Steve Webb
BRONX, NY — Ahead of Game Three of the World Series against the Yankees, Dodgers slugger Max Muncy met with reporters to discuss the team’s mindset and approach. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent, focused attitude regardless of their lead in the series or where they’re playing. “We just got to keep playing our game,” Muncy noted. “Doesn’t matter where we’re at, doesn’t matter the stadium… We got to go out there and play Dodger baseball.”
The Dodgers’ lineup strength came up, especially with the return of superstar Shohei Ohtani, who had suffered a minor injury earlier in the series. Muncy emphasized how crucial it is to keep “the best player in the game in the lineup.” He praised Ohtani’s ability to rebound, explaining that Ohtani had assured the team of his return. “He texted the whole team… on our way to the airport and said he was going to be fine and that was it.” This calm reassurance from Ohtani gave the Dodgers confidence, Muncy added, saying, “We all just put it to the side at that moment.”
When asked about the team’s overall approach in the postseason, Muncy shared a mantra instilled by the Dodgers organization. “Whether you win or lose the previous game, it has no effect on the next day… It’s a 0-0 ball game when you show up,” he said. Muncy credited this mentality to the Dodgers’ organizational philosophy, which promotes consistency and preparation. “You control the things that you can control… the biggest ones are how you prepare for the game,” he explained.
Reflecting on a memorable speech from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Muncy noted how Roberts challenged every player to “want to be the guy” in critical moments. This, he said, is something that resonates throughout the clubhouse. “To win a championship, it’s going to take more than just one guy; it takes everybody on the team,” Muncy commented, acknowledging the contributions of active and inactive players alike. He gave a specific example, sharing how pitcher Brent Honeywell recently played a crucial role in keeping Mookie Betts sharp.
Muncy also attributed much of the team’s resilience to the culture created by Dodgers management, which he says is centered on team success over individual recognition. “It doesn’t matter about you; it matters about this team,” he stressed. He illustrated this with Freddie Freeman‘s decision to rest during key moments in the postseason, putting the team’s needs first. “That’s just understanding it’s about the team… not about you.”
As the Dodgers face the Yankees on the road, Muncy remains confident that the team’s preparation and discipline will see them through. “We’ve had a good year of really enforcing that message,” he said, highlighting the value of sticking to their game plan. This disciplined approach, Muncy believes, has helped the Dodgers navigate through the playoffs with remarkable composure.
In the end, Muncy’s message was clear: success for the Dodgers in this World Series hinges on every player being ready to step up, execute their role, and keep the focus on collective victory.
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