Dodgers’ Will Smith Highlights Historic Yankees-Red Sox Rivalry Amid Padres Showdown
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have forged a fierce rivalry in recent years, marked by intense postseason clashes. This competitive spirit traces back to their first encounter in 1969, accumulating a total of 976 games played. In the last five seasons alone, the two teams have faced off in three playoff series, elevating their rivalry to new heights.
Smith’s Perspective on Rivalry Dynamics
However, when reflecting on the broader landscape of MLB rivalries, Dodgers catcher Will Smith emphasized a different matchup that stands the test of time. Recently appearing on teammate Mookie Betts’ podcast, “On Base With Mookie Betts,” Smith discussed the evolving nature of the Dodgers-Padres rivalry. While he acknowledged its growth and significance, he pointed to the historical gravity of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox rivalry as unparalleled.
“We’ve had five years now of some really good baseball games, really good series, postseason matchups and stuff,” Smith noted. “But Red Sox-Yankees is 100 years old. That’s the rivalry in baseball, just from a historical standpoint.”
Smith’s comments underscore the essence of rivalry built over time. He clarified that while the battles with the Padres are exciting, the longevity and depth of the Yankees-Red Sox saga carry a weight that cannot be overlooked. “I’m not taking away from our battles with them,” he added. “But I just think time and longevity mean something a little bit more than where we’re at with them. But it’s fun, though.”
The Weight of History in Rivalries
The Yankees and Red Sox rivalry, which began in 1903, boasts a staggering 2,324 games played and features both teams with over 1,000 wins in their encounters. This storied history adds layers to their competition that the Dodgers and Padres are still in the early stages of developing.
Betts, who spent the first six years of his career with the Red Sox, echoed Smith’s sentiments. “Playing with the Red Sox, going into that rivalry, it’s not just about baseball. I feel like here it’s mostly just about baseball and who has the best team,” he said. “It’s a beautiful thing. I definitely enjoy coming into Petco and hearing all their fans and whatnot. Super loud and it’s a great atmosphere to play baseball. But with the Yankees and Red Sox, it’s baseball but it’s about the cities.”
A New Era of Excitement
As the Yankees and Red Sox continue to showcase one of baseball’s most historic rivalries, the burgeoning competition between the Dodgers and Padres has not gone unnoticed. The intensity that has developed over the past five years has made their matchups a spectacle for fans, offering thrilling moments that are rapidly becoming must-watch events.
With all four teams in the playoff race, the stakes are higher than ever, paving the way for memorable showdowns that could further ignite the fierce rivalry in the NL West. As the season unfolds, the narrative of both rivalries will only deepen, blending history with the excitement of the present.
