Andy Barron/RGJ-Imagn Content Services, LLC
LOS ANGELES — The 2020 World Series might not be formally recognized by you, San Francisco Giants fans, but Jake McGee and Alex Wood have proof that it did, indeed, happen.
The former Dodgers picked up their rings from last year’s shortened season before Friday’s game at Dodger Stadium seven months after Wood pitched two scoreless innings in their clinching Game Six win over the Rays.
The ceremony was a small one in the media room rather than an on-field event. They wanted a few friends to see them wear the well-earned jewelry for the first time.
About a half-dozen 2021 Dodgers watched the moment for the pair of 2020 Dodgers. Justin Turner, Corey Seager, Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen and Austin Barnes were among the contingent — as were some coaches and front-office members — for a moment that McGee called “surreal.”
“It was really cool. It’s special to be here and for them to give it to us,” said McGee, whom Farhan Zaidi & Co. grabbed this offseason.
McGee does not think he’ll be wearing his out much, though KNBR endorses the idea if it gets him a free dinner. He and Wood had to send over the measurements in the offseason. McGee knew the size; he did not know the surprise in the box.
“You open up the box and it starts playing,” the lefty said.
It’s a music box, World Series style. It has a screen and plays a video that McGee says is three or four minutes long with highlights from the season and the Series.
McGee was celebrating on his own in the moments afterward, while Wood was breathing it all in with family who had come for the game and the private ceremony.
It would be understandable if they both pocketed the rings and were not showing them off in the Giants’ clubhouse.
Champs.
Congratulations @Awood45 and Jake McGee on your World Series rings! pic.twitter.com/e92I3E60nJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 29, 2021