Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy is eagerly awaiting the start of their titanic World Series clash against the New York Yankees, which gets underway this weekend.
Muncy said that it's difficult not to get stoked about being a part of the next chapter of this rivalry, especially considering the star power at the disposal of both teams as they get ready to compete on the grandest stage.
Max Muncy has been a vital cog in the Dodgers lineup since arriving in 2018, picking up his third National League pennant on Sunday night. The 33-year-old played a major role in the Championship Series against the New York Mets with two homers and four RBIs. He's now aiming for his second World Series title after lifting it at the end of the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.
During the team's celebration party for winning the NL pennant, Max Muncy said that he's quite excited at the prospect of facing the Yankees in the Fall Classic.
“Come on, man. It’s Dodgers-Yankees – come on!,” Muncy exclaimed. "As a fan of baseball, how could you not be excited about this?” he continued. “You’re talking about two of the biggest franchises.
"The biggest stars in the sport," he added. "You’ve got Freddie, Mookie, Shohei. On the other side you’ve got Aaron Judge, Giancarlo, Juan Soto, Gerrit Cole. The game’s biggest stars on the biggest stage – how can you not be excited about this as a fan?"
The Dodgers and the Yankees played a three-game series in June, with the NL champions edging it 2-1, but the makeup of both teams has changed considerably since then.
Latest edition of historic Yankees-Dodgers World Series rivalry
The Los Angeles Dodgers face the New York Yankees in the World Series for the 12th time, making it the most times two teams have faced each other in the Fall Classic.
Both teams won their division titles and are also carrying the frontrunner for MVP in their respective leagues, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. It's also the first time each team will have a player with over 50 home runs in the same season.
The Yankees have been the superior force in this World Series rivalry in the past, winning eight of 11 previous meetings. The Dodgers, though, were the winners when they last met in 1981.