Ice Cube performs, players thank fans in Dodger Stadium ceremony for World Series win

Ice Cube kicked off the World Series championship ceremony at Dodger Stadium Friday, performing before a sold-out crowd that started filling the seats of the Elysian Park venue while players traveled through a parade in nearby downtown LA.

On the field, World Series MVP Freddie Freeman was introduced by Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts, who said of his record-breaking homer streak while playing with a sprained ankle and other injuries: "This guy played with one leg because he loves you guys." Freeman's grand-slam that finished off Game 1 was the first of its kind in major league history.

Freeman spoke about how fans rallied around him when his 3-year-old son Max was diagnosed with the rare illness Guillain-Barré syndrome, leading to the toddler being hospitalized and Freeman taking a 9-day absence before returning to play in August.

"When I came back after my son got sick, you guys showed out for my family, and that was one of the greatest experiences I ever had on the field," Freeman said. "I was so touched. I did everything I could to get on this field for you guys."

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he said. "I can't wait to run this back next year."

Crowds descended on the stadium through the morning as the event officially started at 11 a.m., the same time as the parade which drew thousands of people to Los Angeles. It was the team's first World Series parade since 1988, as the pandemic made it impossible to host the massive event when the Dodgers won the title in 2020.

Players started arriving around noon to the Elysian Park stadium, where fans packed the stands for the first time since LA beat the Yankees 4-2 in Game 2. With a performance of "It Was a Good Day," Ice Cube got the festivities going just before players entered the stadium, their children and spouses joining them on the field as the stands roared with cheers.

"I've waited for this day for a long time," said Clayton Kershaw, who has spent his entire MLB career with the Dodgers and has been with the team longer than any other player. "I've waited to celebrate for a long time." 

"I can't imagine doing it with a better group of guys than this group right here...I'm at a loss for words," he said just before thrusting the Commissioner's Trophy into the air.

Tickets for Friday's event sold out within hours of going on sale Thursday.