Ceremonial first pitch details, National Anthem singer for Dodgers' World Series Game 1
Game 1 of the 2024 World Series is finally upon us, and the Dodgers are going in with home field advantage over the Yankees for the first two games. They're hoping to put up a commanding lead before heading to the Bronx for Games 3 through a potential 5, and will be back at home if things ping-pong enough to warrant Games 6 and 7.
This is the first time the Dodgers are hosting fans at Dodger Stadium for a World Series matchup since 2018, when LA took on the Red Sox, so they're pulling out all of the stops.
National Anthem, First Pitch Details for Game 1 of Dodgers vs. Yankees 2024 World Series Battle
Your ceremonial first pitch duties will be carried out by 1988 World Series MVP and current SportsNet LA analyst Orel Hershiser, who will be caught by 1981 World Series MVP Steve Yeager. Yeager shared the honors that year with Ron Cey and Pedro Guerrero, coincidentally also the last time the Dodgers and Yankees faced off in a Fall Classic.
The National Anthem will be sung by diehard Dodgers fan Brad Paisley, who hosted the MLB Draft Lottery last offseason and actually helped the Dodgers get their trade for Tyler Glasnow across the finish line back in December (subscription required).
Bryan Cranston tapped for "It's time for Dodger baseball" duties in Dodgers-Yankees World Series Game 1
That's not all, though. Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston, another avid Dodgers fan who wore an LA jersey during the Celebrity All-Star Softball Game this year (but also chose Aaron Judge over Shohei Ohtani as the best player in baseball), will open the game with "It's time for Dodger baseball," legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully's trademark opener.
Pregame proceedings will also pay tribute to franchise icon and 1981 World Series champion, Cy Young winner, and Rookie of the Year winner Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away on Tuesday. The Dodgers already unveiled a large mural outside of the stadium commemorating him, and all players will wear a No. 34 patch on their uniforms throughout the World Series.