Los Angeles Dodgers: Facts, History, Stats, and Resources

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History of the Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers were originally founded as the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1890. The team was originally named the Bridegrooms, because many of the teammates had recently become married. The name was later changed to Trolley Dodgers, which was eventually shortened to Dodgers. They remained in Brooklyn until 1958, winning a total of 12 National League Pennants from 1890 to 1958, and one World Series title (1955). In 1958, the team moved to Los Angeles, and by the end of their first season there, the team had claimed their second World Series championship title, winning the 1959 game against the Chicago White Sox. The team in the mid 20th century was strong, winning World Series championships in 1955, 1958, 1963 and 1965. They won again in 1981 and 1988. The team has not won a National League pennant since their last World Series win in 1988, having won only four West Division titles since that victory.

Fun Facts about the Los Angeles Dodgers

What are Los Angeles Dodgers team colors?
Dodger Blue, White

Where did the Los Angeles Dodgers get their name and why are they called it?
The team was originally named the Bridegrooms, because many of the teammates had recently been married. The name was later changed to Trolley Dodgers, after the number of trolleys that weaved their way through sections of Brooklyn where the team played. The name Trolley Dodgers was eventually shortened to Dodgers.

What is the Los Angeles Dodgers’ logo?
The logo for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the early 1900s was a blue “B,” similar to the font used in the present-day Boston Red Sox logo. This “B” was located inside of a white diamond outlined in blue. The team’s logo is currently a baseball cursive font that reads “Dodgers,” with the red outline of a baseball soaring above the script.

Who is the mascot for the Los Angeles Dodgers?
The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of only four teams in Major League Baseball without a mascot.

Who owns the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Frank McCourt, a long-time real estate developer from Boston, Massachusetts.

What numbers have been retired by the Los Angeles Dodgers?
1 Pee Wee Reese
2 Tommy Lasorda
4 Duke Snider
19 Jim Gilliam
20 Don Sutton
24 Walter Alston
32 Sandy Koufax
39 Roy Campanella
53 Don Drysdale
42 Jackie Robinson (retired by MLB)

What players from the Los Angeles Dodgers are in the Baseball Hall Of Fame?
Walter Alston
Roy Campanella
Don Drysdale
Leo Durocher
Burleigh Grimes
Willie Keeler
Sandy Koufax
Tommy Lasorda
Pee Wee Reese
Jackie Robinson
Wilbert Robinson
Duke Snider
Don Sutton
Dazzy Vance
Zack Wheat

How many World Series have the Los Angeles Dodgers won?
Six (1955, 1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988)

Fun Facts about Dodger Stadium

What is the Los Angeles Dodgers’ stadium called?
Dodger Stadium

What is the address of Dodger Stadium?
1000 Elysian Park Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90090

How many seats are in Dodger Stadium?
56,000

Items NOT allowed in Dodger Stadium
Weapons
Umbrellas
Glass bottles, cans and thermoses
Broken factory sealed beverage containers
Containers larger than 1 liter in size
Alcoholic beverages
Purses/Bags/Backpacks larger than 14 inches square
Hard-sided coolers
Brooms, poles and sticks
Beachballs and inflatables
Baseball bats
Banners, signs and flags
Use of laser pointers
Noisemakers, musical instruments, whistles, air horns and boom boxes
Fireworks/firecrackers
Pets (Exception: Service animals for the disabled that are in service)
Wrapped packages

When was Dodger Stadium built?
Ground was broken for construction of Dodger Stadium on September 17, 1959. Construction was completed in time for opening day on April 10, 1962.

How far is it down the right field line in Dodger Stadium?
330 feet

How far is it down the left field line in Dodger Stadium?
330 feet

How far is the center field wall in Dodger Stadium?
400 feet

Travel Information if You’re going to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers

Best restaurants in the area of Dodger Stadium
1. Grand Avenue Sports Bar
506 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 624-1011

2. Spot Bar and Gastropub
1903 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 388-8847
myspotia.com

3. Frank N Hanks
518 South Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 383-2087

Best hotels near Dodger Stadium
1. Super 8 Los Angeles Downtown Motel
1341 West Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 250-2233
super8losangeles.com

2. Standard Hotel: Downtown
596 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 892-8080
standardhotels.com

3. Los Angeles Marriott Downtown
333 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 617-1133
Marriott.com

Top 5 Players of all time for the Los Angeles Dodgers

5. Steve Garvey
Steve Garvey played the majority of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, from 1969 until 1982, when he left to wrap up his playing career with the San Diego Padres. He was the team’s first baseman, and managed 10 career All-Star selections, eight of which were earned while playing for the Dodgers, He won the World Series with the LA team in 1981, and won the Gold Glove Award four times prior to this championship win. He won the Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing on and off-field achievements of MLB players, in 1981, and in 1984 he won the Lou Gehrig Memorial award.
Batting Average: .294
Hits: 2,599
Home Runs: 272
Runs Batted In: 1,308

4. Maury Wills
Maury Wills started his MLB career in Los Angeles, playing at the Dodgers’ shortstop from 1959 until 1966. He went on to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos and Los Angeles Dodgers again, from 1969 to 1972, to end his playing career. During his first eight seasons in LA, Wills was a seven-time All-Star selection, garnering double nominations in 1961 and 1962. He managed to win three World Series championships with the LA Dodgers, the first in 1959, the second in 1963, and the third in 1965, one year before he left to play in Pittsburgh. He was a Gold Glove Award winner and a National League MVP. Although he was not a slugger, Wills put up consistent hitting numbers and played a solid defensive role with the team. He also made a habit of stealing bases, recording a career total of 586 successful stolen.
Batting average: .281
Hits: 2,134
Runs Batted In: 458

3. Don Drysdale
Don Drysdale played for the Brooklyn Dodgers to start his career in 1956, and moved with the team when they relocated to Los Angeles in 1958. He played with the team until his professional retirement in 1969. During this short MLB career, though, Drysdale managed three World Championship series wins. Along with Sandy Koufax, Drysdale intimidated batters with his formidable pitching. He was a nine-time All-Star selection. His number, 53, was retired by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and in 1984, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Win-Loss Record: 206-166
ERA: 295
Strikeouts: 2,486

2. Tommy Lasorda
Tommy Lasorda was one of the best team managers that the Dodgers have ever had, working for the team from 1976 until 1996. Under his leadership, nine of his players won the NL Rookie of the Year award. He helped the team to two World Series championship titles in 1981 and 1988. The team won eight division titles and four National League Championship Series with Lasorda, and played in 61 post-season games during his MLB career. He twice won the National League Manager of the year. His number, 2, was retired by the LA dodgers, and in 1997, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

1. Sandy Koufax
Sandy Koufax was the best pitcher ever to play for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. He played for the team spanning their move from the East Coast to the West Coast, playing a total of only twelve seasons but managing to garner seven All-Star selections and an astonishing four World Series championship titles. He was also a three-time Cy Young Award winner, two-time World Series MVP, National League MVP, four-time Sports Network Pitcher of the Year, three-time Triple Crown Winner and two-time Bath Ruth Award winner. He pitched four no-hitters in his career, and pitched a perfect game on September 9,1965. There have only been 20 perfect games pitched in the history of baseball.
Win-Loss Record: 165-87
ERA: 2.76
Strikeouts: 2,396

Resources about the Los Angeles Dodgers

The Official Site of the Los Angeles Dodgers
website

Los Angeles Dodgers – Dodgers Baseball Clubhouse
website

Los Angeles Dodgers – MLB at CBSSports.com
website

Los Angeles Dodgers News, Schedule, Photos, Stats Players, News – Sports Illustrated
website

Resource by A.Moore

I just moved to Michigan from South Carolina. This is my first winter here and so far it's freezing. I enjoy traveling, drawing, camping, writing, and doing community service in my spare time. I work for a education company and help them with their outreach to teachers and students. Hope everyone enjoys my articles.

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