Top 10 Moments in Los Angeles Dodgers History

In chronological order (Brooklyn included):

Jackie Robinson desegregates baseball (April 15, 1947): Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play Major League Baseball since 1887. That season, baseball owners entered into a “gentlemen’s agreement” barring blacks from the majors. That barrier remained until Branch Rickey decided to reincorporate blacks into America’s pastime. Although there were better players, Rickey chose Robinson because of his tough demeanor. The first season proved difficult on Robinson as he became the target of racial epitaphs and taunts. However, his success on the field helped changed many minds and led to desegregation in society as a whole.

Johnny Podres beats Yanks (October 4, 1955): In 1955, the Dodgers FINALLY won a World Series defeating the hated Yankees in seven games. Johnny Podres was Brooklyn’s hero as he won both his starts. He won Game 3 by an 8-3 score and then shutout the Yankees 2-0 in Game 7 to deliver the title. A couple seasons later, the Dodgers left Brooklyn for California where they went on to greater success.

Koufax is perfect (September 9, 1965): Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game against the Cubs. He faced a lineup that included Hall of Famers Billy Williams and Ernie Banks plus Ron Santo. Former batting champion Harvey Kuenn came in to pinch hit against the ace of aces. Koufax needed to be perfect that evening. The Cubs Bob Hendley pitched a one-hitter. The Dodgers won 1-0.

Koufax wins Game 7 (October 14, 1965): Sandy Koufax and Jim Kaat faced off in Game 7 of the 1965 World Series. Koufax allowed three hits shutting out the Twins. For the series, he boasted a 2-1 record with a 0.38 ERA.

Fernandomania! (1981): The Dodgers integrated baseball in 1947. In 1981, they cornered the Hispanic market by promoting Fernando Valenzuela to the big club and watching him have a season for the ages. He started the 1981 season 8-0 with five shutouts. His success, stocky physique, and demeanor made Fernando a star. He won the 1981 Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and Silver Slugger. He also won the key game of the World Series that year as the Dodgers captured their first title since 1965.

Blue Monday (October 19, 1981): The Dodgers and Expos battled to a decisive Game 5 in the National League Championship Series. With the score tied at one in the 9th inning, Montreal brought in Ace Steve Rogers to pitch. He surrendered a game winning home run to Rick Monday sending the Dodgers to the World Series where they defeated the Yankees.

Hershiser breaks Drysdale’s record (1988): Orel Hershiser surpassed Don Drysdale’s record of 58 2/3 scoreless innings. Manager Tommy Lasorda allowed Hershiser to pitch into extra innings in the final regular season contest to break the record. Hershiser won the Cy Young that season leading the league with 23 wins. The streak ended in 1989 at 60 innings.

Mike Sciocia homer stuns Mets (October 9, 1988): The Mets looked to take a commanding 3-1 NLCS lead on the Dodgers when Mike Scioscia launched a 9th inning 2-run homer to tie the game and force extra innings. In the 12th, Kirk Gibson won it with a home run. Orel Hershiser pitched the bottom half to earn a save. The game turned the series around and the Dodgers won the pennant.

Gibson does Roy Hobbs (October 15, 1988): The Athletics led the Dodgers 4-3 in the 9th when they called Hall of Fame relief ace Dennis Eckersley in to finish the game. Manager Tommy Lasorda decided to roll the dice and sent injured Kirk Gibson into the game to pinch hit. Gibson could barely walk and looked bad on Eckersley’s fastball. With two outs and two strikes, Gibson launched a dramatic game winning walk off and then hobbled around the bases. Eck threw a slider.

4 Straight HR tie game/Nomar wins game (September 18, 2006): The Dodgers hit four straight home runs in the 9th inning to tie a game with San Diego. In the 10th, the shell shocked Padres took a one-run lead, but could not hold it. In the bottom half, Nomar Garciaparra hit a two-run shot to win the game.