For the first time since 1981, the New York Yankees will be playing their longtime rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the World Series; the Dodgers punched their ticket to the Fall Classic on Sunday with a dominant 10-5 victory over the New York Mets to win the NLCS in six games.

For the New York Yankees, the real opening day is World Series Game 1. A little bubbly for a playoff berth, the AL East, the Division Series and their 41st pennant were just warmups. World Series rings are the only numbers that count when you are measured not among the living but against the ghosts: Yogi,

New York Yankees All Star outfielder, Juan Soto, can become a free agent following the World Series. If the Yankees do not extend his contract, Soto, who turns 26 October 25, will likely entertain a bidding war among several Major League Baseball teams. Soto’s current contract is $31 million with New York.