LIVE: Dodgers celebrate World Series championship at Dodger Stadium

LOS ANGELES – Let the celebration begin!

Los Angeles Dodgers fans were out in force in downtown LA to celebrate the Boys in Blue after they defeated the New York Yankees in a five-game series. The World Series victory parade also featured “Fernandomania” to commemorate the legacy of Fernando Valenzuela, who would have celebrated his 64th birthday on Friday.

The champions loaded double-decker buses to celebrate the monumental event. Because the Dodgers were unable to hold a parade in their win at the Fall Classic in 2020, this was the Dodgers' first championship parade since 1988.

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“We've been waiting for this for quite a while. We didn’t have a celebration in 2020 and now it’s time to make up for it,” one fan told Good Day LA’s Mario Ramirez in the hours before the parade.

Some enthusiastic fans chose to avoid the morning rush hour and arrived hours before the parade to secure the first seats.

“We are loyal Dodger fans,” said one fan who came all the way from Stockton.

“We bleed blue and we deserve this,” another fan added.

Even before sunrise, hardcore fans enthusiastically shared this passion for their team.

“I'm so excited. I have been a Dodger fan my entire life. “My parents met at Dodger Stadium… they've been going to Dodger Stadium since my kids were babies,” one fan said. “We're dying Dodger fans.”

Speeches at Dodger Stadium

After completing the parade route, the Boys in Blue headed to Dodger Stadium to celebrate with fans on their home field.

Dave Roberts

“One thing I know, guys, they don't like us!” exclaimed Dave Roberts. “You wanted a parade, we got a parade! Thanks guys!”

“Guys, let’s get ready to get this thing going again next year.”

Kike Hernandez

“I said the decade of 2020 was going to be a Dodger decade,” Kiké Hernández said. “We wanted a parade…and we got a parade! I love you, LA, I love everyone. And like (Dave Robers) said, they don’t like us, baby.”

Freddie Freeman

“I have a whole group of guys that have been behind me all year. What a special group. I don’t have the same personality as Kiké,” said the World Series MVP. “He shut it down, but from the bottom of his heart…,” Freeman said as the crowd erupted in chants of “MVP.”

“When I came back after my son was sick, you showed up for my family and me. It was one of the greatest experiences I've had on the field. I was so touched and I did everything I could to get on the field guys, and I'm glad I did because we have a championship now,” Freeman said. “I can’t wait to play it again this year. Let’s go to the Dodgers!”

Mookie Betts

“When I became a Dodger, it took 12 or 13 years. It’s been a lot of years and we’ve had two so far,” Mookie Betts said Friday at Dodger Stadium.

“I just want to thank each and every one of you for supporting us. And to my teammates, you have no idea how much you mean to me. I love you,” Betts added.

Teoscar Hernandez

“I just want to say thank you,” Teoscar Henandez said overwhelmed with emotion as tears streamed down his face.

“I play this game to win and the Dodgers gave me the opportunity to come here so I can help this organization, this city, this team, these people win a championship. You make dreams come true. Thank you for making it.” “I am a champion. Thank you,” added Teoscar Hernández.

Clayton Kershaw

“I've been waiting for this day for a long time. I've waited a long time to celebrate. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else right now and I can’t imagine doing it with a better group than these guys right here,” Clayton Kershaw said.

Although he was unable to compete in the Fall Classic due to a toe injury, he remained grateful.

“I had nothing to do with this championship, but it feels like the best feeling in the world,” Kershaw said. “I love you. Thanks. Dodgers for life.”