MLB

The World Series is breaking records in Japan ... with an average of 15.9 MILLION viewers tuning in to catch the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in Game 2 -- making it the most watched outing in MLB postseason history in the country.

The league released the astounding numbers on Monday ... revealing the first two games of the Fall Classic averaged almost 30 million viewers in the U.S. and Japan.

MLB said it wasn't just popular in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto's native country -- the matchup also saw a 93% increase within the younger audience (ages 18 to 34).

The Dodgers say Shohei Ohtani WILL play game 3 of the World Series -- despite partially dislocating his shoulder -- the question is, how effective can he actually be?! TMZ Sports talked to an orthopedic sports surgeon about the injury.

"Ohtani's apparent shoulder injury during the last game of the World Series was diagnosed as a shoulder subluxation," Dr. David Abbasi told us, adding, "That is not as severe as a shoulder dislocation."

FYI, a subluxation is where the ball (humeral head) of the shoulder joint partially slips out of the socket ... compared to a full dislocation where the ball fully slips out of the glenoid cavity.

Congrats are in order for Washington Nationals player Joey Gallo and professional dancer Hayden Hopkins -- the two just welcomed their baby girl!!

The new mama shared a snap of the bundle of joy in a white outfit with purple bows late Sunday night ... announcing Capulet Lilac Gallo made her big debut to the world last week.

The Cirque Du Soleil star referred to baby Capulet as "heaven on earth" ... and her followers couldn't get over how adorable she looked.

Shohei Ohtani's injury stunned fans into silence at Dodger Stadium Saturday night ... but, it seems to excite some Yankees fans -- who broke into raucous applause while watching the injury on TV.

Video apparently taken inside a Bronx bar from right after the Dodgers slugger partially dislocated his shoulder during the team's 4-2 win over their rival to take a two-game lead in the seven-game set shows the gleeful atmosphere.

Watch the video for yourself ... we're not saying everyone's clapping here -- but, at least a few are clearly excited at the possibility Shohei will miss time, fist-pumping and clapping away while Ohtani's writhing on the ground.

Dodgers Stadium was busting with star power last night ... both on the field and in the stands for game one of the World Series!

Among the slew of celebs were ... Jason Bateman, Jimmy Kimmel, Bryan Cranston, Lily-Rose Depp, Billie Eilish, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Pat Sajak, Flea, Billy Crudup, Dave Winfield, Will Arnett, Dean Spanos, John Legend, Ilana Kloss, Billie Jean King, Lil Wayne and Magic Johnson.

If the stadium had a roof ... Brad Paisley would have blown it off when he sang a stirring rendition of the national anthem.

If a TMZ photog wants to reprise his role as Giancarlo Stanton's personal driver during the World Series this weekend ... New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says he'll allow it!

Charlie Cotton's first go-around as the slugger's chauffeur, of course, happened nearly a decade ago ... after Stanton had missed a flight at LAX.

With nothing but time to fill, Cotton asked the then-Miami Marlins outfielder if he wanted to cruise over to TMZ's offices ... and host the "TMZ Sports" show.

Rudy May, a former New York Yankees pitcher who once led the American League in ERA, has died at the age of 80, the club announced on Friday.

While the cause of May's death isn't known, a report on social media indicates he was "suffering from diabetes for a long time."

May's passing comes just before the start of the most anticipated World Series in decades ... featuring baseball's two biggest stars, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, from arguably the two most popular teams.

Jerry Hairston Jr. is one of many in the baseball world mourning the passing of Fernando Valenzuela this week ... telling TMZ Sports his admiration for the Dodgers legend was endless.

Hairston Jr. actually had the chance to work with the former pitcher over the last few years of his life ... as the two both had gigs broadcasting L.A. games -- and he had nothing but great experiences with the guy.

He told us he actually went golfing a few times with Valenzuela ... and the two shared many laughs while out on the course as well as at Dodger Stadium.

MLB great Pete Rose will be laid to rest in November ... with his family hosting a 14-hour visitation for fans at the Cincinnati Reds' Great American Ball Park.

The team revealed the plans on Thursday ... stating it will be an all-day event -- from 7 AM to 9 PM, symbolizing Charlie Hustle's jersey number.

It will be free and open to the public ... with the Reds saying they would like fans to "come together, honor his incredible legacy, and say their goodbye."

If some pooches are looking a little blue in Los Angeles this week, don't be alarmed -- Dodgers fans are just coloring their dogs in the hopes it brings their team some good luck in the upcoming World Series.

Reporters over at NBCLA hit up a bunch of groomers in Southern California this week ... and found out Angelinos are flocking to shops to dye their pups' coats in an effort to support the boys in blue as they gear up to take on the Yankees.

All over Los Angeles County, paws, ears, and tails are getting dipped in Dodger blue ... but, don't worry, the groomers insist it's all "non-toxic" and "perfectly safe" for their fur babies.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will honor the late Fernando Valenzuela when they take the field for the World Series -- the team just announced it will pay tribute to the legend with a jersey patch.

The Dodgers shared visuals of the uniform tribute on Thursday ... which is a circle featuring Valenzuela's name and number placed on the left sleeve.

On top of the Fall Classic, the Dodgers said players will also wear the patch throughout the 2025 season as well.

Shohei Ohtani's historic 50/50 ball has a new owner -- the highly coveted piece of baseball memorabilia just sold for a whopping $4.39 MILLION at auction ... making it the most valuable ball in sports history.

Bidding on the item -- which was cosigned with Goldin Auctions -- ended on Tuesday ... and the final number far surpassed the $3 million paid for Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball from 1998, the previous record holder for balls sold at auction.

The winning offer was $3.6 million ... but including the 22-percent buyer's premium, it reached a staggering $4,392,000 price tag.

MLB fans better start warming up the hot dogs and buttering the popcorn ... because according to Alex Rodriguez, the impending Yankees vs. Dodgers championship matchup will be absolutely must-see TV!!

"It's going to be a great World Series," the former Yankees superstar told TMZ Sports while leaving Craig's in L.A. on Monday night. "The best in 25 years!"

Of course, you won't find many in the baseball world who will disagree ... as the New York vs. L.A. series does seem to have it all.

MLB fans looking to own Shohei Ohtani's historic 50/50 home run ball might need to break a few more piggy banks for it than they initially expected ... 'cause Ken Goldin just revealed to TMZ Sports it wouldn't surprise him if the baseball sold for over $10 MILLION later this week.

Currently, the memento -- which Ohtani smacked over a left field wall during a never-before-seen performance against the Marlins back on Sept. 19 -- is a few mil away from getting to eight figures ... but Goldin says it's totally possible it reaches the plateau by the time the final gavel drops on bidding on Tuesday night.

According to the auction expert -- whose auction house is actually overseeing the sale -- most bids usually come in the final hours ... and with it already being up over $2 mil, it can threaten the $10 mil threshold for sure.

TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page.

A World Series for the ages is upon us ... as the New York Yankees will face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers!

The two titans of the sport are set to square off for a record-setting 12th time in the World Series, though it's been more than a generation since their last matchup. NY and LA last battled it out for the big prize way back in 1981, with the Dodgers emerging triumphant over the Yankees.

While all your friends and family members may be pulling out their old LA and NY gear to support their favorite teams, why not be ahead of the curve (ball) by latching onto these incredible 2024 World Series deals before Game 1 even starts?

With fitted and New Era hats, shirts and hoodies in a variety of World Series 2024 styles celebrating both of the top-seeded league champions, you can pick up enough gear to last you through the whole series. Get yours before they're going, going gone!

As Dodgers fans gear up for their team's toughest battle of the season, they'll be looking for Shohei Ohtani to continue his season-long dominance alongside Kiké Hernandez, Mookie Betts, Miguel Rojas and an offense that has powered them this far.

• Los Angeles Dodgers World Series New Era Hat
• Los Angeles Dodgers Nike Royal 2024 World Series T-Shirt
• Dodgers vs Yankees 2024 World Series Matchup T-Shirt
• Dodgers New Era Royal 2024 World Series Adjustable Hat
• Los Angeles Dodgers 2024 World Series Franklin T-Shirt

Already, they've proven they can overcome injuries (like the much-missed Freddie Freeman) and at-times shaky starting pitching. Thankfully, their deep bullpen came through when needed, helping them quiet a surging New York Mets team in the NLCS.

No matter where you live, rock your Dodgers blue with World Series hats and t-shirts at the links above.

Love 'em or hate 'em, the New York Yankees are an institution unto themselves, and every time they make their way to the World Series, it's a great day for baseball. The most successful franchise in the history of the sport hasn't been here in a bit (since 2009), but they're built for October baseball!

• New York Yankees World Series New Era Hat
• Dodgers vs Yankees 2024 World Series Matchup Changeup Matchup T-Shirt
• Yankees New Era Navy 2024 World Series Side Patch Fitted Hat
• Yankees Nike Navy 2024 World Series Therma Pullover Hoodie
• Yankees Nike Black 2024 World Series Trophy T-Shirt

Modern icons like likely-MVP Aaron Judge and Alex Verdugo got them to the postseason, while Juan Soto was the hero of Game 5 of the ALCS, hitting a three-run homer in the 10th inning to continue the team's wild postseason ride. When your roster is this stacked, anyone can have a hero moment at any time.

And now you can jump on board with fitted and New Era hats, as well as hoodies and t-shirts to share your allegiance to the Pinstripes at the links above.

John Mayer poured his damn heart out reflecting on his beloved Mets 2024 season -- penning an emotional message thanking the team and star shortstop, Francisco Lindor, for being a source of inspiration to him this year.

The legendary musician collected his thoughts a day after the Mets lost in the NLCS to the Los Angeles Dodgers ... and it's clear the impact the squad had on him goes far beyond the wins and losses on the baseball diamond.

In fact, Mayer recalled a moment during Dead & Company's residency at the Las Vegas Sphere ... when he injured his finger and half his nail was sheared off during a show -- but Lindor's resiliency helped him get through it.