Ohtani, his dog and Dodgers celebrate World Series title with parade, stadium party

The Los Angeles Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani and his dog, celebrated their eighth World Series championship with a downtown parade and a raucous on-field party on Friday.

"This is so special," said Ohtani, who usually only speaks in his native Japanese but addressed a packed Dodger Stadium in English. "I'm so honored to be here. Congratulations, Los Angeles. Thank you, guys."

Fellow Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto added in English, "Thank you, Dodger fans."

Rapper Ice Cube kicked off the bash by performing "It Was a Good Day," with manager Dave Roberts dancing and joining in on the lyrics from a blue circular stage in the middle of the field.

"You guys wanted a parade. We got a parade," Roberts said. "Guys, let's get ready to run this back next year, too."

Players exchanged hugs and back slaps on the stage as blue-and-white confetti drifted in the air and the team's signature song, "I Love LA," blared. Their children played on the field, with Freddie Freeman's eight-year-old son, Charlie, leading some of them in jumping up on the lower retaining wall near the crowd.

Players took turns passing around the Commissioner's Trophy.

"Who else has more championships than us in the 2020s?" asked utilityman Kike Hernandez. "Absolutely nobody."

Roberts introduced Freeman as someone who "played with one leg and one rib," in reference to the first baseman's injuries.

"I did everything I could to get on the field for you guys and I'm so glad I did because we got a championship now," Freeman said. "I can't wait to run this back next year."

Earlier, seven double-decker buses filled with players, their families and the coaching staff rolled through streets packed on both sides with blue-clad fans. The Los Angeles Police Department