Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith might not have been the star of the 2024 World Series, but he remains a well-recognized name among baseball champions.
Remarkably, a player named Will Smith has hoisted the championship trophy for five consecutive years.
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This unique streak began in 2020 when the Dodgers secured a title against the Tampa Bay Rays during the COVID-shortened season, with Smith in his second year as starting catcher.
Although the Dodgers missed the World Series in 2021, that year saw the Atlanta Braves take the title, powered by a left-handed closer named Will Smith.
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This pitcher version of Smith debuted in 2012 with the Kansas City Royals and secured his first championship by closing out the 2021 World Series when Yuli Gurriel grounded out.
In a twist of fate, Smith was traded to Houston during the 2022 season, and the Astros went on to win the World Series that fall.
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In March 2023, Smith signed with the Texas Rangers, contributing to their first franchise title with 60 regular-season games and five postseason appearances.
He returned to the Royals in December 2023 in hopes of continuing his championship streak, but it was the other Will Smith who stood victorious at the end of the 2024 season.
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This year, Smith caught the final pitch from Walker Buehler during the Dodgers’ thrilling 7-6 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series, earning his second championship ring.
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Despite going 0 for 4 in the decisive game, Smith managed to draw a walk and score a run during a remarkable fifth-inning comeback where the Dodgers overturned a 5-0 deficit.
Throughout the postseason, Smith had a challenging run, batting .143 with three homers and eight RBIs in 16 games, but he was a critical presence behind the plate, catching nearly every inning in October.