In a postseason run that will be etched into Los Angeles Dodgers lore, catcher Will Smith didn’t just anchor the team’s battery—he redefined endurance behind the plate. By catching every single pitch across the entire 2025 World Series, Smith logged a staggering 73 innings, shattering the franchise record for most innings caught in a single Fall Classic. This ironman feat propelled the Dodgers to their eighth championship title, a 4-3 series victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, and cemented Smith’s status as one of MLB’s toughest competitors.
A Relentless Postseason: Smith’s Path to the Record
The 2025 World Series was a grueling seven-game marathon, blending high-stakes drama with tactical chess matches between two powerhouse lineups. From the Dodgers’ electric opener at Dodger Stadium to the nail-biting 11th-inning walk-off homer that sealed Game 7, Smith was the steady force directing traffic for a pitching staff that included Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s shutdown relief stints and Jack Flaherty’s veteran command.
Smith, the 30-year-old Georgia native and Dodgers stalwart since 2019, started every game behind the dish—a decision manager Dave Roberts called “non-negotiable.” His workload? A full 73 innings, eclipsing the previous Dodgers record of 54 innings set by Russell Martin during the 2017 World Series. Across baseball history, Smith’s total ranks third all-time for a single World Series, trailing only Yogi Berra’s 87 innings in 1956 and Johnny Bench’s 75 in 1970.
Also Read: SNAP Benefits Slashed 40%: How a Free Food App Is Feeding Families During the Shutdown
“Will’s the heartbeat of this team,” Roberts said post-championship. “He called every pitch, managed every pitcher, and never flinched. That’s not just catching—that’s leading.”
Breaking Down the Dodgers Catcher Record: Stats That Tell the Story
For fans dissecting World Series stats, Smith’s 2025 performance stands out in a sea of highlight-reel moments. Here’s a quick look at how his endurance stacks up:
| Category | Will Smith (2025) | Previous Dodgers Record Holder | MLB All-Time High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innings Caught | 73 | Russell Martin (54, 2017) | Yogi Berra (87, 1956) |
| Games Started (C) | 7 | Mike Scioscia (7, 1988) | Multiple (7) |
| Passed Balls/Errors | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Wild Pitches Allowed | 2 | N/A | N/A |
| Batting Average (Series) | .333 | N/A | N/A |
These numbers highlight more than stamina; they reflect Smith’s precision. He didn’t allow a single passed ball in the series, a testament to his glove work amid Toronto’s aggressive base-running. Offensively, Smith contributed a .333 average with 8 hits, including that unforgettable Game 7 blast off Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano.
MLB 2025 highlights often spotlight sluggers and aces, but Smith’s quiet dominance—framing borderline calls and steadying young arms like Landon Knack—proved pivotal in the Dodgers’ repeat bid. As the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Yankees in 2000, Los Angeles leaned on Smith’s veteran savvy to navigate a series that saw 42 total runs and multiple extra-inning thrillers.
Will Smith Baseball: From Prospect to Postseason Icon
Drafted 32nd overall by the Dodgers in 2016, Will Smith baseball has evolved from a promising backstop to a three-time World Series champion. His 2025 ring marks his third with LA (2020, 2024, 2025), tying him with legends like Pee Wee Reese in franchise hardware. But it’s the intangibles that set him apart: a .275 career average, Gold Glove-caliber defense, and a knack for thriving in October.
This record-breaking run comes at a perfect time for Smith, who’s entering his prime and eyeing a contract extension. “Catching 73 innings? It hurts now, but it’s the kind of hurt that comes with winning,” Smith joked in the champagne-soaked clubhouse. For Dodgers fans, it’s a reminder of the grit that powers their star-studded roster.
Dodgers World Series Legacy: How Many Titles and Who’s Next?
With this victory, the question “how many World Series have the Dodgers won?” gets a fresh answer: eight, including stints in Brooklyn and LA. They’ve claimed the crown in 1955, 1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988, 2020, 2024, and now 2025. As for “who won World Series” in 2025? The Dodgers, of course—edging out the Blue Jays in a cross-continental clash that drew record viewership north of the border.
Looking ahead, Smith’s record could inspire a new era of catcher endurance in MLB. As free agency looms and the hot stove ignites, expect his name to dominate headlines. For now, though, it’s celebration time in Chavez Ravine. Will Smith didn’t just set a Dodgers record—he caught history itself.
