Los Angeles Dodgers Information
Being first is never easy. Just ask the Dodgers, who in 1958 became the first Major League club to move west of the Mississippi from Brooklyn to Los Angeles . Despite the westward journey of New York co-tenant Giants the Dodgers have always been the ultimate attraction in West Coast Baseball.
From Koufax and Drysdale who brought the team its first World Series title in Los Angeles to Fernandomania in 1981, the Dodgers have never been short on raw young talent. The names speak for themselves: Robinson, Reese, Podres, Cey. The list goes on and on. And with six World Series Championships and 21 N.L. Pennants, never has a West Coast team been more successful.
With that rich history comes vibrant and powerful memories. Sandy Koufax skipping Game 1 of the 1965 World Series in honor of Yom Kippur. Kirk Gibson's hobbled walk-off Homerun in 1988. The Back-to-back-to-back-to back Homers in 2006 that propelled the Dodgers to a Wild Card playoff berth. Miraculous plays, endearing heroes and undying fan support have filled every era of Dodger baseball.
The 2008 Season is a time of great expectation and great celebration for the Dodgers. With the addition of manager Joe Torre the Championship dreams in the City of Angels has never been higher.
Loads of youthful fielders and hitters make both fans and scouts alike salivate over the possibilities. James Loney, who snatched away Nomar Garciaparra's job at first base last season, boasts power and fielding savvy not seen since the days of Eric Karros in the early-1990's. Matt Kemp whose ability to blast balls into the Pavilion seats reminds some fans of a young Raul Mondesi. Catcher Russell Martin continues in the tradition of Mike Piazza and Mike Sciosca.
The bullpen is not wan for talent either. Fireballer Jonathan Broxton throws so hard he comes out of his shoes and Chad Billingsley's thighs are so huge, it is impossible not to mistake them for tree trunks. With rising prospects Clayton Kershaw and Jonathan Meloan waiting in the Minor League ranks and Taiwanese stud Hong-Chi Kuo already in the bigs, the Dodger Pitching staff looks to be formidable for many years to come.
Along with all the kids wearing Dodger blue, there are also some crusty veterans that fill out the roster with scrappy play and hard-nosed style. Jeff Kent and his moustache lead the Majors for all-time homers hit by a second baseman. Brad Penny brings not only a surly attitude but also World Series experience, winning in 2003 as part of that miracle Marlins squad. In the outfield the Dodgers welcome newly acquired Centerfielder Andruw Jones, who has lost a few steps (and gained a few pounds) but still has the pop and voracity in the outfield to make a solid and substantial contribution. Jones is also reunited with his former Braves mate Rafael Furcal who has been the Dodgers most consistent hitter since he joined the Blue in 2005. Add in Japanese imports Takashi Saito and Hiroki Kuroda and the Dodgers look beastly.
With this stacked roster with varied talents the Dodgers should look to compete in the very difficult and challenging National League West as they celebrate their 50 th Season in Los Angeles .
Aside from the uniformed combatants, another key component to the lore and magic of the Dodgers is their playing grounds. Opened in 1962, Dodger Stadium has hosted not only thousands of baseball games but countless concerts by some of the world's biggest acts. Ever heard of the Beatles? How about the Rolling Stones? Dodger Stadium has even hosted an Olympic Games and a visit by Pope John Paul II!
The owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Frank and Jamie McCourt have made a commitment to Chavez Ravine for many years into the future. In addition to the refurbishment of every seat in the house in 2005, a new look for the Field Level concessions area (think an Apple store mixed with a food court) to the innovative All-You-Can-Eat Right Field Pavilion, the McCourts recently announced plans for a $500 million dollar expansion of the park which will include a Dodgers museum, shops and restaurants with the goal of making Dodger Stadium not only a destination for great baseball, but a spot for nightlife and family fun. |
