From Japan to Mexico, the iconic interlocking L.A. logo of the Dodgers is visible everywhere.
The team’s history is rich, tracing back to its Brooklyn roots. With Jackie Robinson’s significant contributions to the game and a lineup filled with stars today, the spirit of Dodger baseball remains timeless.
Manager: Tommy Lasorda
Tommy Lasorda, who pitched for the Dodgers in the mid-1950s, served as the third base coach from 1973-76 before stepping up as manager late in 1976. Under his leadership, the Dodgers clinched the National League pennants in 1977 and 1978, and won World Series titles in 1981 and 1988. His managerial record of 1,599 wins from 1976-1996 positions him second in the franchise’s history.
Starting Pitcher: Sandy Koufax
Sandy Koufax, who only pitched for 12 seasons (1955-66), is recognized as one of the best in baseball history. He led the National League in ERA for five consecutive seasons and was instrumental in three Dodgers championships (1959, 1963, and 1965). Koufax holds many franchise records, including 40 shutouts and 2,396 strikeouts, alongside a remarkable 0.95 ERA in postseason play.
Closer: Kenley Jansen
Kenley Jansen emerged as one of the premier closers while with the Dodgers from 2010-2021. The towering right-hander dominated the ninth inning, known for his striking out capabilities and unique delivery. With 350 saves, he leads the franchise in that category and has an impressive 2.37 ERA under his belt.
Catcher: Roy Campanella
Roy Campanella made an immediate impact after joining the Dodgers from the Negro Leagues in 1948. Over ten seasons (1948-57), he won three NL MVP awards and averaged exceptional stats, including a career-high of 41 home runs in 1953. His contributions earned him a spot in the franchise’s all-time records, ranking fourth in home runs and eighth in RBIs.
First Base: Gil Hodges
Gil Hodges played his major league career with the Dodgers, returning from military service to become a power hitter and three-time Gold Glove winner. His tenure with the team included key contributions to their 1955 and 1959 World Series victories, placing him second in franchise history with 361 home runs and 1,254 RBIs.
Honorable Mentions:
- Walter Alston (manager)
- Clayton Kershaw (starting pitcher)
- Fernando Valenzuela (starting pitcher)
- Eric Gagne (reliever/closer)
- Eric Karros (1B)
- Justin Turner (3B)
- Adrian Beltre (3B)
- Jim Gilliam (3B)
- Mookie Betts (OF)
- Matt Kemp (OF)
