Guest: Will Klein (World Series Champion, Los Angeles Dodgers) | 18-Inning Heroics, Dodgers Dynasty, & The Mindset Behind Greatness | 117
Description
Welcome to Episode 117 of Tablesetters! Today we’re joined by Will Klein, one of the breakout stars of the 2025 postseason and a pitcher whose performance will be remembered as a defining moment in Dodgers history.
A fifth-round pick out of Eastern Illinois in 2020, Klein’s path to the majors was anything but straightforward — marked by perseverance, steady development, and belief in his own process. After stops in Kansas City, Oakland, and Seattle, he found his footing in Los Angeles, where preparation met opportunity in the biggest possible way.
That moment came in Game 3 of the World Series — an 18-inning epic that pushed both teams to their limits. With the Dodgers down to their final bullpen arm, Klein threw four scoreless innings, struck out five, and helped shift the entire momentum of the series. The Dodgers went on to capture their second consecutive championship, and his performance instantly became part of franchise lore.
We dive into Will’s remarkable story and his reflections on that defining night, including:
– When he realized he was getting the call in Game 3
– How he stayed composed with the season on the line
– What it revealed about his preparation and competitive edge
– The emotions behind that final strikeout and Dave Roberts’ “unsung hero” praise
– The moment it hit him that he’s a World Series Champion
Plus, we explore:
• The Dodgers’ clubhouse culture and what makes their development model elite
• How guidance from the team helped unlock his command
• What it’s like sharing a clubhouse with Shohei Ohtani and witnessing Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s MVP run
• Lessons from bouncing between three organizations before finding a home in Los Angeles
Will also discusses his offseason focus areas, how he resets after a championship run, and what it means to know that when his moment came — he was ready, and he delivered.
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