Former Eastern Illinois pitcher
Will Klein captured a World Series Championship as a member of the active playoff roster for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who topped the Toronto Blue Jays in extra innings in a thrilling Game 7.
Klein is the first former OVC player to be on an active roster of a World Series Champion since 2020, when Belmont's Matt Beaty won a title also with the Dodgers. Prior to Beaty, SIUE's Spencer Patton was on the 2016 Chicago Cubs roster, but was not active in the World Series. Prior to the OVC forming in 1948, former EKU slugger Earle Combs won nine titles with the New York Yankees, the last coming in 1943.
Klein appeared in both Game 1 and Game 3 of the World Series, including picking up the win in Game 3 when he pitched 4.0 innings of scoreless relief as L.A. won 6-5 in 18 innings. He allowed one hits and struck out five in that appearance. Klein pitched 1.0 innings in Game 1, allowing one hit.
Out of Eastern Illinois, the Kansas City Royals selected him in the 5th round (135th overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft. He was called up by the Royals in 2024 before being traded to the Oakland Athletics. Prior to the 2025 season he was traded to the Seattle Mariners, who sent him to the Dodgers in July.