Parents Name Children After Dodgers Stars Amid World Series Hype

LOS ANGELES, CA — As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for the World Series, a new trend is emerging. Parents are naming their children after Dodgers players, ensuring that the team’s legacy lives on. With the team aiming for their third title in six years, the influence of players like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman is evident.

This week, searches for the name ‘Shohei’ surged by 1,000% on a popular baby naming website after Ohtani’s outstanding performance against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jessica Berglund shared her story of how her son, Freddie, was born shortly after Freeman hit a grand slam in the 2024 World Series. “My water broke right after the celebration,” she recalled, expressing admiration for Freeman not just as a player but as a person.

Another couple, Emma Chiu and Daniel Yang from San Diego, creatively honored Ohtani by giving their daughter the middle name ‘Hyenee,’ inspired by the last syllables of his name. “This is like fate,” Yang said, reflecting on their admiration for Ohtani from his early career in Japan.

Ryan C. Davis named his son Jack after Jackie Robinson, explaining that he wanted to pay tribute to the player who broke baseball’s color barrier. “Robinson’s number should be the only one ever permanently retired,” he stated proudly.

The Wasser family, who live in a “big Kershaw house,” named their son Clayton after the Dodgers’ legendary pitcher. “His achievements on the field speak for themselves,” said Jeremy Wasser, emphasizing Kershaw’s character.

In perhaps one of the most unique inspiration stories, Giuseppe Mancuso vowed to name his daughter Mookie after Mookie Betts hit a home run. Mancuso kept his promise and shared a photo of his daughter Francesca, who now carries the name Betts helped create.

As the Dodgers battle the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series, these stories remind fans not just of the players’ athletic accomplishments but the personal connections that continue to inspire future generations.