LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 09: A general view during player introductions before game one of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium on October 9, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of baseball history. Which players in the history of the franchise make up their Mount Rushmore?
The history of the Los Angeles Dodgers may well predate their franchise history. Back in the early days of baseball, before the major leagues came into existence, the Brooklyn Atlantics were founded in 1855. The original member of the National Association of Base Ball Players, the Atlantics were the first dynasty in the game, and were known for knocking off the legendary Cincinnati Reds in 1870, ending their 89 game unbeaten streak.
Still using the name of the Atlantics, the forefathers of the Dodgers joined the American Association in 1884, and became a part of the National League in 1890. They went through a variety of name changes throughout the year, eventually sticking with the Dodgers name in 1932.
Over the years, the Dodgers have been an important part of shaping the game as it is today. They ended the color barrier once and for all when Jackie Robinson took the field in 1947. The Dodgers convinced their cross town rivals, the Giants, to join them in a move to the west coast, as baseball truly spanned the country for the first time. With 23 National League pennants, and six World Series victories, the Dodgers have long been a premier team in the game.
Naturally, given their stature in baseball history, quite a few great players have been a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Which of those players make up their Mount Rushmore?
It took some time for Sandy Koufax to establish himself. Once he did, the Los Angeles Dodgers lefty became a star.
Koufax began his career with the Dodgers at 19 years old, a “bonus baby” who was required to remain on the major league roster for two seasons before he could be sent to the minors. He showed an impressive fastball, but lacked control, walking over five batters per nine innings in his first six seasons. He seemed destined to be unable to harness his potential until Norm Sherry convinced him to ease up on his delivery.
That proved to be the key to unlocking his ability. From that point, Koufax went on an impressive run of dominance, becoming the top pitching in the National League. He was a six time All Star, and won the Cy Young award three times, winning the Pitching Triple Crown each time. Koufax led the NL in strikeouts four times, and lead in ERA for five consecutive years. Koufax also held the record with four no hitters, including a perfect game, until he was surpassed by Nolan Ryan.
Unfortunately, right when Koufax was at his dominant peak, his career was over. He retired at 30 years old due to crippling arthritis in his pitching arm, making his performance all the more impressive. Overall, the Dodgers legend had a 165-87 record, along with a 2.76 ERA and a 1.106 WHiP. In his 2324.1 innings, Koufax notched 2396 strikeouts with only 817 walks.
Sandy Koufax was one of the best left handed pitchers in baseball history. Had his arm held up, his legendary performance could have been even more spectacular.
Jackie Robinson may well be the most important player in baseball history.
The first black player in the game since Fleet Walker, Robinson was hand selected by Branch Rickey to shatter the color barrier. His every action was under heavy scrutiny, and Robinson would need to be a star in order to gain acceptance. The fate of black baseball players everywhere hinged on how well he performed.
Needless to say, Robinson shattered even the loftiest of expectations. He won the first Rookie of the Year award in 1947, and two years later, took home the MVP award. Robinson was a six time All Star, a two time stolen base leader, and the 1949 batting champion. His defensive versatility made him a valuable part of the Dodgers infield, a key component in their dynasty in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Robinson’s statistics do not show his full value. Overall with the Dodgers, he produced a solid .311/.409/.474 batting line, hitting 137 homers and 273 doubles. He stole 197 bases despite playing in an era when the stolen base was an afterthought, limiting his numbers. Had he arrived in the majors earlier, or had he played in a different era, his performance could have been even more impressive.
Jackie Robinson was one of the greatest players in Dodgers history. However, his place in baseball history is even more impressive.
Despite being overshadowed by Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays during his time in New York, Duke Snider was a star in his own right.
A key piece of the Dodgers attack, Snider was a great power hitter. He had five consecutive seasons with 40 or more homers, and his 326 home runs were the most in the majors in the 1950s. Snider led the National League in slugging twice, and also led the league in runs scored three times. He was far more than a one dimensional slugger.
His value to the Dodgers was well understood by the fans. Snider made eight All Star Games, despite playing at the same time as two of the greatest center fielders in baseball history. Although he never won an MVP award, he finished second once, and had six top ten finishes overall.
Born in Los Angeles, he was able to return home when the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn. Although his prime had passed due to injuries, Snider still had the first Dodgers hit in their new city, and the first hit in Dodger Stadium. During his time with the franchise, he produced a .300/.384/.553 batting line, hitting 389 homers and driving in 1271 runs.
Duke Snider was a star in his own right, and one of the top players in Dodgers history. His career, had it not been cut short by injuries, could have been right there with Mantle and Mays.
An intimidating presence on the mound, Drysdale was not afraid to come inside, and was known to retaliate if a Dodger was hit. In fact, the Drysdale Rule became known as “you hit one of mine, I hit two of yours.” As he led the league in hit batters five times, he certainly backed up that reputation.
He was more than just an intimidating force. Drysdale was a nine time All Star and won the 1962 Cy Young Award. He was a workhorse, making 40 or more starts in five consecutive years, and throwing over 200 innings for 12 straight seasons. Known as an excellent hitter, he hit 29 homers, and was the only member of the 1965 Dodgers lineup in Game One of the World Series to bat .300 that season.
Overall, in his 14 year career, Drysdale produced a 209-166 record, along with a 2.95 ERA and 1.148 WHiP. While he was not the strikeout artist that his rotation mate, Koufax, was, he still struck out 2486 batters against 855 walks in 3432 innings. He was also a solid hitter, and was occasionally used to pinch hit.
The righty that balanced Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale was one of the top pitchers of the 1960s. His dominance helped the Los Angeles Dodgers maintain their dynasty into the 1960s.
