13826357d2d515556f5ab2 best dodger hitters of all time 13826357d2d515556f5ab2 best dodger hitters of all time

As I mentioned, these rankings will be entirely based off of WAR. 1 seed for Division 1 baseball playoffs, High school tennis: Southern Section playoff pairings, High school baseball: Southern Section playoff pairings, Dig this: Long Beach States Mason Briggs could be next big thing at libero, Kentucky Derby storylines: Training death puts early pall over Churchill Downs. Koufax immediately began doing color commentary for NBC but was colorless and stiff in front of a microphone; he quit halfway through his multi-year contract. Durable for his time, Campanella possessed a cannon for a throwing arm and nailed nearly 60% of all attempted basestealers. While they may not win a staggering 111-51 regular season record this season, they have built what they believe is the best team to have post-season success. Players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are already living legends in the league and some of the greatest baseball players of all time, while players like Julio Urias and Will Smith are proving to be some of the biggest and brightest stars in all of baseball. No. 27: Matt Kemp (2006-14, '18)Robbed of an NL MVP Award when he nearly went 40-40, he was a five-tool star until injuries took over. Sutton won double-digit games every year from 1966 to 1980, recording an ERA below 3.00 seven times. Using eight walks, three stolen bases and situational hitting instead of home runs to fuel the offense, they completed a three . 60: Andrew Toles (2016-18)Personal problems have derailed his feel-good story. 0: Al Oliver (1985)A seven-time All-Star, he couldnt play defense when he signed with the Dodgers at age 38. 57: Steve Howe (1980-83, '85)As tragic a figure as any Dodger. The personification of Brooklyns Boys of Summer, Snider was part of the great debate among New York City baseball fans in the 1950s over which center fielder in town was better: He, Willie Mays or Mickey Mantle. Bold type indicates active Dodgers player. Per Kristen Gowdy of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Morgan . OK, we're supposed to be focusing on his Dodgers career here. Koufaxs partner in pitching crime for the Dodgers was the anti-Sandy; Drysdale was more outward and comfortable in public, had a Californian look of glamour (he was born in Los Angeles) and developed a near-legendary reputation for brushing back and knocking down opponents, in stark contrast to Koufaxs deep reluctance to do the same. No. Branch Rickey was named on less than half the ballots, but when he was named, he was usually in the top three, which gave him enough points to make the top 20. Campanella's career ended because of an automobile accident following the 1957 season. He gets the nod for excellence over time BUT JTs a better hitter and playoff gamer. 19 (retired): Jim Gilliam (1953-78)The number was retired after his sudden death as a coach, but as a player he was the 1953 Rookie of the Year, a two-time All-Star and a versatile defender. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500(VA). At times, he would be his own offense; in 1965, his .300 average was better than any Dodgers position player, and his seven home runs were just five shy of the team lead. The man is an eight-time All Star, hit 370 home runs, hit .273 with an on-base percentage of .359, is one of only 16 people to hit four homers in one game, was an integral part of two World Series championships as a first baseman and managed the Miracle Mets to the 1969 World Series title. Valenzuela totaled 107 complete games and 29 shutouts with the organization. Hodges set a major league mark in 1954 with 19 sacrifice flies, and in 1950 became only the fourth player in the century to hit four homers in a game. 18: Bill Russell (1969-91, 1994-98)Dean of the Dodgers. Contact us at This Great Game. 25: Tommy John (1972-78)In addition to his namesake surgery, John made an impact with six double-digit win seasons in L.A. No. (Garvey had a lifetime .393 average in 10 All-Star Gamesall won by the NL.) One of the most beloved Dodgers while he was playing, Steve Garvey checks in as the 12th-greatest Dodger of all time. How rich is the Dodgers' history? 7: Steve Yeager (1973-85) A catching maestro and clutch hitter, he played in the shadow of Johnny Bench. The portly yet deceptively athletic master of the screwball became a nationwide sensation in early 1981 when, as a 20-year-old rookie, Valenzuela went the distance in each of his first eight startswinning them all and allowing just four earned runs in the process. The godfather of sabermetrics Bill James did not fall victim to hyperbole when he declared that Guerrero was the best hitter God had made in a long time. Los Angeles Dodgers Team History A decade-by-decade history of the Dodgers, the ballparks theyve played in, and the four people who are on the franchises Mount Rushmore. But Cey was my guy. No. Gambling Problem? Scully joined the Dodgers in 1950, working alongside Radio Hall of Famer and baseball legend Red Barber. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). An important note: The list is limited to players. His comfort zone was shattered in 1988 when first-year Dodger Kirk Gibson confronted him for laughing it up with opposing St. Louis players following a loss to the Cardinals; he was later tradedto the Cardinals. At age 30, Kershaw has already laid claim to three Cy Young Awards; an MVP plaque in 2014, making him the first NL pitcher so honored in 46 years; four NL ERA titles, all in succession; a 300-strikeout season in 2015, making him the first such pitcher to reach the barrier in 13 years; and a stellar 169-74 career record for a Dodgers team that typically hasnt given him optimal run support. 40: Bill Singer (1964-72)In addition to a no-hitter, he had 52 complete games to edge Stan Williams. The 20 Greatest Los Angeles Dodgers of All-Time, The 20 Greatest Pittsburgh Pirates of All-Time, Top Ten Things That Make Baseball Unique (And Great), The 20 Greatest Cleveland Indians of All-Time, The 20 Greatest Detroit Tigers of All-Time. 74: Kenley Jansen (2010-present)All-time franchise saves leader (350 as of the end of the 2021 season). (In eight World Series appearances, Koufax authored a stunning 0.95 ERAbut only won four of seven decisions.). Tolerance of internal protests from white teammates bred below the Mason-Dixon line. However, the extended doldrums provide plenty of time for healthy debate and conversation. Relatively middling efforts over the next two years were followed with a 1988 campaign that started strong (winning each of his first six starts), lost steam midway through and then took on an invincible existence starting in August, when Hershiser began a streak of consecutive scoreless innings that threatened Drysdales 1968 mark. Beltre earned multiple Gold Gloves (5) and Silver Sluggers (4) once he left for Los Angeles. He almost got into the World Series with Chicago but lost the series to Garvey and the padres. An enraged Sutton said afterward that he would sue baseball for depriving me of my rights to earn a living as a pitcher if they suspended him; sheepishly, the NL let him off with little more than a warning. The countdown will begin tomorrow, so stay tuned! Part of Vances success could be attributed to the long sleeve of his uniform that he intentionally left in tatters to distract opposing hitters; eventually, a rule would be written up disallowing such wear. No. But let's fact it, Rickey is on this list mainly for one reason: He was the man who decided it was time to break baseball's color barrier. Sutton pitched for the Dodgers from 1966 to 1980 and again in 1988. 2 (retired): Leo Durocher (1938-46, '48, '61-64)Before Tommy Lasorda wore and retired it, Durocher was a two-time All-Star in it. Who Will Win The 2020 National League Reliever Of The Year Award. Well, with the voting currently going on for that, I thought it would be a lot of fun if I ranked the 100 greatest players in Dodgers history. No. He was 0-4 with an 8.59 ERA in five World Series starts; he also lost the memorable 1950 regular season finale that gave Philadelphias Whiz Kid Phillies the pennant, and set up the New York Giants rally in the decisive game of the 1951 NL playoff, being removed for Ralph Brancawho would only face one batter: Bobby Thomson, who launched the Shot Heard Round the World and won the pennant for the Giants. After retiring as the franchise's then-all-time leader in wins (209) and innings pitched (3,432), Drysdale entered the Hall of Fame in 1984. No. There will likely be some players who dont crack the list that upset you, or players that seem ranked too high or too low. However, for an apples to apples comparison, below are their 162 game averages for the same time frames: Cey owns the better walk and strikeout rates on top of better counting stats. In his first seven years with the Robins (as the Dodgers were known under manager Wilbert Robinson), he paced the NL in strikeouts, won 20 games three times, four times led the NL in shutouts, three times led it in ERA, and threw a no-hitter (allowing an unearned run) in 1925. The Dominican prodigy averaged 18 home runs and 73 RBI in his first four seasons as a starter. The infielder garnered 10 All-Star nods and finished among the top 10 in MVP voting eight times. Eligibility restrictions apply. But what a motivational urge it was. In each of his first 15 seasons, the right-hander eclipsed the 200-inning mark, starting at least 30 games in all but one of those seasons. Along with Bob Gibson, Drysdale was feared by opposing hitters who constantly had to duck away from his inside fastballs said to be clocked in the upper 90s; he eventually would hit 154 batters over his career, a modern NL record. Cey: 24 HR, 92 RBI, 13.5 BB%, 13.1% SO. The Penguin, I grew up watching that great infield and he was solid. To make room on the 26-man roster, the Dodgers have optioned INF Luke Williams and LHP Justin Bruihl to Triple-A. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 47: Andy Messersmith (1973-75, '79)His claim to fame was free agency, but in four Dodgers seasons, he won 55 games and was an NL Cy Young Award runner-up in 1974. Position: Shortstop, Third Base. Reese is the Dodgers' record-holder for walks (1,210)also the 58th-most in league historyand runs (1,338). Philadelphia is 15-13 overall and 7-9 in road games. Pee Wee Reese. While Robinson prepped in the minors at Montreal, Walker told the media: As long as he isnt with the Dodgers, Im not worried. When Robinson did reach the parent club in 1947, it was Walker who started a petition to have him ousted; when that didnt work, he asked to be traded. He left us way too soon. Camilli emerged as a dependably strong (if not sensational) slugger midway through the 1930s with the Philadelphia Phillies, who were on the road to bankruptcy; not surprisingly, they sold Camilli to the Dodgers for $50,000. No. ), Fifty years after breaking the color barrier in baseball, Jackie Robinson had his uniform number retired. Im not a Dodgers fan, but I grew up watching Ron Cey playing for the Spokane Indians ( AAA). That night he went 3 for 5, with a triple, a homer, and 5 RBI. Before Mannywood, before Nomomania, there was the original and the best: Fernandomania. The Dodgers 10 Greatest Hitters A list of the 10 greatest hitters based on their productivity and efficiency. "Sandy pitches in extreme pain that can only be overcome by his motivational urge," team physician Dr. Robert Kerlan said at the time, per the New York World-Telegram and Sun (h/t Thomas Lawrence of the National Baseball Hall of Fame). Fernando Valenzuela wasted little time endearing himself to Dodgers fans. No. The active recovery footwear brand announced today that it has teamed up . 97: Joe Beimel (2006-08)Cut his hand in a bar, and there went the 2006 postseason. A little story on Ron Cey. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. He was every bit the workhorse for the Robins, completing at least 30 of his starts three times (leading the NL each time). Trending Topics: Teams The Lists Top Players By Franchise by Position Best Players From Each State All-Time Rosters. Don Drysdale was a workhorse. 71: Josh Ravin (2015-17)Hard thrower, but too many injuries. Brooklyns lone deadball era star was a quiet, cordial part-Native American who let his bat do all the angry talkingracking up a lifetime .317 batting average and 2,804 hits, the most in Dodgers history. With 55 Hall of Famers having helped the Los Angeles Dodgers to 25 National League pennants, selecting the top five players in team history was a daunting task. Currently here at TrueBlue LA, were doing a 64-player bracket of your Favorite Dodgers of all-time. He threw a no-hitter for Big Blue in 1990. 15: Davey Lopes (1972-81)Four-time All-Star, two-time stolen-base champ, NL Gold Glove Award winner. In that time, all he did was: Win three NL MVP awards, make eight All-Star teams, hit 242 homers, have a .500 slugging percentage and play Gold Glove-worthy defense behind the plate. Keep in mind you're voting on the best player and not the best team, so even if a player never won a World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers they can still be considered their best Right fielder. 26: Alejandro Pena (1981-89)He was a versatile workhorse who won an ERA title in 1984. Please explain how you left out Steve Garvey. Finally, after the Dodgers lost the 1966 World Series, the pain became too much; he stunned the baseball world by announcing his retirement at age 30. The joy of Camillis regular season performance was muted by his substandard World Series showing against the Yankees, nabbing just three hits in 18 at-bats with only one RBI. With the Dodgers, he often had to share (or remain in the shadows of) the spotlight with more dominant aces like Koufax, Drysdale, Andy Messersmith and Tommy John. What made the effort all the more rewarding is that it came on the heels of two subpar campaigns in which he was dogged by shoulder problems. No. Odds and lines subject to change. More than 100 years ago, Dazzy Vance made his major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Most gave one simple reason: "He befriended Jackie Robinson.". Remembered for his support of Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese was more than a kind friend and teammate to a legendary player. During that time he had a 3.45 ERA, 1,314 strikeouts and a 1.283 WHIP. Alston began managing the Dodgers in 1954 when they were still in Brooklyn and remained manager until 1976, winning seven NL pennants (1955, 1956, 1959, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1974) and four World Series titles, (1955, 1959, 1963, 1965), three of them in Los Angeles. Robinson knew all too well that the emancipation of African-Americans within the majors didnt start and stop with him, as he fought tirelessly for the continued presence of blacks in the game where it seemed woefully underwhelming. 3: Willie Davis (1961-73)Babe Herman and Steve Sax had some strong seasons, but Davis is often overlooked despite being a fixture for 14 seasons. The six-time All-Star is also ninth in wins and innings pitched. We asked you to list your choices for the 10 greatest Dodgers of all time. No. Love J.T. In his time as a Dodger, Guerrero produced three seasons over 5.0 WAR, a .893 OPS, and an impressive 149 OPS+. LOS ANGELES -- Heres another rundown sure to get this writer in trouble. The legend of Robinsons odyssey in Brooklyn is well recorded. No. The 2023 Dodgers roster is filled with experienced vets and youngsters looking to prove their place in the league, and while they might not have the name-power of their 2022 roster, there is no doubt that the talent is there and the Dodgers are still in contention for another World Series victory. It was his last major league hit. Currently here at TrueBlue LA, we're doing a 64-player bracket of your "Favorite Dodgers " of all-time. After the 1956 season, Robinsongradually graying at age 37was traded to the New York Giants; rather than report to his archrivals, he retired. He followed that up with 19-11 and 20-9 season, before missing two years because of military service during the Korean War. No. 8: John Roseboro (1957-58, '60-67)He played in six All-Star Games as the starter who caught Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. 49: Tim Belcher (1987-91)He helped win a World Series to get the nod over reliever Tom Niedenfuer, whose six workhorse seasons are obscured by one bad postseason series. Clayton Kershaw adds to his Dodgers legend with another pitching gem, A full body orgasm at the L.A. Phil? He was just 36-40 through his first six years, only showing an occasional glimpse to what was to comesuch as in a 1959 game when he tied Bob Fellers then-record of 18 strikeouts. His career 2.37 ERA only trails closer Kenley Jansen, Zack Greinkewho played three years in LAand Jeff Pfeffer. Pee Wee Reese stands with Jackie Robinson. In 1962, the legend who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier received a deserved spot in the Hall of Fame. Mickey Hatcher is runner-up for his 1988 October heroics. No. For this, he became the first black player to win an MVP award. (After his trade to San Diego, Garvey recorded an unprecedented 1.000 fielding rate at first in 1984.) The Dodgers simply wouldnt be where they are now without the driving force of Justin Turner. Koufax signed with the Dodgers at age 19 as a bonus baby, meaning he had to spend the first two years of his career in the majors; for this, Koufax got his wish never to play in the minors, but likely at the cost of slower development. He was the man! Sorry, but they both played on talented offenses and Cey shouldnt be faulted for being the healthier player. A battle with the bottle, which he would later overcome, didnt help. ), At Willie Nelson 90, country, rock and rap stars pay tribute, but Willie and Trigger steal the show, Plaschke: Lakers live up to their legacy with a close-out win for the ages, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame receives No. Cookie Lavagetto breaking up Bevins World Series no hitter in the 9th inning winning the game in the process. After losing yet again during the 1956 World Series, he physically took his anger out on a fan who called him a choke.. 32 (retired): Sandy Koufax (1955-66)He was good. No. Joe DiMaggio (1936-1951) Among baseball's most legendary records, Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak is one of the most elusive. "And if the hitter is timid, he has to remind the hitter he's timid.". The Southpaw set a new perfect game record after fanning 14 hitters. The argument can be made for Turner to hold the top spot with what hes done in his 6 seasons with Los Angeles. He won another Silver Slugger two years later. No. No. The Dodgers viewed him as a reliable option who could eat innings while always giving them a chance to win ball games. The third of seven pitchers in the top 20, Orel Hershiser is on this list for one big reason: almost single-handedly carrying the Dodgers to the 1988 World Series title. No. 56: Hung-Chih Kuo (2005-11)Overcame injuries and the yips to be an All-Star. He also joins 17 other pitchers as being. Required fields are marked *. No. Hodges began his Dodgers career as a catcher but gradually took over the role at first base and excelled, winning three Gold Gloves; he would have likely won more had the award existed before 1957. Vance posted a 28-6 record with a 2.16 ERA and 262 strikeouts and won MVP honors. As of October 2022, Duke Snider tops the ranking of the Los Angeles Dodgers all-time home run leaders with 389 home runs throughout his career. 10: Ron Cey (1971-82)Reliable, tough, consistent, productive, clutch, durable. All along, Campanella didnt carry the cause of integration or civil rights on his sleeve as did Robinson; he simply wanted to play the game. Fournier suffered from a case of bad timing, howeverarriving in the majors some 60 years before the advent of the designated hitter. Defensively challenged, Guerrero struggled in both the outfield and (especially) at third base before settling in at first once Garvey left for San Diego. Somewhat demoted to Koufaxs shadow, Drysdale continued to display effective workhorse ethic, surpassing 300 innings from 1962-65 while winning 85 games over that same period. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. His high number of strikeouts (15th all-time) and career on-base percentage of .377 hurt his standing a bit. 30: Maury Wills (1959-66, '69-72)Snubbed by the HOF, hes still a Dodgers legend. For the lucky few who reach base and try to nab an extra 90 feet off Kershaw, they should be well aware that he is a perennial league leader in picking off runners. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ron Cey.even his defense was better than the others. Clayton Kershaw has paced the National League in ERA five times, wins thrice and strikeouts thrice this decade. Baseball Reference. No. 23: Claude Osteen (1965-73)In a deep group (Kirk Gibson, Adrin Gonzlez, Eric Karros), Osteen had nine consecutive seasons with double-digit wins. His most prolific season came in '53, when he bashed a personal-best 41 homers with a then-franchise-record 142 RBI on a .312 average. Martinez Los Angeles Dodgers. The result was a fascinating mix of superstars across several eras, from the 1930s to the 1970s and all the way to today. The Dodgers have become much more comfortable winning games 2-1 or 3-2 rather than slugfests that push double digits in runs. Sutton was durably consistent and protracted in his collection of lifetime numbers; he was, essentially, the Rafael Palmeiro of pitchers. But he only led the National League in home runs once when he clubbed 43 in 1955, the year he came tantalizingly close to winning his only MVP award; he missed when a Philadelphia sportswriter, seriously ill, accidentally placed teammate Roy Campanellas name on the ballot twice. Part of the four players with 30 homeruns. No. Well, with the voting currently going on for that, I . To be eligible, position players needed 1,500 plate appearances and starting pitchers had to have started a minimum of 75 games for the franchise. No. After brief but more active stints with the White Sox and Detroit Tigers, Walker was dealt to the Dodgers and proceeded to become a fan favorite in Brooklyn with his annual ability to hit at or above .300; he would soon be known at Ebbets Field as The Peoples CherceCherce being Brooklynspeak for choice.. The craze could have started six months earlier; pitching 17.2 innings of shutout baseball over 10 relief appearances at the end of the 1980 season, Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda seriously considered starting Valenzuela in the one-game playoff against Houston to decide the NL West. Los Angeles Dodgers Team History A decade-by-decade history of the Dodgers, the ballparks theyve played in, and the four people who are on the franchises Mount Rushmore. Then you can access your favorite statistics via the star in the header. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). No. Any Dodger fan has to wonder what might have been with Beltre at third for back-to-back NLCS appearances later in the decade. 7: Steve Yeager (1973-85)A catching maestro and clutch hitter, he played in the shadow of Johnny Bench. (Frank Robinson would get that call, over two years later.). Very few injuries. But in all the talk about Robinson's role as the man who broke baseball's color barrier, one thing often gets left out: He was a great player. 76: Duaner Sanchez (2004-05)Pitched in 146 games over two seasons. Our challenge was narrowing that massive field to 10 of the greatest players who ever put on the blue-and-white jersey. Im going to start at 100, and work my way all the way down to one. No. Pete Reiser lost three years to WWII, or he would have made it close. The vote is close with recency bias seeming to have the upper hand in the online vote. He won two Silver Slugger Awards while playing for 11 seasons as a Dodger. Harper is set to return against a talented team in the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday . No. Where do you stand? Snider's .553 slugging percentage is fourth-best. So rich that a guy who has won three Cy Young Awards only ranks as the seventh greatest figure in franchise history, and the third greatest pitcher. The Dodgers 10 Most Memorable Games A list of 10 memorable games and other notable personal achievements that have defined the Dodgers history. Required fields are marked *. Those who did vote for him mainly had the same reason: Moving the team to L.A. He gave it one last hurrah for Los Angeles in 2000 but, after getting hammered for a 1-5 record and 13.14 ERA in 10 appearances, he stepped down for good. After suffering through an awful 1952 World Series in which he went hitless in 21 at-bats, Hodges powered up for his next four Fall Classic appearances, hitting .337; he knocked in both runs in Game Seven of the 1955 Series to seal Brooklyns lone world title, and four years later hit .391 for Los Angeles in its six-game triumph over the Chicago White Sox. The Los Angeles Dodgers have had some amazing Right fielders throughout their years in the MLB, but who is the all time greatest? Kershaw is already fourth in Dodgers history with 2,228 strikeouts and seventh at 149 wins. From 100 all the way to 1. Overview and forecasts on trending topics, Industry and market insights and forecasts, Key figures and rankings about companies and products, Consumer and brand insights and preferences in various industries, Detailed information about political and social topics, All key figures about countries and regions, Market forecast and expert KPIs for 600+ segments in 150+ countries, Insights on consumer attitudes and behavior worldwide, Business information on 70m+ public and private companies, Detailed information for 35,000+ online stores and marketplaces. He also won the MVP last season too. He gets every big hit for the team its JT. Manage Settings He. The one mountain Kershaw struggled to climb was that of his postseason performances; through 2019, he had produced a 9-11 record and 4.43 ERA in October. 51: Jonathan Broxton (2005-11)The two-time All-Star closer saved 84 games for the Dodgers. No. The Dodgers have spanned two coasts, but through the move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles they maintained their status as a celebrated baseball franchise. Amiable yet never shy to promote himself, Garvey was not universally popularnot even within his own clubhouse, as best remembered when he engaged in a wrestling match with outspoken teammate Don Sutton over public remarks the star pitcher had made criticizing Garveys faade and Madison Avenue image. Having a wife (Cyndy Garvey) who seemed far more starved for stardom didnt help matters. His 2.20 ERA led the National League in 1980, his final season in Los Angeles until a brief return eight years later prior to his retirement. JT has produced 3 seasons hitting over .300, made the All-Star team in 2017, and was a key cog in back to back World Series appearances. 77: Joe Medwick (1940-41)Had two big seasons wearing this number en route to the Hall of Fame. 55: Orel Hershiser (1983-94, 2000)1988 NL Cy Young Award winner, scoreless-innings record holder, "Bulldog.". Appropriately nicknamed the Duke of Flatbush, the left-handed slugger hit .292 with 23 home runs in his rookie year of 1949; that was merely a warm-up for what was to follow.