Dodgers' Turner: Ring ceremony doesn't replace final out of WS
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner felt conflicted before receiving his 2020 World Series ring ahead of Friday's home opener against the Washington Nationals.
Turner, who finally won a championship in Los Angeles' third Fall Classic appearance over the last four years, wasn't on the field for the final out after being pulled from Game 6 due to a positive COVID-19 test.
"As happy as I was, and as excited as I was, that Julio (Urias) got that last out in the ninth, at the same time it felt like I was sitting there watching for the third time in my career a team get to celebrate the World Series," Turner said, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.
"This (ring ceremony) will be very special, it'll be something I enjoy, but I don't think it'll take the place of that moment of the last out and getting to celebrate on the field with my teammates."
Turner ultimately returned to the field to celebrate in what turned out to be one of the most talked about and memorable moments of the World Series. Major League Baseball didn't punish the 36-year-old for celebrating with his teammates after concluding the situation could've been handled better by all parties involved.
The Dodgers brought back Turner in mid-February on a two-year contract.
"I wanna be on the field for the last out and be able to run in and dog pile and embrace my teammates and celebrate the right way," Turner said.