This isn’t merely clickbait; it’s what we call engagement bait or subscription bait. It’s the kind of bait that lures you into signing up for auto-renewal services, making you addicted to games like Wordle and resources like NYT Cooking. Yet, beneath this surface lies a deeper truth that resonates deeply with many baseball fans: the prospect of a New York Yankees versus Los Angeles Dodgers World Series is arguably the most exasperating matchup imaginable. In fact, it might just be the most frustrating World Series pairing ever. This may sound hyperbolic, but when you delve into past matchups, you realize that few can match the overwhelming social media presence and the relentless Pundit Industrial Complex that this pairing would generate. Yes, I recognize that articles like this contribute to the problem, but perhaps that’s an unavoidable outcome.
It’s crucial to differentiate this from the worst World Series matchup. When considering that, one might think of a Chicago White Sox versus Colorado Rockies showdown, with the latter favored heavily. In contrast, the 2024 World Series will showcase several future Hall of Famers at the peak of their powers, showcasing incredible feats with baseballs. If you appreciate watching top-tier talent and exceptional baseball skills, this will certainly be a thrilling World Series. I’m genuinely looking forward to the baseball itself, and you should be as well.
Yet, that doesn’t negate the fact that it will be annoying. So, let’s break down the reasons why. Gather around, haters; it’s time for some hating.
Been There, Done That
This World Series feels like a recycled episode of a long-running sitcom, where the plot has been done to death. The only two cities that matter in the only country that matters are squaring off again. Look at all the celebrities in the stands! Have you ever noticed the stark contrasts between the lifestyles of New Yorkers and Los Angelenos? New Yorkers are all about “Hey, I’m walkin’ here,” while Angelenos seem more like, “Is that Bobby De Niro? Hold my tiny dog, I must go say hello.” It’s amusing, yet painfully true. Put me on stage with a microphone, and I could go on about these clichés. Although we’re in a new Yankee Stadium, the haunting echoes of baseball’s past will be hard to escape in this Series.
Even if you manage to tune out the chatter surrounding two cultural powerhouses, there’s still the historical aspect. For many, especially those of a certain age, the World Series was synonymous with the Yankees and Dodgers. My mother, for instance, recalls a time when she thought the World Series was just the term used whenever these two teams faced off. This sentiment isn’t nostalgic; it’s a rueful acknowledgment of how often they met.
This matchup has played out in 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953, 1955, and 1956—enough times for generations to feel its weight. Then, it returned in the 1970s and even the 1980s. Yankees vs. Dodgers is a throwback to simpler times, when it felt like no one else stood a chance—mostly because they didn’t.
This is the Matchup That Fox Has Wanted for Decades
Every October, I take a twisted pleasure in envisioning Fox executives tossing and turning in their sleep, fretting over a potential Cleveland Guardians versus Milwaukee Brewers World Series. These executives aren’t concerned with the excitement a pennant would bring to underrepresented regions; they’re fixated on ratings and star appeal.
And there’s truth to that focus. More eyes will be on this particular matchup simply because it promises entertainment. Craig Calcaterra cleverly likened the situation to Yogi Berra’s famous quote, “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded.” Yet, I’ve always understood Berra’s sentiment. The players he valued didn’t seek attention; they were purists who didn’t crave the spotlight that often accompanies fame.
More than anything, it’s the idea that television executives will revel in the ratings. They profit from your mental exhaustion, building their empires on the remnants of your sanity. They’ve yearned for a Yankees vs. Dodgers matchup because it allows them to market everything from the latest tech to the most absurd lifestyle choices. This World Series will attract casual fans—those who might forget the pitch clock exists, only to leave after an inning, having remembered why baseball isn’t their game.
Sometimes, I find myself drifting off to sleep, haunted by the phrase “His father is the district attorney,” a random thought that feels like a fragment of my mind breaking away, never to return. Someone has to pay for this unnecessary complexity—preferably by enduring a Guardians vs. Brewers World Series.
I Do Not Care for the Yankees and Dodgers: They Insist Upon Themselves
Both franchises have a habit of gazing adoringly at their own reflections, whether in private or in the spotlight. Their rich histories are celebrated, but often to an exaggerated degree. They boast no mascots, and their jerseys have remained unchanged for decades, a testament to their self-importance. They continuously insist upon their superiority. Yes, they’ve reached the World Series, which makes their claim somewhat valid, but they don’t need to flaunt it so brazenly.
It’s far more entertaining when entitled, historically privileged teams continually fall short year after year—except in the case of the 49ers, perhaps, as that joke has long since lost its humor.
Everyone Will Bring Up the Payrolls, but They’ll Miss the Larger Point
It’s undeniable that the Yankees and Dodgers operate with greater financial resources than their counterparts. They spend lavishly and enjoy the perks that come with their status. Discussions will inevitably arise about how much the Dodgers invested in their roster this offseason—figures that would make your head spin—and how much Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gerrit Cole will rake in. This conversation is unavoidable.
However, this narrative conveniently lets other owners off the hook. Mookie Betts is a Dodger today because Fenway Sports Group Holdings LLC panicked about his salary’s impact on their other investments, including their English soccer team and NASCAR team. They made a business decision that they now regret. Similarly, the Pittsburgh Pirates let Barry Bonds slip away due to their shortsightedness. The Chicago Cubs didn’t realize how essential Greg Maddux was to their regional identity, allowing him to leave. The Washington Nationals hesitated to commit to Bryce Harper or Juan Soto, believing they could simply replace them with another prodigious talent.
All of these owners are, quite frankly, lacking vision. They oscillate between pragmatism and absurdity, but at their core, they’re simply misguided. They should be investing in quality players to ensure they never have to face the likes of the Yankees or Dodgers in the first place! Especially the talent they draft and develop.
More fans ought to champion the notion that “the San Diego Padres had the right idea,” rather than lamenting the Yankees and Dodgers’ dominance. This failure to embrace that perspective will only serve to make the discourse more tiresome.
Furthermore, the Padres should have held onto Juan Soto. They’re not off the hook either. Michael King is great, but come on; look at what they let go.
Ultimately, this World Series could be good, perhaps even great. If we’re fortunate, we might witness some Game 7 dramatics, leading to a classic showdown. Imagine this: Shohei Ohtani returns to the mound in the 19th inning of Game 7, facing a stunned Dodger Stadium crowd because every other pitcher is unavailable, and he’s willing to sacrifice for the team. All he needs to do is navigate through Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton.
It’s a dream worth having.
Yet, while it may have the potential to be a remarkable World Series, it is undeniably destined to be the most irritating one. The wrong people have craved this matchup for years. The victor will parade the trophy with a sense of entitlement, while the loser will feel even more deserving next year. Every moment, every inning, every quip during pre- and post-game shows will remind you just how special this all is.
Guardians in six. They possess the bullpen, even if the Brewers’ lineup is underrated. What a beautiful, simple, and unexciting dream that could have been.
(Top photo illustration by Sean Reilly / The Athletic: Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images; Mary DeCicco / MLB Photos via Getty Images; Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images; Carmen Mandato / Getty Images; New York Yankees / Getty Images)
