Dodgers lose World Series hero to rival Giants just a week after crushing Blue Jays’ dreams originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers won back-to-back World Series championships over the Toronto Blue Jays, marking the first time such a feat has been accomplished in 25 years. With this victory, the Dodgers can now officially be considered a dynasty.

“The Dodgers have officially established themselves as a dynasty in MLB. 3 World Series in 6 years. 5 World Series appearances in 9 years. 12 NL West titles in 13 years. First back-to-back World Series champion in 25 years. Next year, they go for the three-peat,” Dodgers Nation’s Noah Camras wrote.

The Blue Jays managed to hang around throughout the World Series and, at times, looked poised to win it all. In fact, one statistic shows just how much they dominated in certain aspects.

“The Dodgers batted .203 in the World Series, the worst mark by a champion since 1966. Over the last 2 seasons, they have batted a combined .204 in the World Series and won both years,” ESPN’s Jesse Rogers wrote.

The Dodgers ultimately won in seven games, but the series easily could have gone Toronto’s way. A pivotal moment came in Game 6 when Justin Dean called for a lodged ball — a play that potentially prevented the Blue Jays from taking control.

“The fact this is ruled a ‘lodged ball’ but then the CF has no problem picking it up and throwing it in is dumb. He didn’t even make an effort to grab it right away. Blue Jays might have gotten screwed,” SI’s JD Andress posted.

Because of that moment, Dean became one of the unsung heroes of the Dodgers’ championship run. Yet, less than a week after winning the World Series, the Dodgers placed him on waivers.

“The Dodgers outrighted Justin Dean off the 40-man roster. He was claimed by the Giants. Dean played a key role for the Dodgers as a pinch runner and defensive replacement in center field this postseason. Forever a World Series champion,” Camras wrote.

Dean may have only appeared in situational moments, but he understood his role and executed it perfectly. Who knows what might have happened had he not raised his arms to signal that lodged ball?

Justin Dean will forever be remembered for his heads-up play in Game 6. Without it, the Dodgers could have been sent packing — but instead, he helped secure their dynasty. Now, he’ll suit up for their division rival, the San Francisco Giants.

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