Dustin May, a two-time World Series champion, has etched his name into the fabric of Los Angeles Dodgers history with his remarkable journey to success. Known for his fiery competitiveness, electric stuff, and unwavering determination, May’s rise to prominence has been a blend of hard work, perseverance, and moments that captured the imagination of fans across the baseball world. In the two World Series titles he was a part of, May not only contributed with his talents but became a crucial part of a championship roster that would ultimately define a golden era in Dodgers baseball.
Born in Justin, Texas, Dustin May was a late bloomer, both physically and in terms of his baseball development. His journey from a small-town pitcher to a key figure in one of Major League Baseball’s most successful franchises wasn’t linear, but it’s precisely this underdog story that made his achievements all the more remarkable. Drafted by the Dodgers in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft, May was an intriguing prospect, with an unconventional delivery and a fastball that could reach triple digits. But what stood out most was his towering frame and the way he seemed to generate effortless velocity from his 6-foot-6-inch frame.
The beginning of May’s professional career was humble, with an early season spent primarily in the lower levels of the minor leagues. He spent time refining his control, his secondary pitches, and developing his ability to handle the pressure of big moments. With each step, he showed promise, but like most young pitchers, he had to deal with the growing pains of learning the ropes. As a pitcher with a considerable amount of hype behind him, Dustin was not always the most polished product. He would battle inconsistency, struggling to harness the movement on his pitches and occasionally missing the strike zone altogether. However, these early challenges only made him stronger, sharpening his focus and determination to master his craft.
What May displayed in those early years in the minors was a desire to improve and evolve with each appearance. He was a pitcher who knew how to learn from his mistakes and embrace the lessons that came with the grind of development. His fastball, often clocked in the upper 90s, was a weapon that only grew sharper as he moved up the ranks. His curveball, which possessed a unique, sharp break, also began to gain a reputation as one of the more underrated secondary pitches in the Dodgers’ system. In addition, his developing slider and changeup gave him an arsenal of weapons that allowed him to thrive at the major league level.
When he finally made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 2019, the stage was set for something special. His first taste of big-league competition was a reflection of the hard work and dedication he had put in to get to that point. The transition from the minors to the majors is never an easy one, but May’s talent was undeniable. His first outing was a glimpse of the potential that lay ahead, and though there were signs of youth and inexperience, it was clear that the future was bright for the tall right-hander.
As the 2020 season unfolded, May’s role in the Dodgers’ pitching staff grew. The global pandemic created an unpredictable environment for baseball, but May, along with his teammates, was determined to bring the championship back to Los Angeles. He made an immediate impact during the shortened season, earning a regular spot in the rotation and showcasing his electric stuff in critical moments. By the time the postseason rolled around, May was no longer an unknown commodity; he was a reliable arm in a staff brimming with talent. The Dodgers, having not won a World Series title in over 30 years, were on a mission to break their championship drought, and May was a crucial piece of that puzzle.
The 2020 postseason was an emotional rollercoaster for the team and its fans. With a mixture of seasoned veterans and young stars, the Dodgers were determined to overcome the ghosts of past playoff disappointments. May’s contributions were significant, as he delivered performances that further established his reputation as a big-game pitcher. Though the postseason was cut short for him in some ways, he was instrumental in the team’s journey to the ultimate prize.
When the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series, it wasn’t just a victory for the team, but a culmination of years of disappointment and frustration for a fanbase desperate for a championship. May, a young player still in the process of solidifying himself in the league, had played a role in a championship that would forever change the legacy of the Dodgers. The team had conquered the ultimate challenge, and May had helped bring that dream to fruition. It was a surreal moment, not just for the fans and the team, but for May himself, who had already proven that he was capable of handling the biggest moments in baseball.
The next season, 2021, brought with it new challenges, as May continued to build on his previous successes. The Dodgers were once again poised for a deep playoff run, but for May, things took an unexpected turn. Unfortunately, Dustin suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the 2021 season and the first part of 2022. It was a devastating blow for both the pitcher and the team, as the Dodgers’ pitching staff had relied on May’s electric stuff to anchor the rotation. The timing was particularly tough, as it had come at a moment when he seemed poised to be a major part of another championship push.
However, May’s determination and resolve proved to be even stronger than the injury itself. He committed himself to the grueling rehabilitation process with the same work ethic and drive that had carried him to the major leagues in the first place. His return to the mound in 2022 was nothing short of inspirational. Though he was still regaining his full strength, he displayed flashes of the talent that had helped him become one of the most exciting young pitchers in the league. His fastball was once again reaching its top velocities, and his curveball had that same sharp break that made it so effective. May’s perseverance not only helped him return to the mound, but it also allowed him to maintain his role as one of the key arms in the Dodgers’ bullpen and rotation moving forward.
As the 2022 season unfolded, the Dodgers again found themselves in a strong position to contend for a World Series title. May’s role, however, had shifted as he worked to regain his full form. The team relied on a balanced rotation, with ace Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías, and Walker Buehler all contributing to the effort. May, however, showed that he was still a vital piece of the puzzle. His ability to come through in important moments, his poise under pressure, and his stuff that remained electric meant that he was still a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
The Dodgers ultimately fell short in the postseason in 2022, but the championship window remained open. As 2023 rolled around, May once again stood as a key player in the team’s pursuit of another World Series title. The Dodgers had not only built a team of stars, but they had cultivated a culture of resilience. May’s recovery from injury served as a symbol of that perseverance. Despite the challenges, the Dodgers remained one of the most dominant teams in the National League, and Dustin May was ready to prove once more that he was a pitcher capable of delivering when it mattered most.
Throughout his career, May has been more than just a pitcher; he’s been a symbol of hope for fans who have seen their team fall short year after year. His electric stuff, his rise from obscurity, and his contributions to two World Series championships have made him one of the most beloved figures in recent Dodgers history.
In 2020 and 2021, May was part of a pitching staff that helped deliver not just one, but two World Series titles. Each of those victories was the result of countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. For May, those championships were not only the product of his talent but also of his unwavering commitment to his craft and the Dodgers. Though the future remains uncertain, Dustin May’s legacy is already secured as a key figure in the Dodgers’ rich history. As he continues his journey, one thing is for sure—his presence will always be felt whenever he takes the mound. And as long as he wears that Dodgers uniform, May’s connection to those championship years will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.
