Shohei Ohtani to Start for Dodgers in Game 7 Showdown

The **Los Angeles Dodgers** are a premier American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California, competing in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) West Division. Established in 1883 originally as the Brooklyn Atlantics, the franchise has undergone several name changes before settling on "Dodgers" in 1932. The team relocated from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958, marking a key moment in baseball history and expanding its fan base to the West Coast[1][2]. The Dodgers are renowned for their rich history and significant contributions to baseball and American culture. They famously broke the baseball color barrier in 1947 by signing Jackie Robinson, the first African American player in the modern major leagues—an event that transcended sports to impact civil rights profoundly[1]. The team has won eight World Series championships and holds a record 26 National League pennants, underscoring their sustained competitive excellence over more than a century[1][2]. In business terms, the Dodgers stand out as one of the most valuable sports franchises worldwide, ranked second in MLB valuation at $5.45 billion as of 2024 by *Forbes*, reflecting strong brand equity, robust revenue streams, and savvy management[1]. The front office is led by Owner and Chairman Mark Walter, President and CEO Stan Kasten, and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, who steer the organization’s strategic and operational decisions[3]. The Dodgers also emphasize legacy and community impact through initiatives like the "Legends of Dodger Baseball," honoring influential players with plaques at Dodger Stadium, and sustaining a dynamic roster with star players such as Shohei Ohtani, enhancing their global appeal and competitive edge[1][4]. Technologically, the Dodgers leverage advanced analytics and digital platforms to optimize player performance, fan engagement, and business growth, positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation in sports management[3][5]. Their combination of historical prestige, operational excellence

## Overview and Organizational Purpose The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and are the only MLB franchise located outside the United States. As a member of the American League East division, the Blue Jays compete at the highest level of North American baseball, operating both as a sports team and a major entertainment business. The organization generates revenue through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, merchandising, and sponsorships, while also contributing to the local economy and community through youth programs and charitable initiatives. ## History Founded in 1977 as an expansion team, the Blue Jays quickly became a source of national pride for Canada. The team played its first games at Exhibition Stadium before moving to the state-of-the-art Rogers Centre (originally SkyDome) in 1989, a venue renowned for its retractable roof and technological innovations. The 2025 season marks the 49th year of the franchise and the 34th full season at Rogers Centre[2]. ## Key Achievements The Blue Jays have twice won the World Series, in 1992 and 1993, becoming the first (and still only) team outside the U.S. to achieve this feat. The 2025 season saw the team return to prominence, finishing with a 94–68 record and clinching the American League East division title for the first time since 2015[1][2]. They advanced to the World Series after a dramatic American League Championship Series victory over the Seattle Mariners, but narrowly lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a seven-game series, squandering a late lead in the decisive Game 7[1][2]. This deep playoff run marked their first World Series appearance in nearly three decades and re-established the Blue Jays as a competitive force in MLB. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects In 2025, the Blue Jays are recognized for their balanced roster, combining power hitting (leading the A

Major League Baseball (MLB) is North America’s premier professional baseball organization, renowned for its rich history, global influence, and innovative approach to sports business and technology. Established in 1903 through the merger of the National League (founded 1876) and the American League (founded 1901), MLB is the oldest major professional sports league in the United States and Canada. Its formation marked the end of the “baseball wars” and the beginning of a unified championship, the World Series, which has become a cultural institution. MLB’s core mission is to organize, promote, and govern professional baseball, overseeing 30 teams (29 in the U.S., 1 in Canada) and a 162-game regular season culminating in the World Series. The league has pioneered numerous business and technological advancements, including early adoption of radio and television broadcasts, digital streaming, and advanced analytics in player performance and fan engagement. MLB’s embrace of data-driven decision-making and its investment in stadium technology have set benchmarks for the sports industry. Key achievements include the integration of baseball with the breaking of the color barrier by Jackie Robinson in 1947, the expansion to international markets, and the creation of the Baseball Hall of Fame. MLB’s business model, featuring lucrative media rights deals, merchandising, and global partnerships, has made it a powerhouse in the sports economy. Today, MLB continues to innovate, leveraging technology for fan experiences, player safety, and operational efficiency. Its commitment to tradition, combined with a forward-looking approach, ensures MLB remains a leader in both sports and business.