LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Friday night, the Toronto Blue Jays kicked off the 121st edition of the World Series with a bang, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a decisive 11-4 opening game.
Though there are no athletes from Arkansas actively competing for either team, there are many different ties between each franchise and the Natural State that are worth exploring.
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Former University of Central Arkansas Bear Gavin Stone wins World Series with Los Angeles Dodgers
Gavin Stone
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Gavin Stone (35) throws during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles, Sunday, August 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Though he hasn’t pitched for the team this year due to a shoulder injury, Arkansas native Gavin Stone is on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 40-man roster and in line to win a ring if the team goes back-to-back. The Central Arkansas Bears alum pitched for the team in 2024 before the injury, becoming UCA’s first alum to win a World Series ring.
Arkansas Natives 
Arkansas native Wally Moon, a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers
When Stone won the World Series with the Dodgers last year he also became the fourth Arkansas native to win a title with the team, joining legends like Willie Davis, Rick Monday and Wally Moon. Another legendary Arkansas native to spend time with the team was Preacher Roe who was a four-time All Star for the team from 1949 until 1952.
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Gavin Stone continues the history of Arkansans winning the World Series
Arkansas Travelers
Toronto Blue Jays’ Jonatan Clase against the Tampa Bay Rays during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, May 23, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Blue Jays outfielder Jonatan Clase, an Arkansas Travelers alum, did not make the team’s active roster for the World Series but will win a ring if they clinch their first title in 32 years. Both team’s World Series rosters feature many players like him that have played in the Texas League, including stops at Dickey-Stephens Park, on their way to the show.
Los Angeles Dodgers:
Jack Dreyer – Tulsa Drillers
Tommy Edman – Springfield Cardinals
Edgardo Henriquez – Tulsa Drillers
Enrique Hernandez – Corpus Christi Hooks
Teoscar Hernandez – Corpus Christi Hooks
Will Klein – Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Max Muncy – Midland RockHounds
Andy Pages – Tulsa Drillers
Emmet Sheehan – Tulsa Drillers
Will Smith – Tulsa Drillers
Justin Wrobleski – Tulsa Drillers
Toronto Blue Jays:
George Springer – Corpus Christi Hooks
Myles Straw – Corpus Christi Hooks
Tyler Heineman – Corpus Christi Hooks
Ty France – San Antonio Missions
Isiah Kiner-Falefa – Frisco RoughRiders
Braydon Fisher – Tulsa Drillers
Eric Lauer – San Antonio Missions
Louis Varland – Wichita Wind Surge
GALLERY: A look at MLB stars that have played baseball at Dickey-Stephens Park
Hog Ties
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen (49) celebrates after leaving the mound during Game 4 of baseball’s National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Several former Razorbacks have played for both the Dodgers and Blue Jays throughout their careers including Eric Hinske of the Blue Jays, Logan Forsythe for the Dodgers, and Mike Bolsinger who played for both teams. Current Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen almost joined the list after walking on to the U of A before transferring to South Dakota State after being unable to make the team.
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You can stay on top of all the World Series action as stars like Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. battle for baseball supremacy on FOX 16.
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