Today we unveil a Dodgers Dream Team in 26-man roster
format.
The link below is an all-encompassing Dream Team from
both the Brooklyn (1890-1957) and Los Angeles (1958-present)
eras:
http://vincedadamo.blogspot.com/2021/01/all-encompassing-
The link below comprises a Dodger Dream Team from just the
Los Angeles era:
http://vincedadamo.blogspot.com/2021/01/los-angeles-dodgers-
Every sport evolves with each passing generation -- from the
size and athleticism of players to game strategy.
Baseball’s evolution, however, is both historic and unique given
the pre-integration and dead ball eras. For the former, full
segregation took place from 1887-1947. Full integration, which
was a gradual process, came in 1959. The Deadball Era was a
period in the early 20th century when baseball was characterized
by low scoring and emphasis on pitching.
There was the Steroid Era, which has no definite start time though
it is generally assumed that the era ran from the late 1980s until
the late 2000s. This era was defined by shattered home run
records leading to exorbitant salaries.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have existed since 1890, beginning as
the Brooklyn Bridegrooms. The franchise went by various monikers
before being branded as the Dodgers in 1932. The franchise’s
home was Brooklyn until 1957 before moving west to Los Angeles.
The Dodgers are in selected company as a flagship franchise,
winning their seventh World Series title in a pandemic shortened
2020 season. The Dodgers have also won 24 pennants and 19
division titles. They have twice appeared in the postseason as a
wild card team.
Today, I formed a Dodgers Dream Team in 26-man roster format but
with a twist -- the Los Angeles era, which began in 1958. In an earlier
piece, I constructed an all-encompassing Dodgers Dream Team:
http://vincedadamo.blogspot.com/2021/01/all-encompassing-dodgers-
For openers, to make this roster, four years as a Dodger are required.
No exceptions. With the free agency era, I’m not going to cheapen
this roster with 1-3 year rentals.
I’m forming a 12 man pitching staff, five starters and seven relievers.
For the latter, I want at least one lefthander in the bullpen. For position
players, I am taking what I believe is the best of the best regardless of
era. For the bench players, it’s the best of the rest with versatility being
heavily considered. Merit achievements such as Hall of Fame, All
Star appearances and Gold Gloves are considered but not
guaranteed. General impactfulness on the franchise is also
considered.
Generational reminders
If you played on a World Series champion and/or contender, there is
no guarantee of landing on this roster. If you played during a bad season,
that does not deter you from being on this roster. Off the field baggage
is not a deterrent to landing on this team, nor is any Steroid Era affiliation.
This is baseball, not the Boys Scouts.
Starting pitchers
Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Don Sutton, Clayton Kershaw, Orel
Hershiser
This starting rotation has an embarrassment of riches with four Hall of
Famers and a likely one with Kershaw. Drysdale was an intimidating
pitcher and a nine-time All-Star who played a significant role in three
World Series Championships. His scoreless inning streak of 58 2/3
innings was a major league record until broken by Orel Hershiser in
1988. Drysdale could have been even more dominant if his career
weren't cut short by a shoulder injury. Sutton was the epitome of
durability, never missing a single start and his 23 years as a Major
League pitcher mostly with the Dodgers. Sutton owns numerous
franchise records, not to mention nobody could rock the man perm
like he could.
Koufax might be the most dominant pitcher in Major League history.
Koufax helped lead the Dodgers to four World Series Championships
and was the World Series MVP on two occasions. Kofax's three-hit
shutout in the 1965 World Series on two days' rest remains stuff of
legend. Kershaw exercised a huge demon in 2020 and finally got a
World Series championship. Kershaw, however, has been a perennial
All-Star and no left-hander has more career wins in Dodger history
than Kershaw, including Koufax. Hershiser May lack the Hall of Fame
resume that the other four have but remains a legendary Dodger.
Hershiser was a three-time All-Star with his banner season being
1988. That year, Hershiser was the National League Cy Young
Award winner, NLCS MVP, World Series MVP National League wins
leader and recorded a Major League Baseball record 59 consecutive
scoreless innings on the way delivering a World Series championship
in 1988.
Bullpen
Closer -- Kenley Jansen
Eric Gagne, Rick Honeycutt, Jim Brewer, Jay Howell, Ron Perranoski,
Jeff Shaw
The Dodgers starting pitchers that we chose probably wouldn't take
too kindly to being replaced by a relief pitcher but we put together a
bullpen anyhow. Jansen has pitched for the Dodgers for 11 seasons.
He is a three-time All-Star and the 30th pitcher to reach the 300 career
save plateau. Gagne pitched eight seasons for the Dodgers and was
a converted starter turned reliever. In a Dodgers uniform, he was a
three-time All-Star with 2003 being his banner season. That year, he
was the National League saves leader and the National League Cy
Young Award winner. Honeycutt pitched five seasons with the Dodgers
and was a solid left-hander out of the bullpen. During his time with the
franchise, he fashioned a 3.58 ERA.
Brewer’s screwball turned him into a top-shelf relief pitcher. Brewer
pitched 12 seasons with the Dodgers, helping them win the World
Series in 1965 and become an All-Star in 1973. Howell recorded 55
career saves in five seasons with the Dodgers. He was a member of
the 1988 World Series team and recorded the final out against his
former team, the Oakland A's. In some circles, Perranoski is only
remembered for his role as the Dodgers pitching coach under manager
Tommy Lasorda. However, in eight seasons he recorded 100 saves
in a Dodger uniform and a 2.56 ERA. Shaw had a short-lived career
with the Dodgers at five years but in that span recorded 129 career
saves and two All-Star appearances.
Infield
Catcher -- Mike Piazza, First base -- Steve Garvey, Second base --
Davey Lopes, Third base -- Ron Cey, Shortstop -- Maury Wills
Piazza did not have a pleasant split from the Dodgers but was the best
hitting catcher of the modern era. In his seven seasons with the
Dodgers he was an All-Star six times and Silver Slugger Award winner
six times. He was also the National League rookie of the year in 1993.
Garvey's career with the Dodgers spanned three decades from
1969-1982. In a Dodger uniform, he was an eight-time All-Star, National
League MVP in 1974 to time NLCS MVP, one is a Dodger, four-time
Gold Glove Award winner and helped the Dodgers to a World
Series championship in 1981. Lopes spent 10 seasons with the
Dodgers including the 1981 World Series championship. All four of
his All-Star appearances came in a Dodger uniform. He was a Gold
Glove Award winner in 1978 and a two-time national league stolen
base later.
Cey was also World Series MVP. On the way to a Hall of Fame career,
Reese excelled offensively defensively and on the bases. Reese was
a 10-time All-Star and helped the Dodgers to two World Series titles.
He was the National League stolen base leader in 1952. Wills
popularized the stolen base. Only one switch hitter, Vince Coleman,
has more stolen bases in a single season. Wills was a seven-time
All-Star and helped the Dodgers win three World Series
Championships. He was also a six-time National League stolen base
leader, two-time Gold Glove Award winner and National League MVP
in 1962.
Outfield
Leftfield -- Dusty Baker, Centerfield -- Duke Snider, Rightfield --
Reggie Smith
Even though Snider was never a league MVP, he was a very vital
cog in his 16 Seasons as a Dodger. During which time he was an
eight-time All-Star and helped the franchise win two World Series.
Snider was the National League RBI leader in 1955 and home run
leader in 1956. Smith was a solid all-around player who was an All-
Star in three of his five seasons with the Dodgers. Smith also helped
deliver the Dodgers 1981 World Series championship. Davis played
14 seasons with the Dodgers and was a three-time Gold Glove
Award winner. He also made two All-Star appearances and helped
the Dodgers win two World Series Championships. While Baker
never had more than 100 RBIs in a season, he was a consistent
offensive and defensive performer throughout his eight years with
the Dodgers. In that span, Baker helped the Dodgers win the 1981
World Series, NLCS MVP in 1977, two-time All Star and two-time
Silver Slugger Award winner and was a Gold Glove Award winner
in 1981.
Bench
Mike Scioscia, Wes Parker, Justin Turner, Bill Russell, Willie Davis,
Matt Kemp
Scioscia was known more for his defense than offense because he
absorbed many collisions while blocking home plate. Scioscia was
also a terrific leader of the Dodger defense and pitching staff and
helped deliver two World Series Championships. He was a two-time
All-Star. Parker won six consecutive Gold Gloves and offensively
led the National League of 47 doubles in 1970. Parker could also
play all three outfield positions. Turner has made just one All-Star
appearance in his seven seasons with the Dodgers but his
leadership and clutch hitting are undeniable. Turner was the NLCS
MVP in 2017 and helped the 2020 Dodgers win the World Series.
Russell's career with the Dodgers spanned three decades (1969-
1982).
In the Los Angeles era, no Dodger has played in more games in
franchise history than Russell and only Zack Wheat has played in
more games in franchise history combining both LA and Brooklyn
eras. Russell was versatile in that he can play shortstop and all
three outfield positions. Kemp, who spent the 2020 season with the
Colorado Rockies, was a Dodger for nine years and the ultimate
five-tool player. With the Dodgers, Kemp was a three-time All-Star,
two-time Gold Glove Award winner, two-time Silver Slugger Award
winner. He also led the National League in home runs and RBIs in
2011. Davis played 14 seasons with the Dodgers and was a three-
time Gold Glove Award winner. He also made two All-Star
appearances and helped the Dodgers win two World Series
Championships.
Manager
Walter Alston
Alston managed the Dodgers for 23 years, overlapping both the
Brooklyn and Los Angeles eras. Alston had a very calm demeanor
and was known as a steady hand. Alston was named manager of
the year six times and inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in
1983. Alston retired with 2,040 career victories and led the Dodgers
to four World Series Championships.
Assistant manager
Tommy Lasorda
Though Alston is the easy choice for manager, Lasorda deserves
a spot somewhere. In 21 seasons, Lasorda managed the Dodgers
to 1,599 regular-season wins and two World Series Championships,
including the Dodgers improbable title in 1988. You could not find
two polar opposites than Alston and Lasorda. The former was a
calm and steady hand. The latter was brash but also molded a
tremendous nucleus of players throughout the years.
Team
1965
In the regular season, the Dodgers went 97-65, edging the San
Francisco Giants by two games for the National League pennant.
Dodgers were led offensively by Maury Wills with 94 stolen bases
with the pitching staff being anchored by the dominant 1-2 tandem
of Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax. In the postseason, the
Dodgers swept the Milwaukee Braves and three games and edged
the Minnesota Twins and seven games to win the World Series.
Every sport evolves with each passing generation -- from the size
and athleticism of players to game strategy.
Baseball’s evolution, however, is both historic and unique given the
pre-integration and dead ball eras. For the former, full segregation
took place from 1887-1947. Full integration, which was a gradual
process, came in 1959. The Deadball Era was a period in the early
20th century when baseball was characterized by low scoring and
emphasis on pitching.
There was the Steroid Era, which has no definite start time though it
is generally assumed that the era ran from the late 1980s until the
late 2000s. This era was defined by shattered home run records
leading to exorbitant salaries.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have existed since 1890, beginning as
the Brooklyn Bridegrooms. The franchise went by various monikers
before being branded as the Dodgers in 1932. The franchise’s
home was Brooklyn until 1957 before moving west to Los Angeles.
The Dodgers are in selected company as a flagship franchise,
winning their seventh World Series title in a pandemic shortened
2020 season. The Dodgers have also won 24 pennants and 19
division titles. They have twice appeared in the postseason as a
wild card team.
Today, I formed a Dodgers Dream Team that is all-encompassing
between the Brooklyn and Los Angeles era in 26-man roster format.
For openers, to make this roster, four years as a Giant are required.
No exceptions. With the free agency era, I’m not going to cheapen
this roster with 1-3 year rentals.
I’m forming a 12 man pitching staff, five starters and seven relievers.
For the latter, I want at least one lefthander in the bullpen. For
position players, I am taking what I believe is the best of the best
regardless of era. For the bench players, it’s the best of the rest with
versatility being heavily considered. Merit achievements such as
Hall of Fame, All Star appearances and Gold Gloves are considered
but not guaranteed. General impactfulness on the franchise is also
considered.
Generational reminders
If I believe you were the best at your position in the pre-integration
era, you are on the team. If you played on a World Series champion,
there is no guarantee of landing on this roster. If you played during
a bad season, that does not deter you from being on this roster. Off
the field baggage is not a deterrent to landing on this team, nor is
any Steroid Era affiliation. This is baseball, not the Boys Scouts.
Starting pitchers
Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Don Sutton, Clayton Kershaw, Charles
“Dazzy” Vance
This starting rotation has an embarrassment of riches with four Hall of
Famers and a likely one with Kershaw. Drysdale was an intimidating
pitcher and a nine-time All-Star who played a significant role in three
World Series Championships. His scoreless inning streak of 58 2/3
innings was a major league record until broken by Orel Hershiser in
1988. Drysdale could have been even more dominant if his career
weren't cut short by a shoulder injury. Sutton was the epitome of
durability, never missing a single start and his 23 years as a Major
League pitcher mostly with the Dodgers. Sutton owns numerous
franchise records, not to mention nobody could rock the man perm
like he could.
Vance was the first Dodger pitcher to win the MVP award. Vance led
the National League in strikeouts seven consecutive seasons and
pitched 213 complete games in 12 years. Koufax might be the most
dominant pitcher in Major League history. Koufax helped lead the
Dodgers to four World Series Championships and was the World
Series MVP on two occasions. Kofax's three-hit shutout in the 1965
World Series on two days' rest remains stuff of legend. Kershaw
exercised a huge demon in 2020 and finally got a World Series
championship. Kershaw, however, has been a perennial All-Star
and no left-hander has more career wins in Dodger history than
Kershaw, including Koufax.
Bullpen
Closer -- Kenley Jansen
Eric Gagne, Clem Labine, Jim Brewer, Jay Howell, Ron Perranoski,
Jeff Shaw
The Dodgers starting pitchers that we chose probably wouldn't take
too kindly to being replaced by a relief pitcher but we put together a
bullpen anyhow. Jansen has pitched for the Dodgers for 11 seasons.
He is a three-time All-Star and the 30th pitcher to reach the 300
career save plateau. Gagne pitched eight seasons for the Dodgers
and was a converted starter turned reliever. In a Dodgers uniform,
he was a three-time All-Star with 2003 being his banner season.
That year, he was the National League saves leader and the National
League Cy Young Award winner. Labine was a two-time All-Star who
helped the Dodgers to three World Series Championships. In 1962,
he was fourth in Major League history with 96 saves.
Brewer’s screwball turned him into a top-shelf relief pitcher. Brewer
pitched 12 seasons with the Dodgers, helping them win the World
Series in 1965 and become an All-Star in 1973. Howell recorded 55
career saves in five seasons with the Dodgers. He was a member of
the 1988 World Series team and recorded the final out against his
former team, the Oakland A's. In some circles, Perranoski is only
remembered for his role as the Dodgers pitching coach under
manager Tommy Lasorda. However, in eight seasons he recorded
100 saves in a Dodger uniform and a 2.56 ERA. Shaw had a short-
lived career with the Dodgers at five years but in that span recorded
129 career saves and two All-Star appearances.
Infield
Catcher -- Roy Campanella, First base -- Gil Hodges, Second base
-- Jackie Robinson, Third base -- Ron Cey, Shortstop -- Harold
“PeeWee” Reese
Though Jackie Robinson is known as a trailblazer, Campanella is
not far behind. On the way to a Hall of Fame career, Campanella was
a three-time MVP and was Major League Baseball's first black
catcher. He helped deliver the franchise a World Series title in
1955. Campanella's career was shortened by his stint with the Negro
Leagues and also an automobile accident that made him into a
quadriplegic. Hodges was a powerful header and excellent with the
glove. Hodges compiled seven consecutive seasons of at least 100
RBIs. Hodges was a key contributor to seven pennant winners and
two World Series champions. He was also an eight-time All-Star.
Before even looking at his stats, Robinson was the epitome of a
trailblazer in becoming the first black player in major league history
and also exuded exemplary class in dealing with extreme hate.
Robinson was a six-time All-Star and helped the Dodgers win the
1955 World Series. He was also the Rookie of the Year in 1947,
batting champion in 1949 and two-time National League stolen base
leader. Cey was the epitome durable and reliable as he played at
least 150 games in eight of his nine seasons in a Dodger uniform.
Cey was a six-time All-Star and was vital in the Dodgers winning the
1981 World Series. Cey was also World Series MVP. On the way to
a Hall of Fame career, Reese excelled offensively defensively and
on the bases. Reese was a 10-time All-Star and helped the Dodgers
to two World Series titles. He was the National League stolen base
leader in 1952.
Outfield
Leftfield -- Zack Wheat, Centerfield -- Duke Snider, Rightfield --
Dixie Walker
On the way to a Hall of Fame career, Wheat shined in both the Live
Ball and Dead Ball eras. Even though Wheat last put on a Dodger
uniform nearly 100 years ago, he remains the franchise leader in hits,
doubles, triples in total bases. Even though Snider was never a
league MVP, he was a very vital cog in his 16 Seasons as a Dodger.
During which time he was an eight-time All-Star and helped the
franchise win two World Series. Snyder was the National League RBI
leader in 1955 and home run leader in 1956. Though Walker is known
for his opposition to the integration of black players in Major League
Baseball, he is the best right fielder in franchise history. In his nine
seasons with the Dodgers, Walker was a five-time All-Star, National
League batting champion in 1944 at National League RBI leader
1945.
Bench
Mike Piazza, Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Maury Wills, Reggie
Smith, Willie Davis
Piazza did not have a pleasant split from the Dodgers but was the
best hitting catcher of the modern era. In his seven seasons with the
Dodgers he was an All-Star six times and Silver Slugger Award
winner six times. He was also the National League rookie of the year
in 1993. Garvey's career with the Dodgers spanned three decades
from 1969-1982. In a Dodger uniform, he was an eight-time All-Star,
National League MVP in 1974 to time NLCS MVP, one is a Dodger,
four-time Gold Glove Award winner and helped the Dodgers to a
World Series championship in 1981. Lopes spent 10 seasons with
the Dodgers including the 1981 World Series championship. All four
of his All-Star appearances came in a Dodger uniform. He was a
Gold Glove Award winner in 1978 and a two-time national league
stolen base later.
Wills popularized the stolen base. Only one switch hitter, Vince
Coleman, has more stolen bases in a single season. Wills was a
seven-time All-Star and helped the Dodgers win three World
Series Championships. He was also a six-time National League
stolen base leader, two-time Gold Glove Award winner and National
League MVP in 1962. Smith was a solid all-around player who was
an All-Star in three of his five seasons with the Dodgers. Smith also
helped deliver the Dodgers 1981 World Series championship. Davis
played 14 seasons with the Dodgers and was a three-time Gold
Glove Award winner. He also made two All-Star appearances and
helped the Dodgers win two World Series Championships.
Manager
Walter Alston
Alston managed the Dodgers for 23 years, overlapping both the
Brooklyn and Los Angeles eras. Alston had a very calm demeanor
and was known as a steady hand. Alston was named Manager of
the Year six times and inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in
1983. Alston retired with 2,040 career victories and led the Dodgers
to four World Series Championships.
Team
1955
Despite winning numerous pennants in past seasons, this was the
Dodger team that finally reached the mountaintop for the franchise's
first World Series championship and it was the only one while in
Brooklyn. The Dodgers started the season 14-2 and never looked
back, finishing 13 1/2 games ahead of the second place Milwaukee
Braves. Campanella captured National League MVP honors for the
third time in five seasons. Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee
Reese and Carl Furillo paced an outstanding offense. The pitching
staff meanwhile was anchored by Don Newcomb, who became the
first black pitcher to win 20 games in a regular season. In the World
Series the Dodgers outlasted the New York Yankees in seven
games.
