The matchup (Yankees vs. Dodgers) is enough to make it the most anticipated World Series since the Cubs ended their 108-year title drought in 2016. But so many other elements will elevate the drama, entering Friday night’s Game 1 at Dodger Stadium:
The 43-year wait for the latest chapter between historic rivals. The Yankees’ 15-year championship drought. The battle of No. 1 seeds. The two biggest stars in the sport (Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge) headlining a cast that features five former MVPs and a Cy Young Award winner, excluding impending free agent Juan Soto.
The stakes are higher than many Fall Classics because of the cities and the stars, because of legacies, because it will be memorable, regardless of the outcome.
Whoever has the most to gain, also has the most to lose:
