LOS ANGELES DODGERS INFORMATION:
Founded: 1883 (in Los Angeles since 1958)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Stadium: Dodger Stadium
Conference: National League
Division: West Division
Rivals: San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Notable Players: Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Pee Wee Reese, Orel Hershiser
Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Title: 6 - Last World Series appearance, 1988
Los Angeles Dodgers NL Championships: 21 - Last NL Championship appearance, 2009
The Los Angeles Dodgers have become one of the most popular franchises in the Major Leagues, and they can trace their lineage back to 1890 when the team played in New York City as the Brooklyn Bridegrooms. After changing their name to the Superbas, the Trolly Dodgers and the Robins, the squad finally settled on the Dodgers moniker in 1932. The Dodgers were one of three teams in the Big Apple and were instrumental in the continued growth of professional baseball. The team broke the color barrier in 1947 when they signed Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, who would go on to win Rookie of the Year honors that year. The Dodgers managed to win one World Series in New York in 1955, which was a matchup against their crosstown rivals the New York Yankees. It proved to be a rare defeat for the Yankee juggernaut and was instrumental in drumming up anticipation for the Dodgers' move to Los Angeles in 1957.
Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, the Dodgers would experience one of the most successful periods of their history, winning the World Series in 1959, 1963 and 1965. With the dynamic duo of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale on the mound, as well as the steady bats of Duke Snider and Gil Hodges, the Dodgers were one of the toughest teams in the National League. After a decade of rebuilding in the 1970s, the team was once again ready to contend for a title in the early '80s.
The Dodgers received a huge boost in 1981 with the arrival of Mexican pitching phenom Fernando Valenzuela. The rookie would win Rookie of the Year and Cy Young honors and carry the team into the postseason. Along with pitchers Don Sutton and Jerry Reuss, the Dodgers once again had one of the most formidable pitching staffs in baseball and overwhelmed their opponents at the plate. During the 1980s, the Dodgers won World Series titles in 1981 and 1988, four National League West division titles and more than 800 games.
Today, the friendly confines of Dodgers Stadium and the beautiful weather of Southern California make it a spectacular place to see a game. With two recent division championships in their pocket and a wealth of new talent in the minors, the Dodgers look closer than ever to capturing their elusive sixth championship.
See Also:
Los Angeles Dodgers Playoff Tickets
Los Angeles Dodgers Preview History