Dodgers Legend Sandy Koufax Inspires Team with Marathon World Series Support

The 2025 World Series has already delivered unforgettable moments, but none more symbolic than the sight of Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax seated in his box deep into the night at Dodger Stadium. The 89-year-old Hall of Famer stayed for every pitch of Los Angeles’ 18-inning, nearly seven-hour victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 — a testament to his loyalty and unshakable connection to the franchise he defined for more than a decade.

For fans, the epic showdown tested patience and stamina. For players, it demanded every ounce of endurance and focus they had left. But for Koufax, who built his legend on October greatness, it was another chapter in his lifelong commitment to Dodgers baseball. After the final out, long after most of the stadium had emptied, he made his way to the clubhouse to personally congratulate one of the night’s unexpected heroes.

That player was right-handed reliever Will Klein, a surprise addition to the World Series roster who delivered one of the most crucial pitching performances of the postseason. Koufax, himself a master of poise and control, offered his words of praise and encouragement directly — a small but powerful gesture from one of the game’s true icons.

The Dodgers dropped Game 4 the following night, but Koufax’s presence and mentorship remained a story within the story — a bridge between the franchise’s storied past and its pursuit of another championship in the present.

1. Will Klein’s Breakout on Baseball’s Biggest Stage

Few could have predicted that 25-year-old reliever Will Klein would play such a critical role in Game 3. Called upon in the middle innings to stabilize a chaotic, extra-inning duel, Klein answered with a performance that defied expectations. He pitched four scoreless innings, struck out five, and allowed just two hits across 72 pitches — a display of composure reminiscent of Dodgers greats from decades past. Manager Dave Roberts praised Klein’s effort afterward, noting that his ability to stretch deep into the night saved the rest of the pitching staff from exhaustion. His performance allowed Los Angeles to preserve its starting rotation for the following games — a potentially decisive factor in a long series. The young pitcher’s unexpected heroics earned him a personal moment with Koufax, who has long been seen as a quiet but influential figure within the Dodgers organization. The Hall of Famer’s words carried weight, not just because of his achievements — three Cy Young Awards, two World Series MVPs, and four championships — but because he knows firsthand what it means to deliver under the brightest lights. For Klein, who had never pitched in a playoff game before this season, the encounter represented both validation and motivation. In a series defined by pressure, his performance — and Koufax’s recognition of it — underscored how legends and newcomers alike contribute to championship runs.

2. A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

Sandy Koufax’s ongoing involvement with the Dodgers is more than ceremonial. His continued presence around the team serves as a powerful reminder of the franchise’s heritage of excellence — and the mental toughness required to uphold it. During his 12-year career, Koufax embodied dominance and grace, often pitching through pain to secure victories that would define generations of fans. That same competitive spirit seemed to fill the air in Dodger Stadium during Game 3. Players and fans alike took note of Koufax’s unwavering commitment — an 89-year-old man staying through 18 innings of baseball, only to return again the next night for Game 4. His dedication reflected the very qualities the Dodgers have relied upon this postseason: resilience, discipline, and belief. Teammates and staff say his presence has a tangible effect on morale. “When Sandy’s around, you can feel it,” one player said after the game. “It’s like having history watching over you — and you want to make him proud.” While the Dodgers have struggled at times to generate consistent offense against Toronto, Koufax’s quiet influence serves as an emotional anchor. His connection to the franchise, spanning more than six decades, remains one of the Dodgers’ most treasured bonds.

3. Dodgers Look to Channel Koufax’s Spirit

As the World Series heads into its decisive stretch, Los Angeles finds itself in familiar territory — a team of stars and veterans facing adversity under the bright lights. For manager Dave Roberts and his club, the key to turning the series lies in recapturing the energy and poise that defined Game 3’s marathon win. Koufax’s example offers a template: compete without ego, endure without complaint, and rise when the moment demands it. His actions — staying through every inning, showing up again the next day — mirror the kind of steady commitment that championship teams are built upon. For a roster balancing youth and experience, that message resonates deeply. Players like Will Klein, Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts continue to draw inspiration from the living legend’s approach. Even as the Dodgers face a resilient Blue Jays squad, they know that the standard set by Koufax remains the same: excellence through perseverance. And as the Fall Classic continues, Koufax’s presence in Dodger Stadium serves as both a symbol of the franchise’s storied past and a reminder of the level of greatness the Dodgers still strive to achieve.