Despite the Arizona Diamondbacks' absence from this year's World Series, baseball enthusiasts across the Valley are closely following the thrilling matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. While some fans are rallying behind their division rivals, the Dodgers, others have pledged their allegiance to the iconic Yankees franchise. This split in fan loyalty reflects the diverse and passionate nature of the Arizona baseball community, as they eagerly anticipate the outcome of the Fall Classic.

Fueling the Rivalry: Diamondbacks Seek Inspiration from Dodgers' Success

Embracing the Dodgers' Dominance

Despite the Diamondbacks' own postseason absence, the team's President and CEO, Derrick Hall, sees the Dodgers' World Series appearance as a positive for the organization. Hall believes that witnessing their division rivals' success on the national stage can serve as a motivating factor for the Diamondbacks, as they prepare for the upcoming season. "If we're not going to be there, we'd hope it's a team like the Dodgers who people are going to watch and follow because that is going to help us next year because we see them in the division more than we do most teams," Hall explained, underscoring the potential benefits of the Dodgers' deep playoff run.

Fueling the Competitive Spirit

The Diamondbacks' experience of reaching the playoffs last year has only heightened their desire to return to the World Series stage. Hall acknowledged the team's "FOMO" (fear of missing out) sentiment, as they eagerly anticipate their own opportunity to compete for the championship. "We want to get back. We can't wait to get back. We have a good team. Watching it makes you want to get there even more," Hall said, emphasizing the organization's determination to reclaim their spot among the league's elite.

Embracing the Excitement of the World Series

Beyond the divisional rivalry, Hall believes that the World Series itself is helping to grow the popularity of the sport, particularly with the introduction of new rules and the increased excitement surrounding the game. "It's building the popularity of our sport. I think the last couple years has really rebounded with a new rules, with the shortening of the game, with the excitement around the game and the star power," he noted, highlighting the positive impact the Fall Classic can have on the overall interest in baseball.

Divided Loyalties: Fans Cheer for Both Sides

The split in fan allegiance within the Arizona baseball community is evident, with both Dodgers and Yankees supporters making their voices heard. From young Little League players like Sebastian Contreras, who is rooting for the Yankees, to passionate Dodgers fans like Stephan Harding and Ramon Ruiz, the Valley's baseball enthusiasts are divided in their loyalties.

Embracing the Star Power

The star-studded nature of this year's World Series has also captured the attention of Arizona fans. "Some of the biggest stars in the game are playing in this year's World Series," Hall observed, underscoring the draw of the event's marquee players. Fans like Harding and Contreras have expressed their admiration for standout performers like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, further fueling the excitement surrounding the Fall Classic.

Forging New Allegiances

For some Arizona fans, the absence of the Diamondbacks has led them to adopt new teams to support in the World Series. Contreras, for instance, has shifted his allegiance to the Yankees, stating, "Diamondbacks are out for this year, but that means that we go for the Yankees." This willingness to embrace alternative teams reflects the adaptability and passion of the Arizona baseball community, as they seek to maintain their connection to the game's biggest stage.

Anticipating the Outcome

As the World Series unfolds, the Arizona fan base remains divided in their predictions. Harding confidently forecasts a Dodgers victory in seven games, while others, like Contreras, remain steadfast in their support for the Yankees. Regardless of the outcome, the Arizona baseball community's engagement with the Fall Classic underscores the enduring appeal of the sport and the deep-rooted connections that fans share with their favorite teams.