In an epic 18-inning World Series Game 3, Dodgers pitcher Will Klein, an unlikely call-up, delivered a career-defining performance, silencing the Blue Jays for four scoreless innings and earning praise from legends and fans alike, solidifying his place as a new October hero.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ thrilling 18-inning victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the 2025 World Series will be etched into baseball lore for many reasons. From Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable nine times on base to Freddie Freeman’s dramatic walk-off home run, the game was a marathon of unforgettable moments. Yet, amidst the star power, an unexpected hero emerged: 25-year-old right-hander Will Klein.
Klein, who entered in the 14th inning as the last available arm in the Dodgers’ bullpen, delivered four masterful scoreless innings, a performance that quickly captivated the baseball world. He threw 72 pitches, both high-water marks in his professional career, giving up just one hit while striking out five and walking two, effectively shutting down the Blue Jays until Freeman could end the epic contest.
The Unlikeliest Hero’s Journey
To understand the magnitude of Klein’s performance, one must consider his arduous journey to the World Series stage. Drafted in the fifth round out of Eastern Illinois in 2020 by the Kansas City Royals, Klein was once their No. 18 prospect, primarily recognized for his high-90s fastball. However, his professional career was marked by struggles and transitions.
He debuted with the Royals in 2024 before being traded to the Athletics at the deadline. Following the season, the A’s designated him for assignment, leading to a trade to the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners also designated him for assignment in May after he posted a 7.17 ERA at Triple-A. His struggles continued with the Dodgers’ Triple-A team, where he held a 5.16 ERA. His inclusion on the World Series roster itself was described as “only due to a lack of other options for L.A.” by Yahoo Sports.
For a pitcher who had never thrown more than 45 pitches in a professional outing, enduring the pressure of a World Series Game 3 for 72 pitches was nothing short of miraculous. His teammate, Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, echoed the sentiment, stating on Tuesday, “That last inning that he threw, he was on fumes. That was just will power. He got us that win. Without him, we don’t, probably don’t win.”
A Flood of Adulation: From Legends to Hometown Heroes
The immediate aftermath of Klein’s performance was a whirlwind. He reported receiving about 500 text messages Monday night, with another 500 appearing after he started going through the first batch. “It’s never-ending,” Klein said, expressing his intent to respond to everyone who reached out. This outpouring of support highlighted the profound impact of his unexpected heroics.
Among the most significant acknowledgments was a visit from Sandy Koufax, the 89-year-old Dodgers legend and Hall of Famer. Koufax, who stayed for the entire six-hour, 39-minute marathon, congratulated Klein and spoke with him about what it takes to deliver such an iconic performance. “Getting to meet Sandy after the game was, I mean, kind of surreal,” Klein recounted on Tuesday. “He’s obviously a legend, a Dodger legend, baseball legend, and just getting to meet him and shake his hand just kind of put it all into perspective.”
The praise wasn’t limited to in-person encounters. Baseball legends like CC Sabathia lauded Klein’s gutsy outing, with Sabathia calling him an “October hero” in a social media post. Klein confessed, “Seeing that was kind of crazy because you grow up watching these guys, and now they’re watching you and acknowledging it.”
Support also poured in from his hometown of Bloomington, Ind. Nearly every coach Klein ever had, from T-ball to college, reached out. His middle school even displayed a photo of him from Game 3 in the hallway, a testament to the community’s pride in their hometown hero.
Beyond the Moment: Implications and Future
While Klein’s family missed his heroic performance in person, they were expected to be at Dodger Stadium for Game 4. The day after his career-defining outing, Klein was still processing the events but put on a brave face when asked about his availability for the next game. Despite throwing 72 pitches, he declared, “As many as they need. Hopefully zero.”
Klein’s remarkable four-inning save provided a crucial respite for the Dodgers’ bullpen in an exhausting game, which also saw Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off homer in the record-tying 18th inning, as reported by Yahoo Sports. His composure and determination in such a high-stakes environment not only secured a vital win but also ignited a new narrative for a player who, just months prior, seemed destined for the minor league scrap heap. Will Klein’s Game 3 heroics are a powerful reminder that in baseball, even the most unlikely individual can step into the spotlight and etch their name into history.
