Dodgers pitcher nearly breaks down in tears during post-NLCS interview

The winning dressing room after a big game is always a happy place, and reporters usually get very predictable interviews with celebrating players offering clichéd expressions (“team effort”, “one game at a time”, etc.)

But Spectrum SportsNet LA host/reporter Kirsten Watson encountered an interesting situation Sunday night after the Los Angeles Dodgers punched their ticket to the World Series with a win over the New York Mets in Game 6 of the National Championship League Series.

As champagne splashed around the locker room, Watson spoke with reliever Brent Honeywell Jr.

The Dodgers are a team built around superstars, players like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Honeywell, who appeared in 18 games with the Dodgers this year, is on the other end of the MLB spectrum. The The 2014 second rounder has battled injuries (four elbow surgeries) and didn’t pitch at all from 2018-2020.

Honeywell has spent time with four different MLB organizations and was designated for assignment by both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Dodgers in 2024.

So Honeywell is the epitome of the guy who can’t believe his luck when Watson came to her interview. He struggled to keep his emotions in check.

“Now how special is it to advance to the World Series?” Watson asked.

“I was just thinking about it … I don’t think it’s been initiated yet,” Honeywell replied. “I wanted this (series) over as soon as we could.

“There are a lot of people in my life that I have to thank for this.” Honeywell paused and put her hand over his eyes, clearly emotional.

Watson came to the rescue to give him time to recover.

“This is a dream that so many people have, to live this out,” she said. “I know it’s hard to put into words. To share this moment with these guys, I have to imagine it’s special.”

Brent Honeywell became emotional as he spoke to Kirsten Watson. pic.twitter.com/RlLAJxgnX3

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) 21 October 2024

By now, Honeywell’s teammates seemed to notice his struggles. Someone came over and poured champagne over his head to help lighten the mood.

“My younger self freaked out,” Honeywell said. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do my whole life.”

Congratulations to Honeywell for persevering through tough times and finally living his dream. And thanks to Watson for helping guide him through an emotional — and memorable — interview.

(SportsNet LA)