Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam did not make print editions of the Los Angeles Times because of early deadlines. Photo Credit: Lucas Shaw
By Arthur Weinstein on

The sports world is still buzzing about Freddie Freeman’s historic grand slam Friday night.

The Los Angeles Dodgers star hit the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history to cap a 6-3 win over the New York Yankees in 10 innings in Game 1.

The moment made headlines everywhere. Here’s a look at Los Angeles Times sports section from Saturday.


Wait, that looks like a photo of Los Angeles Rams star Cooper Kupp, and a story about quarterback Matthew Stafford’s receivers returning from injuries. How could that happen? How is that possible, especially with Freeman’s big home run coming at 8:37 p.m. in Los Angeles?

It’s the result of the LA Times, like many other newspapers, embracing very early deadlines for print editions. Like it or not, that’s a reality today, brought about by budget cuts, changes in the way subscribers get their information (the trend toward more digital readers), and other considerations.

The LA Times digital edition definitely gave Freeman’s home run appropriate play.

Screenshot

Just for fun, here’s another look at Freeman’s stunning grand slam, which brought instant comparisons to Kirk Gibson’s historic home run in the 1988 World Series.

Sure, some traditionalists who picked up their print edition of the LA Times Saturday morning and saw no mention of Freeman’s grand slam were disappointed. But things change, and nothing drives that point home better than the continuing demise of print media.

[Lucas Shaw]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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