Will Smith: The Quiet Force Who Delivered a Legendary World Series Moment for the Dodgers

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The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2025 World Series victory was nothing short of historic. But among the clutch performances and thrilling moments, one player’s contribution stands out as not just a game-winner, but a legacy-defining act. Will Smith, the Dodgers’ All-Star catcher, delivered the decisive blow with a solo home run in the 11th inning of Game 7, sealing his team’s victory over the Toronto Blue Jays and cementing his place in baseball history.

A Moment to Remember

In a World Series that had it all—a record-setting 18-inning Game 3, a ninth-inning game-tying home run from Miguel Rojas, and a bullpen showdown like no other—Smith’s 11th-inning homer was the final piece of an unforgettable puzzle. With two outs and the bases empty, Smith came to the plate in the top of the 11th. Facing Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber, he worked the count to 2-0 before crushing a hanging slider deep into Toronto’s bullpen. The Dodgers took a 5-4 lead, and the rest was history.

“You dream of those moments,” Smith said after the game. “Extra innings, put your team ahead. Yeah. I’ll remember that one forever.”

And so will baseball fans. Smith’s blast wasn’t just any home run—it was the first extra-inning home run in a winner-take-all Game 7 in World Series history. It joined the ranks of legendary walk-off homers like Bill Mazeroski’s and Joe Carter’s, albeit this one came with a twist: Smith’s shot wasn’t a walk-off, but it was just as dramatic.

Will Smith says the Dodgers always had confidence they would come out on top

The Streak and His Unbreakable Focus

This moment was the culmination of an incredible postseason for Smith, who had already been playing through a fractured right hand sustained back in September. After a shortened regular season, he fought through injury and continued to deliver for his team when it mattered most. Over the course of the postseason, Smith finished with a solid .276 batting average, .777 OPS, and eight RBIs. His two home runs, including the Game 7 clincher, were the most memorable of the bunch.

But Smith’s impact wasn’t limited to his bat. As the Dodgers’ catcher, he was responsible for guiding a pitching staff that had to adapt on the fly. Over the course of the series, Smith caught every inning, totaling an MLB-record 73 innings in a World Series. This included 18 innings in Game 3 and 11 in Game 7, a feat that demands not only physical endurance but also mental toughness.

“You can’t say enough about Will,” said Clayton Kershaw, who wrapped up his illustrious career with his third World Series ring. “He just goes about his business, doesn’t complain… He’s a superstar. When you talk about superstars on our team, he’s a superstar.”

Even in the midst of his own triumph, Smith deflected attention from himself and pointed to his teammates. “It’s just a special team,” he remarked after the Game 7 win. “A special fight tonight from these guys.” But it’s clear that Smith’s resilience, leadership, and clutch performances were a driving force for the Dodgers’ success.

A Streak of Champions

Smith’s World Series win in 2025 continues an astonishing streak—one that has now seen a player named Will Smith win the World Series for six consecutive years. While the Dodgers’ Will Smith won championships in 2020, 2024, and 2025, the left-handed relief pitcher, also named Will Smith, contributed to championships with the Atlanta Braves (2021), Houston Astros (2022), and Texas Rangers (2023). The streak is a strange quirk in baseball history, but for the Dodgers’ version of Will Smith, this victory marks another chapter in what could become a dynasty for the team.

A Legacy Cemented

Will Smith’s 2025 World Series triumph wasn’t just about his clutch performance in Game 7. It was about his complete game. He finished the World Series with an .886 OPS and four extra-base hits. And let’s not forget his unparalleled work behind the plate, guiding a pitching staff through one of the most demanding World Series in recent memory.

Smith’s performance in the 2025 postseason secured his place as one of the elite catchers in the game. Three-time World Series champion, three-time All-Star, and now a key figure in what could be considered the start of a Dodgers dynasty. With his leadership, poise, and timely hitting, Will Smith has proven that he’s more than just a backstop—he’s a cornerstone of the Dodgers' success.

Conclusion: The Quiet Force Behind the Dodgers' Dynasty

As the 2025 World Series fades into the history books, Will Smith’s role in the Dodgers’ championship win will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in recent baseball history. His Game 7 heroics, his indomitable spirit, and his leadership on and off the field encapsulate what it means to be a champion.

As the Dodgers look toward future seasons, with a roster built for sustained success, Will Smith’s legacy is already etched in the annals of baseball greatness. The "quiet force" of the team will continue to be a key figure in Los Angeles, and his journey serves as an inspiring reminder that greatness comes not from the spotlight, but from the quiet determination to rise to the occasion when your team needs you most.

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