LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani and his dog, celebrated their eighth World Series championship Friday with a parade downtown and a loud party on the field.

“This is very special,” said Ohtani, who normally only speaks his native Japanese but spoke in English before 42,458 spectators at Dodger Stadium. “It is a great honor for me to be here. Congratulations, Los Angeles. Thanks, guys.”

Fellow Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto added in English: “Thank you, Dodger fans.”

Rapper Ice Cube opened the party with “It Was a Good Day,” with manager Dave Roberts dancing on a blue round stage in the middle of the field and singing along to the lyrics.

“You wanted a parade. We have a parade,” Roberts said. “Guys, let’s get ready to do this again next year.”

Players exchanged hugs and pats on the back on stage as blue and white confetti floated in the air and the team's signature song, “I Love LA,” played. Their children played on the field, with Freddie Freeman's 8-year-old son Charlie leading some of them in jumping onto the lower retaining wall near the crowd.

The players took turns passing around the commissioner's trophy.

“Who else has more championships than us in the 2020s?” asked utility Kiké Hernández. “Absolutely no one.”

Roberts introduced Freeman as someone who “played with one leg and one rib,” alluding to the first baseman's injuries.

“I did everything I could to get on the field for you guys and I’m so glad I did because we have a championship now,” Freeman said. “I can’t wait to host it again next year.”

Earlier, seven double-decker buses filled with players, their families and coaching staff rolled through streets packed with blue-clad fans on both sides. Los Angeles police estimated the crowd at over 200,000.

“This is unbelievable,” said Freeman, the World Series MVP. “LA really did well today.”

Several players smoked cigars and drank beer aboard the buses on the sunny day.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever been a part of,” pitcher Clayton Kershaw said. “I have never seen so many people in my life. They’re all Dodger fans.”

A shirtless Hernández hung outside his bus with a beer in his hand. Ohtani held his dog Decoy in his arms while his wife Mamiko Tanaka was nearby.

“I'm completely overwhelmed by the amount of fans that are here,” Ohtani said through an interpreter as the bus rolled by. “It was an incredible year. I’m so happy I was able to contribute.”

Asked if he would take off his shirt like Hernández, a smiling Ohtani shook his head and replied in English: “No, never.”

Walker Buehler, who pitched the ninth inning in the series finale, smoked a beer bong while wearing the team's 1988 World Series Orel Hershiser jersey.

“This is crazy, man. I love it,” said outfielder Teoscar Hernández.

The fans cheered and waved to the players. The parade was held on the 64th birthday of Fernando Valenzuela, the 1981 NL Cy Young Award winner and Rookie of the Year, who died a few days before the start of the World Series.

The Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in five games and secured the title with a 7-6 victory in the Bronx on Wednesday.

A portion of proceeds from the ticketed stadium event will be donated to the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.

More than a dozen arrests occurred during informal celebrations following the team's comeback victory and series win. There were break-ins, vandalism and fires in some parts of the city.

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