- Oct, 30 2025
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When Kike Hernandez posted “Chasing gold again!! #WorldSeries” on Instagram on October 23, 2025, he wasn’t just hyping up a game—he was signaling the culmination of a career built for October. The 33-year-old utility player, already a two-time World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox (2020) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2024), stood on the brink of history as the Dodgers opened the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto. What followed wasn’t just a series—it was a coronation of resilience.
A Legacy Forged in October
Hernandez entered the 2025 postseason with 85 career playoff games as a Dodger, one shy of Justin Turner’s franchise record. He didn’t just break it—he shattered expectations. After Game 2 on October 25, his 87th postseason appearance with the Dodgers made him the undisputed leader in franchise history. That’s more games than Pedro Guerrero, Steve Garvey, or even Clayton Kershaw. And here’s the twist: he didn’t do it with MVP-caliber regular seasons. He did it by being the guy who showed up when it mattered most.“Right now, it means we’re three games away from winning the World Series,” Hernandez told SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson after Game 2. “It’s a truly special accomplishment. Obviously, there’s been a lot of really big names... For a guy like me to have the most games played—unbelievable.” He paused, then added, “I guess I’m proud that I’ve lasted this long.”
That humility is part of his legend. Hernandez’s 2025 regular season stats? Barely above league average. But in October? He hit .306 with 11 hits, 7 runs, and 4 RBIs through the NLCS. His career postseason average? .282. Seven home runs, 39 RBIs. He doesn’t just perform—he elevates. Opponents know it. Managers plan for it. And fans? They just expect it.
The Series Shifts—And So Does the Lineup
The 2025 World Series opened with a shocker: the Blue Jays crushed the Dodgers 9-2 in Game 1 at Rogers Centre. The crowd roared. The Toronto bullpen looked unstoppable. But the Dodgers responded with a masterclass in Game 2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a complete-game, 105-pitch gem, allowing just four hits in a 5-1 win. It wasn’t just pitching—it was poise. And Hernandez? He went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.By Game 4, the series was tied 2-2. The Blue Jays had stolen home-field advantage with a 7-3 win in Game 4, forcing the series back to Toronto for a potential Game 6 or 7. But before Game 5 on October 29, manager Dave Roberts made a bold move: Hernandez moved from left field to center. Alex Call took over left and the ninth spot. It wasn’t about defense—it was about rhythm. Hernandez’s bat, after all, thrives in the middle of the order. Moving him up gave him more opportunities to drive in runs.
Rogers Centre vs. Dodger Stadium: The Battle of the Ballparks
The 2-3-2 format of the World Series turned this into a true cross-country showdown. Rogers Centre, with its 44,507 seats and retractable roof, has hosted two Blue Jays titles (1992, 1993) and now a new chapter. But Dodger Stadium? That’s where legends are made. The 56,000-seat cathedral in Los Angeles has seen eight World Series wins by the franchise. The energy there isn’t just loud—it’s ancestral.According to sportsbooks, the Dodgers entered the series with a 70% win probability—based on their 110-25-1 record since 2023. But baseball doesn’t care about probabilities. It cares about moments. And Hernandez? He’s been collecting them since 2013.
Why This Matters Beyond the Stats
Hernandez isn’t a superstar in the traditional sense. No MVP awards. No All-Star selections in 2025. But he’s the ultimate team player—someone who’s been traded, released, and re-signed, yet never lost his edge. He’s the guy who takes extra BP after losses. Who stays late to study video. Who texts younger players before big games.His record isn’t just about appearances—it’s about endurance. In an era of hyper-specialized roles and early-career burnout, Hernandez has played 12 seasons, adapted to five positions, and remained relevant. He’s proof that longevity isn’t luck. It’s discipline. It’s mindset. It’s showing up, again and again, when no one’s watching.
The Dodgers’ path to an eighth title hinges on more than pitching or power. It hinges on the quiet consistency of a man who’s already won twice—and still believes he’s chasing gold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kike Hernandez become the Dodgers’ all-time postseason appearance leader?
Kike Hernandez surpassed Justin Turner’s record of 86 postseason games with the Dodgers by appearing in his 87th game during Game 2 of the 2025 World Series on October 25, 2025. His durability, consistent role as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement, and the Dodgers’ deep postseason runs since 2017 allowed him to accumulate appearances over 12 seasons, including stints with Boston and Los Angeles.
What makes Hernandez so effective in the playoffs but not in the regular season?
Hernandez’s postseason success stems from his ability to thrive under pressure, his disciplined approach at the plate, and his adaptability. While his regular-season batting average hovers around .250, his postseason average is .282 with higher walk rates and slugging. Analysts credit his mental toughness, experience, and reduced strikeout tendencies in high-leverage situations as key factors.
Why did the Dodgers move Hernandez to center field in Game 5?
Manager Dave Roberts shifted Hernandez to center field in Game 5 to optimize his offensive impact, moving him into a more central spot in the lineup. With Alex Call taking over left field and the ninth spot, Hernandez could bat higher in the order, increasing his chances to drive in runs. The move also allowed the Dodgers to better match up against the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, which had struggled against left-handed hitters.
What’s the significance of the 2-3-2 World Series format in this matchup?
The 2-3-2 format gave the Blue Jays home-field advantage for Games 1, 2, 6, and 7, while the Dodgers hosted Games 3, 4, and 5 at Dodger Stadium. This structure intensified pressure on the Dodgers to win at least two of three in L.A. after losing Game 1. Their ability to split the first two in Toronto and win both at home kept them alive, turning Game 5 into a potential series-deciding contest.
How does Hernandez’s career compare to other clutch postseason players in MLB history?
While Hernandez doesn’t match the power of players like Reggie Jackson or David Ortiz, his consistency and longevity stand out. With 75 postseason hits and a .282 average over 87 games, he ranks among the most reliable hitters in modern playoff history. Only a handful of players—like Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams—have matched his combination of high-volume appearances and sustained performance without being a primary slugger.
What’s next for Kike Hernandez after the 2025 World Series?
If the Dodgers win, Hernandez will become the first player in MLB history to win three World Series titles with two different teams since 2000. He’s under contract through 2026, but his value as a veteran leader and pinch-hitter makes him a prime candidate for a one-year extension. Even if he retires, his legacy as the Dodgers’ most durable postseason performer is already cemented.
Maxwell Radford
I'm Maxwell Radford, a passionate news analyst living in Australia. My area of expertise includes business, general news, and arts, and I take immense pleasure in delivering deep insights about these subjects to my readers. I have worked with different media outlets enhancing my knowledge and honing my writing skills. Capturing the nuances of finance and the creative world in my writings is what I strive for.