Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kike Hernandez and free-agent pitcher Joe Kelly didn’t hold back during the team’s World Series victory parade, humorously blaming rapper and New York Yankees fan Fat Joe for “boosting” the Dodgers instead of his own team. Known for his Bronx loyalty, Fat Joe performed before Game 3 of the Fall Classic, aiming to lift Yankee spirits, but Hernandez and Kelly jokingly claim his presence did just the opposite, bringing luck to LA.
Hernandez took the mic during the parade, drawing comparisons between Fat Joe’s performance and that of West Coast icon Ice Cube, who performed before Game 2. Hernandez ribbed the rapper, nicknaming him just “Joe” since “he isn’t fat anymore,” and remarked how he “knew the game would go our way” as soon as Fat Joe appeared on the jumbotron. Kelly piled on, labeling it the “Fat Joe curse” and saying that the Yankees’ decision to feature him essentially guaranteed a Dodgers win.
The playful digs didn’t stop there. Hernandez also took aim at Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles, who had stirred controversy earlier by questioning whether NBA champions should be considered “world champions.” Hernandez sarcastically referenced Lyles’ comments, noting how the Dodgers’ victory over the Yankees qualified them for true “world champion” status.
The Dodgers wrapped up their 4-1 World Series win with a dramatic Game 5 comeback, overcoming a 5-0 deficit, partly due to a series of errors by the Yankees. The victory parade saw Dodgers fans reveling in the team’s success—and a bit of light-hearted banter aimed at their New York rivals and unexpected “supporters” like Fat Joe.
Sources for this article include: Dodgers World Series parade coverage, social media reactions, and official post-game comments.
