Team Autopsies: The Brooklyn Dodgers
Explore the team's origins, notable players, iconic Ebbets Field, and the enduring legacy left after their move to Los Angeles.
The Brooklyn Dodgers is a name that resonates with a deep nostalgia and reverence among baseball enthusiasts. The club was more than just a sports team.
They were a cultural phenomenon that transcended the boundaries of the baseball diamond and became an integral part of the fabric of Brooklyn. The team, known for its colorful history, dramatic games, and groundbreaking decisions, left an indelible mark on the history of baseball.
As the legendary Dodgers broadcaster Red Barber once said, "The Dodgers were more than just a team. They were a way of life."
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Brooklyn Dodgers and their profound impact on the sport and society.
Origins and Early Years (1883-1899)
The Brooklyn Dodgers' story began in 1883 when the team was formed as the Brooklyn Grays, which was a callback to an earlier famed club called the Atlantic Base Ball Club that existed from 1855-1872. Just a year later, the team adopted the name the Brooklyn Grays.
In 1888 the club changed its name to the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, a nod to several team members who had recently married. Six of their star players were all married in the same off-season. The Bridegrooms, which were shorted to the just “Grooms” officially joined the National League in 1890.
The team was also known by various other names during these early years , including the Superbas and Robins, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the team and the sport during these early years.
The team's early years were marked by ups and downs, both on and off the field. However, despite the challenges, the team managed to carve out a niche in the competitive world of professional baseball.
As the 19th century came to a close, the team that would eventually become the beloved Brooklyn Dodgers began taking shape.
The team's first taste of success came in the form of two consecutive National League championships in 1899 and 1900, under the moniker of the Superbas. This early success set the stage for the team's future achievements and established them as a force to be reckoned with in the National League.
Reflecting on these early years, baseball historian Lee Allen once remarked, "The Brooklyn team was a melting pot of names, a reflection of the vibrant and changing society that was America at the turn of the century."
Indeed, the early years of the Brooklyn Dodgers were a testament to the team's resilience and adaptability, traits that would come to define the team in the years to come.
The Birth of the Dodgers (1932-1946)
The 1930s were a tumultuous time for the Dodgers. The team, known during this period as the "Daffiness Dodgers," struggled to find consistent success. Despite these challenges, the decade was marked by significant changes in baseball, including the development of the farm system, the introduction of night baseball games, and the first broadcast on television.
In 1932, the team officially adopted the name "Dodgers," a moniker that would stick with them for the rest of their history. The name was a nod to the residents of Brooklyn, who were often referred to as "trolley dodgers" due to the numerous trolleys that crisscrossed the borough.
The team saw a parade of managers during this period, including Max Carey, Casey Stengel, Burleigh Grimes, and Leo Durocher. Despite the managerial changes and the lack of pennants, the Dodgers remained a beloved part of Brooklyn's culture.
As the team's broadcaster Red Barber noted, "Even when they lost, the Dodgers were never dull."
The Golden Era (1947-1957)
The 1940s marked the beginning of a golden era for the Dodgers. Under the guidance of Leo Durocher and later Burt Shotton, the team emerged as a powerhouse in the National League. The Dodgers won their first National League pennant in 21 years in 1941, setting the stage for a series of classic World Series confrontations against the New York Yankees.
However, the most significant event of this era, and perhaps in the history of baseball, was the signing of Jackie Robinson in 1945 by Dodger President and General Manager Branch Rickey. Robinson, the first African-American to play in the Major Leagues, debuted in 1947. Despite facing intense prejudice and abuse, Robinson let his performance on the field speak for itself. He hit .297, scored 125 runs, and stole 29 bases in his first season, earning the first-ever Major League Rookie of the Year award.
Robinson's signing was not just a landmark moment for the Dodgers, but for baseball and American society as a whole.
As Rickey noted, "I'm looking for a ballplayer with enough guts not to fight back." In Robinson, he found a player who not only had the talent to excel on the field, but also the courage and resilience to withstand the pressures of breaking baseball's color line.
The Dodgers continued their success throughout the 1940s, winning another National League pennant in 1949. Despite falling to the Yankees in the World Series, the team's achievements during this period solidified their status as one of the premier teams in baseball.
The golden era of the Dodgers was marked by both on-field success and groundbreaking decisions off the field. The team's achievements during this period, particularly the signing of Jackie Robinson, left a lasting legacy on the sport of baseball.
Robinson once said, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." The impact of the Dodgers during this era was indeed profound, forever changing the baseball landscape.
Notable Brooklyn Players
Zack Wheat (1909-1926): Zack Wheat played with the Brooklyn Dodgers before they were known as the Dodgers. He was a consistent hitter throughout his career, winning a batting title in 1918 with a .335 average. Wheat had a career batting average of .317, with 131 home runs and 1,210 RBIs. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1959.
Pee Wee Reese (1940-1958): Pee Wee Reese served as the Dodgers' shortstop for nearly his entire career. He was a 10-time All-Star and was known for his defensive skills, leading the National League in defensive WAR four times. Reese had a career batting average of .269, with 126 home runs and 885 RBIs. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.
Duke Snider (1947-1962): Duke Snider is considered one of the greatest Dodgers of all time. He spent the majority of his career with the Dodgers, both in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. Snider was an 8-time All-Star and led the Dodgers to their only World Series championship in Brooklyn in 1955. He had a career batting average of .295, with 407 home runs and 1,333 RBIs. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.
Jackie Robinson (1947-1956): Jackie Robinson is not only one of the most notable players of the Brooklyn Dodgers, but also one of the most significant figures in baseball history. He broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he debuted with the Dodgers in 1947. Robinson was an exceptional player, winning the Rookie of the Year award in his debut season and the National League MVP award in 1949. He had a career batting average of .311, with 137 home runs and 734 RBIs. His impact on the game extends far beyond his impressive statistics, as he paved the way for the integration of baseball.
Gil Hodges (1943, 1947-1961): Gil Hodges was a key player for the Dodgers during their time in Brooklyn. He was an 8-time All-Star and won three Gold Gloves for his performance at first base. Hodges had a career batting average of .273, with 370 home runs and 1,274 RBIs. He played a crucial role in the Dodgers' 1955 World Series championship.
Roy Campanella: Known as one of the greatest catchers in the history of the game, Campanella played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1948 to 1957. He was a three-time MVP (1951, 1953, 1955) and an eight-time All-Star. Over his career, he had a batting average of .276, hit 242 home runs, and drove in 856 runs. His career was cut short by a car accident that left him paralyzed, but his impact on the Dodgers and the game of baseball was profound. 1
Don Drysdale: Drysdale was a dominant pitcher for the Dodgers, playing for the team from 1956 to 1969, which included the team's move to Los Angeles. He was an eight-time All-Star, won the Cy Young Award in 1962, and was a part of three World Series Championship teams (1959, 1963, 1965). Over his career, he had a record of 209-166 with an ERA of 2.95 and 2,486 strikeouts. His number 53 was retired by the Dodgers, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984. 2
Sandy Koufax: Koufax is considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. He played his entire career for the Dodgers, from 1955 to 1966. He was a seven-time All-Star, a three-time Cy Young Award winner (1963, 1965, 1966), and a two-time World Series MVP (1963, 1965). He had a career record of 165-87, an ERA of 2.76, and 2,396 strikeouts. His number 32 was retired by the Dodgers and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.
Leo Durocher: This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the most prominent manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Nicknamed “The Lip” Leo led the team to two National League pennants in 1941 and 1947. However, his time with the Dodgers was also marked by a one-year suspension in 1947 due to "conduct detrimental to baseball," which was related to his gambling associations. Despite the controversies, Durocher's impact on the Dodgers and baseball as a whole was significant. He was the Dodgers' manager when Jackie Robinson joined the team in 1947. Leo’s support for Robinson was crucial in his successful integration into the league.
Ebbets Field: The Home of the Dodgers
Ebbets Field was a significant baseball stadium located in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York. It was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1913 to 1957, and it was named after Charles Ebbets, the Dodgers' owner who started building the stadium in 1912.
The stadium was constructed on a plot of land called Pigtown because of its former use as a garbage dump. The land was so undesirable that it had been the site of a city garbage dump. However, Ebbets saw potential in the location and purchased parcels of land until he had enough to build a ballpark.
Ebbets Field was known for its cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a seating capacity of about 35,000 for night games and slightly more for day games. The stadium was unique in its design, with a short right field wall but a deep left field, making it challenging for right-handed hitters but advantageous for left-handers.
The stadium was also known for its distinctive rotunda at the main entrance, inspired by the Roman Pantheon's design. The rotunda featured a large chandelier and marble floors, and the walls were adorned with pictures of great Dodgers players.
Ebbets Field was the site of many significant events in baseball history. It was here that Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947, becoming the first African American to play in the major leagues in the modern era.
Despite its historical significance and the affection of Brooklyn Dodgers fans, Ebbets Field fell into disrepair in the 1950s. The Dodgers moved to Los Angeles after the 1957 season, and the stadium was demolished in 1960. The site is now occupied by the Ebbets Field Apartments.
The Evolution of the Dodgers' Logos and Uniforms
The Dodgers' logos and uniforms evolved significantly, reflecting the team's dynamic history and changing identity.
The club’s first logos, beginning in 1899, featured variations of a “B” instead of an official team name, probably because it changed to ofter. The first was a red “B” in gothic font. The font was changed in 1902 and the color was changed to blue. The font was changed again in 1909 to a much simpler font.
In 1911, the blue “B” was surrounded by a diamond mimicking base paths. The lines overlapped each other at the corners. In 1918 the diamond was cleaned up so the lines didn’t overlap.
In 1932, when the team officially adopted the name “Dodgers,” the team unveiled a Gothic-style letter “B” without the diamond. The letter took on different fonts and colors up until 1938, when the iconic logo most fans know was unveiled.
The full name “Dodgers” with long tails from the “S” that goes under the other letters, came into existence. The flying baseball was added to the background seven years later.
The Dodgers' uniforms have also seen significant changes over the years. The early clubs had the classic collared uniforms with high socks and the word “Brooklyn” across the chest.
My favorite was the 1910 uniform, which featured a "B" in a diamond logo on the left sleeve and the word "BROOKLYN" written vertically down the middle of the shirt.
In my opinion, the first uniform for the team under the “Dodgers” name was pretty atrocious. Both sleeves featured a large “B” and the word “Dodgers” across the chest with pinstripes behind. The later versions dropped the letters on the sleeves and added a red outline around the “Brooklyn” across the chest.
It is clear that the evolution of the Dodgers' logos and uniforms is a testament to the team's ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining a strong connection to their history and tradition.
The Move to Los Angeles
The decision to move the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles was complex, driven by a combination of factors. At the heart of the issue was the need for a new stadium. Ebbets Field, the Dodgers' home since 1913, was aging and needed more amenities of newer ballparks.
Walter O'Malley, who had become the majority owner of the Dodgers in 1950, had long sought to build a more modern stadium for the team in Brooklyn. However, city officials repeatedly thwarted his plans, including Robert Moses, the powerful city planner who refused to provide the land O'Malley desired.
Real estate businessman Walter O'Malley, majority owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, sought to build a new stadium in Brooklyn but faced opposition from New York City Construction Coordinator Robert Moses.
Frustrated by the lack of suitable land options, O'Malley considered moving the team. Los Angeles officials, originally targeting another franchise, expressed interest in having a team relocate there. O'Malley seized the opportunity and reached out to Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants owner, Horace Stoneham, was also searching for a new stadium location and ultimately decided to move the Giants to San Francisco. Consequently, the Dodgers and Giants both moved to the West Coast after the 1957 season. The Dodgers played their final game at Ebbets Field in September 1957 and inaugurated their new Los Angeles home in April 1958.
A documentary called "Brooklyn Dodgers: The Ghosts of Flatbush" delves into the team's history and the relocation. The intense animosity towards Walter O'Malley from Brooklyn Dodger fans is exemplified by a popular quote: "If you asked a Brooklyn Dodger fan, if you had a gun with only two bullets in it and were in a room with Hitler, Stalin, and O'Malley, who would you shoot? The answer: O'Malley, twice!"
At the same time, Los Angeles was offering a tempting proposition. The city, eager to attract a Major League Baseball team, offered O'Malley a generous package with land for a new stadium. The potential for financial growth in the burgeoning Los Angeles market was also significant.
The announcement of the move in October 1957 was met with a mix of shock, disappointment, and anger from the fans and the city of Brooklyn. The Dodgers were not just a baseball team but a part of the community's identity. As one fan lamented, "When the Dodgers left Brooklyn, a part of Brooklyn died."
In Brooklyn, the memory of the Dodgers is kept alive in various ways. The site of the former Ebbets Field is now a housing complex, but a plaque commemorating the stadium and its significance to the Dodgers and Brooklyn is present.
The Brooklyn Historical Society also has exhibits dedicated to the team.
The Legacy of the Brooklyn Dodgers
The Brooklyn Dodgers left an enduring legacy in the world of baseball and beyond. Here are some of the key aspects of their legacy:
Breaking the Color Barrier: The Brooklyn Dodgers are best known for breaking the color barrier by signing the first African American to an MLB contract in the modern era. In 1947, under the guidance of General Manager Branch Rickey, the Dodgers signed Jackie Robinson, making him the first African American to play in the Major Leagues in the modern era. This was a monumental step in the civil rights movement, as it challenged the deep-seated racial segregation prevalent in the United States at the time.
Jackie Robinson's Legacy: Jackie Robinson's impact on the game and society extends far beyond his impressive on-field performance. He faced intense racism and hostility with courage and dignity, becoming a symbol of resilience and racial equality. His legacy is celebrated every year on April 15th, known as Jackie Robinson Day, when all players across the league wear the number 42 in his honor.
Roy Campanella's Impact: Roy Campanella is another significant figure in the Dodgers' history. Despite the challenges of racial segregation and a career-ending accident, Campanella left a lasting impact on the game. He was one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, playing 10 seasons for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1948-57. He won three National League Most Valuable Player Awards and helped the Dodgers win their first World Series title in 1955.
Community Connection: The Brooklyn Dodgers had a deep connection with their community. The team's nickname, "Dem Bums," was an affectionate term used by local fans. The Dodgers' departure to Los Angeles in 1957 was a significant event, causing heartbreak among Brooklyn fans and marking the end of an era. In Baseball: An Illustrated History, Ken Burns notes, "No fans were more noisily critical of their own players than Brooklyn's—and none were more fiercely loyal once play began."
Cultural Impact: The Brooklyn Dodgers have had a significant cultural impact. They have been the subject of various books, films, and songs, reflecting their importance in American culture.
Movies: The Brooklyn Dodgers have been featured in several films, such as "42" (2013), which tells the story of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball. The film showcases the struggles and triumphs of the Dodgers during that historic time.
Books: Numerous books have been written about the Brooklyn Dodgers, including memoirs by former players like "The Boys of Summer" by Roger Kahn, which offers an intimate look at the team and its impact on the community.
Music: The Dodgers have been referenced in songs and lyrics over the years. For instance, in the song "Talkin' Baseball" by Terry Cashman, the Brooklyn Dodgers are highlighted along with other iconic teams, celebrating their place in baseball history.
Television: The Brooklyn Dodgers have been featured in TV shows as well. In the popular sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," the main character, Ray Barone, is a lifelong Dodgers fan, often sporting Dodgers memorabilia and discussing the team.
Merchandise and Apparel: The iconic Brooklyn Dodgers logo, featuring a stylized "B" and "D," is still seen on merchandise and apparel, representing the team's enduring legacy and nostalgia.
The team's history is a story of overcoming adversity, promoting social change, and the enduring love of baseball.
In summary, the Brooklyn Dodgers' legacy is one of pioneering racial integration in professional sports, achieving remarkable success on the field, and forming a unique bond with their community.
The Dodgers indeed still live, maybe not on the field, but in the hearts of both Brooklyn residents, in the continuing history of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and in baseball's popularity and progress thanks to the club’s existence.
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