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LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers received their 2024 championship rings before Friday’s game against the Tigers in a 40-ish minute ceremony. You knew it was an important night because we got a double dose of Keith Williams Jr., who sang both “We Are The Champions” (with a choir) and the national anthem to bookend the festivities.

Actor Anthony Anderson was the master of ceremonies for the event, and having longtime Oscars announcer Randy Thomas join him was a nice touch. Thomas would add fun facts as each ringbearer approached the stage, only instead of saying things like “this was the 12th nomination for Meryl Streep,” Thomas would note that Mookie Betts now has three rings or that the Dodgers won all four of River Ryan’s starts.

There were several loud ovations throughout the ceremony, including fans chanting “Freddie, Freddie” for Freddie Freeman.

The Dodgers had the pomp and circumstance of the home opener, with the traditional pregame ceremony during which every player and coach is introduced. That was followed by Friday night’s ring ceremony.

Roberts said he’s learned to appreciate these moments, which he might have previously seen as a distraction.

“I’m kind of in a place where I’m embracing enjoying moments. They aren’t mutually exclusive, in that you can enjoy the moment and not bleed into the game itself. You can enjoy last year and not say this year’s not important,” Roberts said before the game. “It’s hard to win a championship, and this is part of the tradition. It’s something we’ll all enjoy.

“A lot of people in my life said, ‘You gotta enjoy things, and if you don’t you gotta find a different profession.’ And I like my profession. We have a lot of wins, we do a lot of good things for a lot of people, and a lot of people enjoy it, so I’m gonna enjoy it right there with them.”