Major League Baseball made history on Monday evening with the announcement of the World Series Participation Trophy. The new trophy is named after the diminutive Eddie Gaedel, who appeared in one at-bat for the St. Louis Browns in 1951.
On Monday afternoon, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to appeal Major League Baseball to strip Houston and Boston of their World Series championships. As a result, the Los Angeles Dodgers would be named the 2017 and 2018 champions. Rather than retroactively naming the Dodgers as champion. Manfred introduced the Eddie Gaedel Participation Trophy and named the Dodgers as winners for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
“We are listening to our fans,” said Manfred in a press conference. “We took a step away from our antiquated, curmudgeonly traditions and we are moving in a more progressive direction.
“This new trophy should help our fans in Los Angeles move on from this cheating hullabaloo.”
The new World Series Participation Trophy is three-feet, seven-inches tall, the same height as Gaedel. Members of the 2017 and 2018 Dodgers teams will be given participation award ribbons that will read, “If You Had Fun, You Won!”
“I will treasure this ribbon until I accidentally throw it out with my athletic tape,” said third baseman Justin Turner. Turner later called his agent to find out whether or not he and his teammates will receive prorated participation bonuses.
The Fans React
Reaction from Dodgers fans range from slightly enthusiastic to unbothered.
“I really hope there’s a replica Gaedel Trophy Night this season,” said Uber Driver/actor Joe Baker.
“It’s not like losing a part in a TV show, but it’ll do,” said dog walker/actress Betty Black.
“Now I know how my kid feels after his baseball season ends,” said mom/actress Lisa Wilson.
“Baseball is so October,” said waitress/actress Ariel Jenkins. “Lebron and Kawhi are what’s up right now.”
A victory parade will be held this Friday afternoon with a procession on Vin Scully Avenue. According to the Dodgers, tens of fans are expected to attend.
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