The tension between the storied Los Angeles Dodgers and the rising San Diego Padres has reached fever pitch, as the teams clash in the current 2024 National League Division Series (NLDS). As the Padres hold a 2-1 lead, fans are reminded of the fierce rivalry that has taken shape in recent years.
A Shifting Power Balance
When the Padres swept the Dodgers in the 2020 NLDS, it marked a significant shift in their dynamics. Historically dominated by the Dodgers, who clinched the NL West division title 11 out of the last 12 times, the Padres now have the opportunity to eliminate their rivals for the second time in just three seasons.
Notably, the Padres did not show such promise in the recent past. Their 2019 season ended dismally with a 70-92 record. However, the tide has turned. This season, the Padres have been described as possibly the best team in baseball during the latter half, demonstrating their growth and competitive edge.
Fueling the Rivalry
At the heart of the on-field battles are stories of past connections and high emotions. Manny Machado, who wears the Padres jersey now, previously suited up for the Dodgers in 2018. His current contributions to the Padre's cause cannot be underestimated, with his 2019 signing marking a turning point for the franchise.
The manager dynamics between the teams add another layer to this heated rivalry. Padres manager Mike Shildt and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts have shared their thoughts on what drives the fervor between the teams. Roberts, reflecting on past interactions, noted, "It was unsettling. Obviously, I have a relationship with Manny from years past. There was intent behind it."
Emotion on the Field
In a series like this, emotions run high not only among players, but also in the stands. Dodgers player Max Muncy commented on this charged atmosphere: "The atmosphere here plays off their emotion. And we've seen that for the last several years, even in regular season games. Just something as simple as a single, and you see the guy throwing the bat 30 feet in the air, that really gets the crowd going here." His insight into the emotional nature of the series highlights the intensity and passion both teams bring to the field.
The Padres are known for trying to get under their opponents’ skin, aiming to disturb their focus. Muncy observed, "That is kind of part of their game is trying to get under your skin and trying to have the emotion come out and get you to do something that you're not normally doing." Such mind games contribute to the palpable tension between the two teams.
Feeding Off the Energy
Both teams seem to thrive off the tumultuous atmosphere, with Roberts suggesting that the Padres embrace their role as villains. As he put it, "Clearly that team over there, they like the villain-type kind of role and they feed off of that." This embrace of roles only adds to the drama of this year’s NLDS.
The rivalry has seen the Padres winning eight out of 13 games against the Dodgers during the regular 2024 season. Mike Shildt, when questioned about the high-stakes series, refrained from escalating the tension further: "I don't want to cast stones. I'm just not. The answer to your question is no. I don't think there was any intent at all with that."
As the series continues, the Padres’ quest to unseat the perennial powerhouse Dodgers keeps fans on the edge of their seats. This compelling showdown could reshape the power dynamics in the National League and create lasting memories in the annals of baseball history.