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Dodgers' Will Smith Reveals Hilarious Admission About 18-Inning World Series Game
The Dodgers catcher had to take IVs and recover for a month after the marathon game against the Blue Jays.
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith opened up about his experience playing in the 18-inning Game 3 of the 2026 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Smith revealed that he was in "survival mode" by the end of the game, requiring IVs to recover, and had to take the entire month of November off to rest up after the marathon outing behind the plate.
Why it matters
Smith's 18-inning performance was the longest by a catcher in World Series history, highlighting his endurance and commitment to the team, even when pushed to the brink. The Dodgers' ability to outlast the Blue Jays in such a grueling game was a key factor in their eventual World Series victory.
The details
In an interview on Hot Stove, Smith described the 18-inning game as "wiping him out," noting that he had to take IVs just to "survive" after the game. Smith said he doesn't do anything in November to recover, then starts working out again in December to prepare for the next season.
- The 18-inning Game 3 of the 2026 World Series took place at Dodger Stadium.
- Smith had to take the entire month of November off to recover from the marathon game.
The players
Will Smith
The Los Angeles Dodgers catcher who played a record-setting 18 innings in Game 3 of the 2026 World Series.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The MLB team that won the 2026 World Series, in part due to Smith's endurance in the 18-inning Game 3.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Dodgers' opponent in the 2026 World Series, who were defeated after the marathon Game 3 outing.
What they’re saying
“No, yeah, we got good athletic trainers, good strength coaches. Yeah, like you said, the World Series kind of wiped me out, you know, especially that 18-inning game.”
— Will Smith, Dodgers Catcher (Hot Stove)
“No, that was, I wasn't really thinking after that game, honestly. I was getting IVs, just surviving, just in survival mode, you know, come back the next day, try to win.”
— Will Smith, Dodgers Catcher (Hot Stove)
What’s next
The Dodgers will look to return to the World Series in 2027 and avoid another marathon game, in order to preserve Smith's health and energy for the postseason.
The takeaway
Will Smith's heroic 18-inning performance in the 2026 World Series underscores the incredible physical and mental toughness required of elite MLB catchers. While the Dodgers emerged victorious, the toll on Smith was significant, highlighting the need for teams to manage their star players' workloads to ensure they can sustain success over the long haul.
