Dodgers Interview: Daniel Hudson Reflects on His Final Season and Soaking in a Special Dodgers Moment
Former Dodgers reliever Daniel Hudson was back at Chase Field today — not to toe the rubber, but to receive his 2024 World Series championship ring. Wearing the Dodgers’ gold jersey and a wide smile, Hudson called it “pretty special” to be welcomed back by the team and finally celebrate what he helped build.
“To go out a World Series champion… it’s something you always hope for, but to actually have it happen? That’s rare. That’s special,” Hudson said.
Hudson shared that he wasn’t sure he’d even play again heading into last season. But when he chose to give it one last go, it ended in the most storybook way possible — walking off into retirement on top.
“I always wanted to go out on my own terms. I didn’t want an injury or performance to make the decision for me.”
He admitted he hit a wall midseason, and while early on he considered playing another year, by August he realized the grind was catching up. Still, he cherished every moment of watching the team fight toward a championship — especially from his new favorite seat: the patio.
“Now I’ve got a bourbon in hand, stressing over every pitch from home,” he joked. “It’s been great, honestly.”
Today, Hudson describes his new role as “just an Uber driver for my kids,” soaking in summer break and family time without a single regret. Still, the game means everything to him — and being part of the Dodgers’ ring ceremony gave him one last reminder of what he loved most: the teammates, the grind, and going out a champion.
“Just being included, even for a day… it meant a lot. Felt like I never left.”
