The Dodgers and Yankees. A rivalry that stretches across 83 storied years, from the bustling streets of Brooklyn to the bright lights of Los Angeles.

Their first clash in the World Series came in 1941, and they’ve squared off 11 times since then, marking this matchup as the most frequent pairing in Fall Classic history.

Yet, as the Dodgers made their move west, some of that classic edge seemed to fade, especially after their last October showdown in 1981.

This year, though, promises to reignite that historic flame.

With the Yankees eyeing an end to a 15-year World Series drought and the Dodgers looking to prove that their 2020 title wasn’t a fluke, we are gearing up for a showdown that’s primed to be nothing short of epic. The stakes are high, the anticipation is palpable, and the baseball world is ready for a spectacle.

Enter managers Dave Roberts and Aaron Boone. Their history, stretching back to college days at UCLA and USC respectively, adds a layer of intrigue that’s more distraction than drama.

Roberts casually noted, “We weren’t friends. I didn’t care too much for him, and I’m sure he didn’t care too much for me.”

Boone shot back with a wink, saying, “You’re a Trojan for life; you’re a Bruin for four years.” Playful banter?

Perhaps. But it’s drawn in reporters nationwide, eager for any morsel of rivalry-generated news, despite its trivial roots.

Even Gerrit Cole, another UCLA alum, got pulled into this collegiate back-and-forth, responding with a nonchalant, “Aaron and I don’t always agree on everything.” Hardly groundbreaking.

For those steeped in baseball lore, this would seem more like entertainment than hostility.

After all, a true beef could hark back to the 2003 ALCS when Boone’s famous walk-off ended the Red Sox’s World Series aspirations.

Or 2004, when Roberts’ pivotal stolen base for the Red Sox sparked Boston’s historic comeback. These are the moments that carry weight and history, rendering lighthearted college jabs somewhat unnecessary.

This playful tension between Roberts and Boone might be capturing the media’s imagination, but in the grand scheme of Dodgers versus Yankees history, this friendly fire is more anecdote than chapter.

The narrative remains rooted in the diamond where players, not words, will shape the legacy of this year’s World Series.

So, as we prepare for another installment in this legendary rivalry, let’s remember where the true story lies: on the field.