “This isn’t a negative aspect at all. But declaring, ‘We are all going to take a bus down there, without families, just us,’ was fantastic.”
As the Dodgers geared up to commence their NL Championship Series against the New York Mets on Sunday, this moment represented just one of several small instances that contributed to their progress.
In anticipation of the playoffs, the Dodgers aimed to differentiate their postseason approach. With a player-led focus on traditional themes such as unity and camaraderie, they fostered a more robust and competitive mental attitude.
In recent Octobers, the Dodgers have struggled to maintain these essential elements upon reaching the postseason. Their early exits in the NLDS during 2022 and 2023 highlighted a lack of intensity that may have contributed to their disappointing outcomes.
“We have been missing that edge,” Muncy noted. “We haven’t exhibited that mindset.”
As they approached a third consecutive postseason, marked by a rather unusual first-round bye, players began to strategize to circumvent their previous pitfalls.
The initiative began in the final week of the regular season when Muncy, catcher Will Smith, and shortstop Miguel Rojas devised a plan to host team watch parties at Dodger Stadium during the wild-card round. Their goal was not only to assess potential NLDS rivals collectively but also to enhance their time together during the off week.
“Talking with some of the other leaders, it came down to, ‘How can we maintain our rhythm?’” Smith shared. “Baseball is a rhythm game. We play daily, and suddenly we have a week off. So, how can we keep that rhythm? Staying at the field for a considerable amount of time…”
“It’s something we need to be aware of as the season progresses,”
During the five-day break, the Dodgers’ approach to team workouts was notably impacted, with players committing to remain at the ballpark until each session concluded.
“In previous years, I think some players became a bit complacent during the bye week,” Hudson remarked, utilizing the term “informal” to characterize the atmosphere surrounding their preparations for 2022 and 2023. “This year, we ensured that we wouldn’t fall into that trap again.”
Read more: Dodgers hope ‘different level of intensity’ fixes bye-week woes entering playoffs
According to Muncy, the impetus for change emerged not only within the clubhouse but was also communicated by players to the front-office team.
“All plans for the five days off were devised by the players,” Muncy explained. “Instead of asking the organization what they wanted us to do, it was the players declaring, ‘This is our plan. This is how we intend to operate as a team.’ It has been entirely driven by the players.”
The bus trip to San Diego was another illustration of this new approach.
Usually, the majority of players prefer to make the drive down Interstate 5 to road games against the Padres with their families. Although a team bus is provided for those looking to avoid traffic, “not many people utilize it,” noted Kiké Hernández.
However, in a postseason focused on embracing change, even a slight adjustment to their travel schedule led to significant positive effects for the team.
Instead of brooding over their Game 2 loss alone, the Dodgers’ bus ride last week transformed into “a party bus for two hours,” Hernández recalled, chuckling.
Max Muncy, the Dodgers’ third baseman, celebrates on second base after hitting a double in the third inning of Game 4 of the NLDS at Petco Park. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
“Especially,” he remarked, “when the driver speeds along and we reach San Diego in an hour and 40 minutes.”
For Muncy, this marked a pivotal moment in the series.
“We needed that,” he stated, “to help us move past the beating we took in Game 2.”
Although the Dodgers did not win Game 3, their near-comeback from an early five-run deficit demonstrated a fighting spirit that had been lacking previously.
Before Game 4, the team’s new mindset was encapsulated in a straightforward rallying cry from Hernández.
“F— them all,” the 33-year-old continuously urged his teammates.
“That’s the attitude we’ve embraced here,” Muncy noted. “It reflects who we are this year.”
With two consecutive shutout victories, the Dodgers secured their first NLCS appearance since 2021. As the team reveled in a Champagne shower in the clubhouse, their ignited spirit was clear in a series of expletive-laden comments.
“We have a lot of ‘F U’ in us,” Hernández declared. “We’re united for one reason, and that is to win the World Series.”
To achieve this goal, the Dodgers will need to maintain their fiery momentum in the upcoming series against the Mets.
Contrary to the NLDS, where pundits favored the Padres, the Dodgers are now the clear favorites—at least in betting circles—to win the league championship series and reach the Fall Classic.
In previous years, they have struggled in similar situations. However, they are optimistic that their newfound intensity can help them avoid another collapse.
“We remember the last two early exits,” Hudson expressed. “We aim to leave those behind.”
“Typically, when a group is united,” Hernández added, “positive outcomes tend to follow.”
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
United We Stand: How the Dodgers’ Newfound Togetherness Fuels Their Postseason Push
The Importance of Team Chemistry in Baseball
In the realm of Major League Baseball, team chemistry is often a crucial factor that can make or break a season. The Los Angeles Dodgers, a perennial playoff contender, have recently showcased how unity and cohesion can propel a team toward success. With their newfound togetherness, the Dodgers are not just aiming for a playoff appearance, but are determined to make a significant run in the postseason.
What Drives Team Unity?
The Dodgers’ remarkable journey towards creating a unified team environment is due to several key factors:
- Shared Goals: Each player understands the ultimate aim: winning the championship.
- Effective Communication: Open lines of communication foster collaboration on and off the field.
- Mutual Support: Players uplift each other, reinforcing a sense of belonging within the team.
- Leadership: Strong leadership from coaches and veteran players has been instrumental in instilling a culture of unity.
Statistics Highlighting the Dodgers’ Team Performance
To truly appreciate the impact of team unity, let’s delve into some key statistics that showcase the Dodgers’ performance this season:
| Stat Category | 2023 Season | 2022 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Team Batting Average | .270 | .260 |
| Home Runs | 220 | 180 |
| Team ERA | 3.50 | 4.00 |
Case Studies: Key Moments of Togetherness
Several pivotal moments during the season have encapsulated the essence of the Dodgers’ unity:
1. The Walk-Off Victory Against San Francisco Giants
In a thrilling game earlier this season, the Dodgers rallied in the ninth inning, showcasing not just individual talent but a collective effort. The players’ ability to stay calm under pressure exemplified their trust in one another, resulting in a walk-off hit that ignited the team’s momentum.
2. The Team-Building Retreat
The Dodgers scheduled a team-building retreat before the season’s crucial stretch. Activities included group challenges and discussions that strengthened the bonds between players, creating a more cohesive unit as they headed into the postseason.
Benefits of Team Cohesion for the Dodgers
Team cohesion has presented several advantages for the Dodgers as they gear up for the playoffs:
- Enhanced Performance: Players performing consistently at their best due to mutual encouragement.
- Resilience Against Adversity: A united team can weather tough losses and bounce back stronger.
- Increased Fan Engagement: A connected team resonates with fans, leading to heightened support during games.
Practical Tips for Fostering Team Unity
While the Dodgers have their unique environment, other teams can adopt some practices to foster unity:
- Regular Team Meetings: Schedule meetings to discuss goals, performance, and concerns.
- Team Activities: Organize social outings or team-building exercises to strengthen interpersonal relationships.
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster an atmosphere where players feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
First-Hand Experience: Voices from the Locker Room
Insights from players indicate that the Dodgers’ focus on togetherness has significantly impacted their mindset:
“We’ve really come together this year. It’s not just about baseball; it’s about supporting each other. That’s our strength!” – Cody Bellinger
“The energy in the dugout this season is electric. We believe in one another, and that’s what makes us dangerous.” – Clayton Kershaw
Looking Ahead: The Road to the World Series
As the Dodgers look ahead to the postseason, their strong sense of unity can play a vital role in their quest for the World Series title. With an energized locker room and a commitment to each other, they are setting an example of how togetherness can lead to victory on the grandest stage.
Conclusion: The Power of Unity
In sports, unity can be a game-changer. The Dodgers’ approach underlines that success is not just about individual talent but the collective effort of a team that stands united. As they prepare for the playoffs, it’s clear that their newfound togetherness is a powerful force driving them forward.
