Yankee fans turned to voodoo ahead of World Series Game 2 by sticking pins through a bobblehead doll of Dodgers superstar Freddie Freeman. Desperate fans like Mike L. hoped to pre-empt Freeman from hurting the Yankees’ chances in the series. The walkoff grand slam by Freeman in Game 1 was the first in World Series history, solidifying his legacy as a New York killer. Met fans, who have been tormented by Freeman for years, were also eager to cast a spell on the slugger. Bystanders at a bar outside Yankee Stadium witnessed fans sticking pins through the doll in hopes of affecting Freeman’s performance.
Bartender Ryan Kirby and his friend Joe Rendino, both Mets fans, chose to stick pins in different areas of the doll to impact Freeman’s performance. Kirby targeted his glove, while Rendino chose his head. Other fans opted to stick pins in Freeman’s hands, legs, and neck, with one fan smartly choosing to stick the pin in the doll’s right ankle, where Freeman had been dealing with a sprain. The fans’ actions demonstrated their frustration with Freeman’s dominance over New York teams. Even as they engaged in the voodoo ritual, some fans rejected handling the doll, refusing to touch it due to their feelings of animosity towards Freeman following his grand slam.
Eduardo Perez and his friend Jenny Zabala, both Yankees fans, were disappointed in Freeman’s performance, with Zabala admitting she couldn’t even drink during the game due to her frustration. Miguel C. had hoped for a celebration on his 47th birthday during the first game of the World Series, but Freeman’s grand slam put a damper on the festivities. Miguel expressed his desire for Freeman to strike out in the next game. Hector Barrientos, another Bronx resident, shared his displeasure with Freeman’s dominance, refusing to handle the doll and expressing his frustration with the situation.
Mike L., who was fulfilling his late father’s dream of experiencing a Yankees World Series away game, aimed to use the voodoo doll to prevent Freeman from impacting the outcome of the series. Despite not harboring hatred towards Freeman, Mike L. wanted to prevent a repeat of the walkoff grand slam from Game 1. The voodoo doll ritual became a symbolic gesture of hope for Yankees fans looking to change the course of the series. As fans engaged in the practice, they shared their frustrations and hopes for a better outcome in the upcoming games, demonstrating their passion and investment in the outcome of the World Series.
Freeman’s history as a New York killer, particularly against the Mets, fueled the voodoo doll ritual performed by fans hoping to change the tide of the series. The bobblehead doll of Freeman served as a representation of fans’ frustrations with the slugger’s performance in Game 1. Fans’ actions with the pins symbolized their desire to influence Freeman’s performance and potentially impact the outcome of the World Series. Despite the lighthearted nature of the voodoo doll ritual, it reflected the dedication and passion of fans as they sought to support their team and counteract the threat posed by Freeman. Ultimately, the voodoo doll served as a creative and symbolic means for fans to express their hopes and frustrations surrounding the World Series matchup between the Yankees and Dodgers.
