Nearly a week after the Dodgers claimed the 2024 World Series title over the New York Yankees, some Dodgers players are still throwing shade at their East Coast rivals and their fan base. The high-profile matchup featured the league’s most expensive rosters, each representing one of the nation’s coasts.
While the Dodgers dominated the Yankees, winning in five games, post-series comments suggest the rivalry has spilled over beyond the field.
Joe Kelly’s critique of the Yankees’ performance
Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly, who did not appear in the postseason, recently aired some unfiltered opinions on his podcast, critiquing the Yankees’ performance and characterizing them as “lazy.” Kelly’s remarks were particularly pointed, suggesting that if teams were ranked again, the Yankees would barely make the top 10. “You’re putting teams like the Padres, Phillies, and Braves ahead of them,” he remarked, emphasizing that the Yankees’ defense was notably weaker than that of even struggling teams.
Kelly added that the Dodgers’ success came down to consistently following detailed scouting reports, insisting that their players are engaged and hardworking — qualities he felt were lacking in New York’s lineup. “We have superstars in our clubhouse, but they care, they’re not lazy, and they play hard. That’s the difference and the biggest separator,” Kelly claimed.
In contrast to Kelly’s tough critique, the Yankees had actually finished the regular season with a strong 94-68 record, the best in the American League, and a run differential of +147. The World Series may have leaned in the Dodgers’ favor, but they outscored the Yankees by only one run over five games. Yet Kelly’s comments reflect his view that Los Angeles played smarter, more focused baseball.
Fan interference incident in Game 4
The series was also marked by a strange incident in Game 4, the Yankees’ only win. Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts was interfered with by two Yankees fans, Austin Capobianco and John Peter, who grabbed his glove and hand as he attempted a catch in foul territory. While the interference did not affect the Dodgers’ game performance, Betts shared his frustration after Game 5, calling the situation “wild” and admitting it was one of the few times in his life he felt close to fighting a fan. Despite downplaying the incident, Betts was visibly annoyed, describing the encounter as “irrelevant” in light of their loss.
Capobianco and Peter were promptly ejected from the stadium, and although initially permitted to return for Game 5, they were ultimately banned at MLB’s request. It remains unclear if the Yankees will allow them back in future games.
As the Dodgers celebrate their victory, these lingering tensions reveal a fierce rivalry that extends well beyond the diamond. Kelly’s comments and the fan interference highlight the intensity of the East-West divide, setting the stage for an even more charged atmosphere if the two teams meet again in future seasons.
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