On June 5, 2012, the Dodgers selected (now) 30-year-old right-hander Ross Stripling in the 5th round of the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Texas A&M. The Bluebell, PA native immediate became a huge fan-favorite and was extremely popular with his teammates and coaches.

And then came August 31, 2020 – a very sad day for Dodger fans. It was the day that the Dodgers traded Stripling to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for the proverbial ‘player to be named later.’

In his five seasons with the Dodgers, ‘Chicken Strip’ (as he is still affectionately known) posted a 23-25 record and 3.68 ERA; not exactly Hall of Fame numbers, but he always seemed to come up big in crucial situations. In fact, he went 3-1 in his seven appearances (all starts) with the Dodgers in the just-concluded 2020 season before his trade. He was also an All-Star in 2018.

The PTBNL ended up being (now) 20-year-old right-hander Kendall Williams, whom the Blue Jays had selected in the second round of the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. Although the Olive Branch, MS native has yet to make even one pitch in a Dodgers affiliate uniform, he posted a 0-0 record with an impressive 1.13 ERA in the six games (five starts) he made in 2019 while a member of the Gulf Coast Rookie League Blue Jays

And then came Tuesday, October 27, 2020 – a very happy day for the Dodgers and their fans. It was the day that the Dodgers won their first World Series title in 32 years and their eighth in the franchise’s storied 137-year history.

During his on-field ceremonial speech, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts thanked his players, the front office personnel, and team owners.

…and then he thanked two additional people:

“Rick Honeycutt, who’s not here, thank you. Ross Stripling, who’s not here – thank you,” Roberts said to the 11,437 fans in attendance at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX, and to the millions of television viewers around the world.

…including Ross Stripling.

“I was in a pretty weird mental space watching that celebration,” Stripling told ThinkBlueLA in an exclusive interview. “Knowing the hard work that went into that championship, so excited for all the guys. But also feeling very left out and left behind.

“But then Dave Roberts said my name, and I almost couldn’t believe it,” Stripling added. “For my name to go through his mind right there, during his World Series speech, was mind-blowing to me. It shows you what kind of man he is and how much class he has. It really meant a lot to me and made me feel included with the group, even though I wasn’t there.”

You will forever be a Dodger in our hearts, Ross. Godspeed to you, my friend.

Play Ball!

  *  *  *  *  *  *