LOS ANGELES — Jack Flaherty, a Burbank native and Harvard-Westlake alum, is set to start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series opener against the New York Yankees and Gerrit Cole on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. Flaherty expressed his excitement for the matchup during a recent news conference, highlighting the significance of this moment on the grand stage.
Flaherty, who was adopted by his mother Eileen shortly after birth, will have the support of his family and friends in attendance. The 29-year-old right-hander acknowledged the magnitude of the event but emphasized the importance of staying grounded amidst the hype.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the $325 million rookie, is slated to start Game 2 for the Dodgers, with a bullpen game also in the works for the series. Flaherty's journey to the Dodgers involved interest from the Yankees before the trade deadline, ultimately leading him back to his hometown team.
Despite some struggles in the playoffs, Flaherty delivered a dominant performance in the NL Championship Series Game 1 against the New York Mets. He aims to bounce back from a challenging outing in Game 5 of the NLCS, where he faced health issues and a tough opponent.
Reflecting on his past experiences and learnings, Flaherty is determined to make adjustments and set a positive tone for the World Series. The opportunity to pitch in the opener holds great significance for him, as he looks to contribute to his team's success in the series.
Flaherty's journey from a spectator at a World Series game to a starting pitcher in the same event showcases his growth and determination in the sport. With a renewed focus and determination, Flaherty is prepared to face the challenges ahead and make a lasting impact on the World Series stage
