The History of the Los Angeles Dodgers

by Jesse M. Earl on May 04, 2023

The History of the Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a long and storied history that dates back to their origins as the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1883, the Brooklyn Grays were founded as a member of the American Association, which later became the National League. The team played under various names until they officially became the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1932. 

The Early Years in Los Angeles (1958-1966)

The Los Angeles Dodgers debuted in Southern California in 1958, becoming the first Major League Baseball team to move west of the Mississippi River. The move was prompted by the desire to tap into the growing Southern California market and declining attendance in Brooklyn. The team's early years in Los Angeles were marked by both success on the field and a deep connection with the community. 



The Dodgers' first season in LA was a success, as the team finished in second place in the National League standings. The team's new home, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, proved to be a challenging venue for baseball, with an outfield fence unusually distant from home plate. However, the Dodgers adapted to the stadium's quirks, and the team's pitching staff, led by Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax, kept the opposition at bay.


Koufax and Drysdale would become one of baseball's most dominant pitching duos, leading the Dodgers to multiple National League pennants and World Series victories. Koufax, in particular, established himself as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, with four no-hitters and three Cy Young Awards.


Their deep connection matched the Dodgers' success on the field with the community. The team quickly became a beloved institution in Los Angeles, with players such as Koufax and Drysdale serving as ambassadors for the city. The team's community outreach efforts were also notable, with the Dodgers hosting regular "Community Nights" at the Coliseum and supporting local charities and organizations.


The team's success and connection with the community peaked in 1965 when the Dodgers won their third World Series title in Los Angeles. The team's victory over the Minnesota Twins cemented their place as a dominant force in baseball and further solidified their status as a beloved institution in Southern California.


Overall, the Dodgers' early years in Los Angeles were marked by both success on the field and a deep connection with the community. The team's ability to adapt to a new city and stadium and their commitment to community outreach helped establish them as one of the most beloved franchises in baseball history.



Sources:

  • "Los Angeles Dodgers" - Major League Baseball website

  • "Dodgers History" - Los Angeles Dodgers website

  • "A Brief History of the Los Angeles Dodgers" - KCET.org

  • "The Brooklyn Dodgers Move to Los Angeles" - History.com

The Tommy Lasorda Era (1976-1996)


The Tommy Lasorda era of the Los Angeles Dodgers spanned from 1976 to 1996. It was marked by the team's continued success on the field and Lasorda's colorful personality and leadership style. During this era, the Dodgers won two World Series championships and solidified their status as one of the premier franchises in baseball.


Lasorda, a player, and coach in the Dodgers organization for years, took over as manager in 1976, succeeding Walter Alston. Under Lasorda's leadership, the team enjoyed continued success, winning four National League pennants and two World Series championships.


One of the most memorable moments of Lasorda's tenure came in the 1988 World Series when the underdog Dodgers defeated the heavily favored Oakland Athletics in five games. The series is best remembered for Kirk Gibson's dramatic game-winning home run in Game 1, which remains one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.


Lasorda was known for his colorful personality and ability to motivate his players. He famously declared that he bled Dodger blue, and his passion for the team was evident in his energetic dugout presence. Lasorda was also a master of the media, often using his press conferences to motivate his team and generate excitement among fans.


The Dodgers' success during the Lasorda era was mainly due to the contributions of star players such as Steve Garvey, Orel Hershiser, and Fernando Valenzuela. Garvey, in particular, was one of the most beloved players in Dodgers history, known for his clutch hitting and impeccable fielding at first base.


Lasorda's tenure as manager ended in 1996 when he retired after suffering a heart attack. However, his impact on the Dodgers and baseball was profound, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in the sport's history.


Overall, the Tommy Lasorda era of the Los Angeles Dodgers was marked by the team's continued success on the field and Lasorda's colorful personality and leadership style. The team's two World Series championships and the memorable moments that came with them helped to cement the Dodgers' status as one of the most iconic franchises in baseball history.



Sources:

  • "Tommy Lasorda" - Baseball Hall of Fame website

  • "Tommy Lasorda's Tenure as Dodgers Manager" - Los Angeles Dodgers website

  • "Tommy Lasorda" - ESPN.com

  • "Remembering the 1988 Dodgers" - Sports Illustrated

The Fox Years (1997-2003)


The Fox Years of the Los Angeles Dodgers spanned from 1997 to 2003, a period marked by the team's ownership change from the O'Malley family to Rupert Murdoch's Fox Group. During this era, the couple enjoyed some success on the field, making playoff appearances in 1997 and 2001, but also faced significant challenges.


The ownership change from the O'Malley family to Fox marked a new era in the team's history. The Dodgers had been owned by the O'Malley family since 1950, and the sale was met with mixed reactions from fans and the media. However, the Fox Group was seen as a potentially beneficial owner with deep pockets and a desire to build a winning team.


Under the Fox Group's ownership, the Dodgers made significant moves to improve the team, including signing high-profile free agents such as Kevin Brown and Darren Dreifort. The couple enjoyed some success during this period, making playoff appearances in 1997 and 2001, but ultimately fell short of a World Series championship.


The Fox Years were also marked by significant challenges, both on and off the field. The team's financial situation was a source of concern as the Fox Group struggled to turn a profit on the team. The team's payroll was one of the highest in baseball during this period, leading to criticism from fans and analysts.


Off the field, the Fox Years were marked by controversy surrounding the team's television broadcast rights. The Dodgers were owned by Fox, which also owned the team's television broadcast partner, Fox Sports Net. This led to accusations of a conflict of interest and criticism of the team's broadcast coverage.


Overall, the Fox Years of the Los Angeles Dodgers were marked by a mix of success and challenges. While the team enjoyed some success on the field, the ownership change and financial concerns were a source of uncertainty for fans and the media. Despite these challenges, the team remained a beloved institution in Los Angeles, with a loyal fan base and a deep connection to the city.



Sources:

  • "Los Angeles Dodgers" - Major League Baseball website

  • "The Fox Years" - Los Angeles Dodgers website

  • "Dodgers Sale to Fox Closes" - Los Angeles Times

  • "Dodgers Payroll One of the Highest in Baseball" - The New York Times

  • "The Dodgers' Tangled Web of Ownership and Broadcast Rights" - Forbes

The McCourt Years (2004-2011)


The McCourt Years of the Los Angeles Dodgers spanned from 2004 to 2011, a period marked by the team's ownership change from Fox to Frank McCourt. During this era, the group enjoyed some success on the field but faced significant challenges on and off.


The ownership change from Fox to Frank McCourt marked a new era in the team's history. A real estate developer, McCourt purchased the team for $430 million to build a winning team and revitalize the franchise. However, his tenure as owner was marked by controversy and financial struggles.


The team enjoyed some success on the field during the early years of McCourt's ownership, making playoff appearances in 2004, 2006, and 2008. The team was led by star players such as Eric Gagne, Jeff Kent, and Andre Ethier and was managed by Joe Torre, who had led the New York Yankees to multiple World Series championships.


However, the McCourt Years were also marked by significant challenges. The team's financial situation was a concern, as McCourt needed help to keep the unit profitable. The team's payroll was reduced during this period, leading to criticism from fans and analysts.


Off the field, the McCourt Years were marked by significant controversy. In 2010, McCourt and his wife, Jamie McCourt, went through a messy divorce, which resulted in a protracted legal battle over ownership of the team. The dispute ultimately led to the team's bankruptcy in 2011 and the eventual sale of the group.


Overall, the McCourt Years of the Los Angeles Dodgers were marked by a mix of success and challenges. While the team enjoyed some success on the field, the ownership change and financial struggles were a source of uncertainty for fans and the media. The team's bankruptcy and sale ultimately led to a new era of ownership and renewed hope for the franchise's future.



Sources:

  • "Los Angeles Dodgers" - Major League Baseball website

  • "The McCourt Era" - Los Angeles Dodgers website

  • "Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt's Legacy Is Tarnished" - ESPN.com

  • "McCourt Divorce Rocks Dodgers Ownership" - NPR.org

  • "Dodgers File for Bankruptcy" - Los Angeles Times

The Guggenheim Partners Era (2012-Present)


The Guggenheim Partners Era of the Los Angeles Dodgers began in 2012, following the purchase of the team by a group led by Guggenheim Partners. This era has been marked by renewed energy and resources for the team, as well as a commitment to building a winning team and restoring the Dodgers' place as one of the premier franchises in baseball.


Under the leadership of Guggenheim Partners, the Dodgers have made significant moves to improve the team, signing high-profile free agents such as Zack Greinke, Adrian Gonzalez, and Clayton Kershaw. The team has also invested in the development of young talent, with a focus on building a sustainable winning culture.


The Guggenheim Partners Era has also been marked by a renewed commitment to the team's history and tradition. The team has tried to honor former players and managers like Tommy Lasorda and Jackie Robinson. It has also significantly improved Dodger Stadium, the team's iconic home.


The team's success during the Guggenheim Partners Era has been significant, with multiple National League West titles and appearances in the World Series in 2017 and 2018. The team has been led by star players such as Kershaw, Justin Turner, and Corey Seager and has also received significant contributions from role players such as Yasiel Puig and Chris Taylor.


Off the field, the Guggenheim Partners Era has been marked by significant investments in the community. The team has supported local charities and organizations and made efforts to improve the community around Dodger Stadium, including developing a new park and community center.


Overall, the Guggenheim Partners Era of the Los Angeles Dodgers has been marked by renewed energy and resources for the team, as well as a commitment to building a winning team and restoring the Dodgers' place as one of the premier franchises in baseball. The team's success on the field and contributions off the field have helped to solidify the Dodgers' position as a beloved institution in Los Angeles and beyond.



Sources:

  • "Los Angeles Dodgers" - Major League Baseball website

  • "The Guggenheim Era" - Los Angeles Dodgers website

  • "Dodgers' Pursuit of Titles is Based on Community Involvement" - Los Angeles Times

  • "How the Dodgers' New Ownership Group is Restoring the Franchise's Winning Culture" - Forbes

  • "Dodgers Honor Jackie Robinson's Legacy" - ESPN.com

Conclusion


The Los Angeles Dodgers have a storied history that spans over 130 years. From their early days as the Brooklyn Atlantics in the 1880s to their move to Los Angeles in 1958 and beyond, the Dodgers have been one of baseball's most iconic and beloved franchises.


The Dodgers have been home to some of the greatest players and managers in the sport's history, including Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Tommy Lasorda, and Clayton Kershaw. The team's success on the field has been matched by its deep connection to the community, with players and management embracing the team's role as a beloved institution in Los Angeles and beyond.


The team's ownership has also resulted in significant change and evolution. From the O'Malley family's long tenure as owners to the recent ownership changes under Guggenheim Partners, the Dodgers have been shaped by various ownership styles and approaches.


Throughout their history, the Dodgers have been marked by resilience and adaptability. From their early days in Brooklyn to their move to Los Angeles and beyond, the team has demonstrated an ability to adapt to new circumstances and thrive in the face of challenges. This resilience has helped cement the Dodgers' status as one of baseball's most iconic and beloved franchises.


Looking to the future, the Dodgers are poised for continued success on and off the field. With a deep pool of talent and resources under Guggenheim Partners, the team is well-positioned to build on its recent achievements and cement its place as one of the premier franchises in baseball.


Overall, the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers is rich and complex, marked by success, challenges, and a deep connection to the community. As the team looks ahead to the future, it remains one of the most beloved and iconic franchises in baseball history.



Sources:

  • "Los Angeles Dodgers" - Major League Baseball website

  • "Dodgers History" - Los Angeles Dodgers website

  • "A Brief History of the Los Angeles Dodgers" - KCET.org

  • "Dodgers' Pursuit of Titles is Based on Community Involvement" - Los Angeles Times

FAQs

Why are the Dodgers called Dodgers?

The Los Angeles Dodgers were founded in Brooklyn, New York, in 1883 as the Brooklyn Atlantics. The team was later renamed the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1895, and the name was thought to have been inspired by the dangerous street traffic in Brooklyn at the time. Pedestrians had to "dodge" streetcars and horse-drawn carriages, and the name "Dodgers" was thought to be a nod to this daily activity. The team officially became the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958 when they moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. The team's name has remained the same since then, and the Dodgers have become one of the most iconic franchises in baseball history.

Why did Dodgers move to LA?

The Los Angeles Dodgers moved from Brooklyn, New York, to Los Angeles, California, in 1958. The move was primarily motivated by a desire for a larger and more lucrative market and the promise of a new stadium in Los Angeles. Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley had been seeking a new stadium in Brooklyn for years but had yet to agree with city officials. When Los Angeles officials approached him with an offer to build a new stadium in the city, O'Malley saw it as an opportunity to relocate the team to a larger market and secure its financial future. The move was met with significant resistance from fans in Brooklyn, who saw the team as a beloved institution in the community. However, the Dodgers move to Los Angeles ultimately paved the way for the team's continued success on the field and their status as one of the premier franchises in baseball.

Who founded LA Dodgers?

The Los Angeles Dodgers were initially founded in 1883 as the Brooklyn Atlantics. The team was later renamed the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1895. The team's founder was Charles Ebbets, a wealthy businessman who became a co-owner of the team in 1898. Ebbets was instrumental in the team's success in the early 20th century, helping to build the team's iconic stadium, Ebbets Field, and assembling a roster of talented players. The O'Malley family owned the team for over 50 years, from 1950 to 2004. Today, the team is owned by a group led by Guggenheim Partners, which purchased the team in 2012.

Jesse M. Earl

Jesse M. Earl is an experienced sports blogger with 6 years of expertise in the field. Jesse has developed a reputation throughout his career for his insightful analysis and engaging commentary on various sports topics. He has covered many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, and is particularly interested in the intersection of sports and culture. Through his writing, Jesse provides a fresh and unique perspective on the latest sports news, offering readers a deeper understanding of the impact of sports on society. With his extensive knowledge and passion for sports, Jesse is a trusted voice in the world of sports journalism, and he continues to inspire and inform his readers with his thoughtful and thought-provoking content. 

BACK TO TOP