1969 Los Angeles Dodgers season
Encyclopedia
The Los Angeles Dodgers
finished in fourth place in the new National League Western Division
, eight games behind the Atlanta Braves
. The Dodgers' record for 1969 was 85-77, which was nine wins better than 1968
.
, Bill Sudakis
, and by obtaining Tom Haller
in a trade. The Dodgers started fast and on June 10, they were in 2nd place at 31-22, 1 game back in a wild 5 team N.L. West race. On June 11, they reacquired Maury Wills
in a trade, and obtained Manny Mota
in the same deal for Ron Fairly
and Paul Popovich
. By July 16, they were in 1st place, and after beating the Mets on September 3, they were in second place, 1 game back. Centerfielder Willie Davis
had just extended his club record 31 game hitting streak. They headed to San Diego to face the expansion Padres in a 4 game series and disaster struck. They scored 4 runs in 4 games, lost 4 in a row, and Davis had his hitting streak stopped in the first game. They left San Diego in 4th place, still only 2½ games out. They rebounded somewhat, and when they beat the Atlanta Braves
on September 18, they were one-half game behind co-leaders Atlanta and the San Francisco Giants
as they headed to San Francisco. The pressure of the season long 5 team pennant race got to this young team, as they lost 10 of their next 11 games, ultimately finishing 85-77, 8 games behind division winning Atlanta.
won the rookie of the year award, and other youngsters like Steve Garvey
, Bill Russell
, Von Joshua
, Bobby Valentine
, and Bill Buckner
contributed in back up roles. Waiting in the wings in the minors were Ron Cey
, Davey Lopes
, Tom Paciorek
, and manager Tommy Lasorda
.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
finished in fourth place in the new National League Western Division
National League West
The National League Western Division, or NL West, is one of the three divisions of Major League Baseball's National League. It was created in 1969 when the previously undivided National League expanded its membership to twelve teams, positioning half of them in an Eastern division and the other...
, eight games behind the Atlanta Braves
1969 Atlanta Braves season
The Atlanta Braves season was a season in American baseball. The National League had been split into two divisions before the season, with the Braves somewhat incongruously being assigned to the National League West...
. The Dodgers' record for 1969 was 85-77, which was nine wins better than 1968
1968 Los Angeles Dodgers season
The Los Angeles Dodgers had a 76-86 record and finished in seventh place in the National League standings, 21 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals. After the season, the Dodgers underwent some changes among the team management when long time general manager Buzzie Bavasi resigned to take over the...
.
Offseason
- October 21, 1968: Bob BaileyBob Bailey (baseball)Robert Sherwood Bailey is an American former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Los Angeles Dodgers , Montreal Expos , Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
was purchased from the Dodgers by the Montreal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
. - October 21, 1968: Jim EllisJim Ellis (baseball)James Russell Ellis is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played in 1967 and 1969 for the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals....
was traded by the Dodgers to St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
for Pete MikkelsenPete MikkelsenPeter James Mikkelsen was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1964 through 1972 for the New York Yankees , Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers . Mikkelsen batted and threw right-handed...
. - December 4, 1968: Mike KekichMike KekichMichael Dennis Kekich was a Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners between 1965 and 1977...
was traded by the Dodgers to the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
for Andy KoscoAndy KoscoAndy Kosco is a former Major League Baseball player who was affiliated at various times with the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds....
. - December 5, 1968: Jim CampanisJim CampanisJames Alexander Campanis , is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as a catcher from 1966–1970 and 1973...
was acquired from the Dodgers by the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
. - February 1, 1969: 1969 Major League Baseball Draft1969 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1969 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :The Washington Senators tabbed slugging outfielder Jeff Burroughs of Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA as the nation's number one pick...
(January phase) notable picks:
-
- Round 2: Lee LacyLee LacyLeondaus "Lee" Lacy , is a former Major League baseball player who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles, primarily as an outfielder, from 1972-1987.-Trivia:...
- Round 4: Bob O'Brien
- March 30, 1969: Ted SavageTed SavageTheodore Edmund Savage, Jr., born as Ephesian Savage on February 21, 1936 in Venice, Illinois, was an outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1962-1971.-Biography:Ted Savage played for eight teams in a nine-year major league career...
was traded by the Dodgers to the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
for Jimmie SchafferJimmie SchafferJimmie Ronald Schaffer is an American former Major League Baseball catcher with an eight-year career from 1961 to 1968. He played for the St...
.
- March 30, 1969: Ted Savage
- Round 2: Lee Lacy
Regular season
After finishing 8th in 1967 and 7th in 1968, the Dodgers looked to improve in 1969 with the addition of youngsters Ted SizemoreTed Sizemore
Ted Crawford Sizemore was a second baseman for Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers , St...
, Bill Sudakis
Bill Sudakis
William Paul Sudakis was a power-hitting third baseman whom the Dodgers tried at catcher in 1970-1971....
, and by obtaining Tom Haller
Tom Haller
Thomas Frank Haller was an American professional baseball player and baseball executive. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball with the San Francisco Giants , Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers...
in a trade. The Dodgers started fast and on June 10, they were in 2nd place at 31-22, 1 game back in a wild 5 team N.L. West race. On June 11, they reacquired Maury Wills
Maury Wills
Maurice Morning "Maury" Wills is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitting batter who played most prominently with the Los Angeles Dodgers , and also with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Montreal Expos...
in a trade, and obtained Manny Mota
Manny Mota
Manuel Rafael Mota Geronimo, more commonly known as Manny Mota was a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos and most notably the Los Angeles Dodgers, best known for his pinch hitting abilities...
in the same deal for Ron Fairly
Ron Fairly
Ronald Ray Fairly is a former Major League Baseball player and broadcaster. He either played in or broadcast over 7,000 major league games from through .-College career:...
and Paul Popovich
Paul Popovich
Paul Edward Popovich was an infielder for the Chicago Cubs , Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates ....
. By July 16, they were in 1st place, and after beating the Mets on September 3, they were in second place, 1 game back. Centerfielder Willie Davis
Willie Davis (baseball)
William Henry Davis was a center fielder in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Los Angeles Dodgers...
had just extended his club record 31 game hitting streak. They headed to San Diego to face the expansion Padres in a 4 game series and disaster struck. They scored 4 runs in 4 games, lost 4 in a row, and Davis had his hitting streak stopped in the first game. They left San Diego in 4th place, still only 2½ games out. They rebounded somewhat, and when they beat the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
on September 18, they were one-half game behind co-leaders Atlanta and the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
as they headed to San Francisco. The pressure of the season long 5 team pennant race got to this young team, as they lost 10 of their next 11 games, ultimately finishing 85-77, 8 games behind division winning Atlanta.
Impact
While they didn't win the division, the 1969 Dodgers marked the start of a turnaround for the franchise. After finishing 8th and 7th in 1967 and 1968 respectively, they would not finish in the bottom half of the standings again until 1984. Ted SizemoreTed Sizemore
Ted Crawford Sizemore was a second baseman for Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers , St...
won the rookie of the year award, and other youngsters like Steve Garvey
Steve Garvey
Steven Patrick Garvey , nicknamed "Mr. Clean" because of the squeaky clean image he held throughout his career in baseball, is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and current Southern California businessman...
, Bill Russell
Bill Russell (baseball)
William Ellis Russell is a former shortstop, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. Russell played his entire 18-year, 2,181-game career with the Los Angeles Dodgers as the starting shortstop for four National League pennant winners and one World Series champion...
, Von Joshua
Von Joshua
Von Everett Joshua was an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers , San Francisco Giants , Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres ....
, Bobby Valentine
Bobby Valentine
Robert John "Bobby V" Valentine is an American professional baseball manager and former player who is currently the manager of the Boston Red Sox. He previously managed the Texas Rangers and New York Mets as well as the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan...
, and Bill Buckner
Bill Buckner
William Joseph Buckner is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. Despite winning a batting crown in , representing the Chicago Cubs at the All-Star Game the following season and accumulating over 2,700 hits in his twenty-year career, he is best remembered for a fielding error during Game 6...
contributed in back up roles. Waiting in the wings in the minors were Ron Cey
Ron Cey
Ronald Charles Cey |Washington]]) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics . Cey batted and threw right-handed...
, Davey Lopes
Davey Lopes
David Earle Lopes is a former second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball. He batted and threw right-handed. He is currently the first base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.He is of Cape Verdean descent.-Playing:...
, Tom Paciorek
Tom Paciorek
Thomas Marian Paciorek is a former Major League outfielder and first baseman for 18 seasons between 1970 and 1987...
, and manager Tommy Lasorda
Tommy Lasorda
Thomas Charles Lasorda is a former Major League baseball player and manager. marked his sixth decade in one capacity or another with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers organization, the longest non-continuous tenure anyone has had with the team, edging Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully...
.
Opening Day lineup
| Opening Day starters | |
|---|---|
| Name | Position |
| Willie Crawford Willie Crawford Willie Murphy Crawford was a Major League Baseball outfielder who played with Los Angeles Dodgers , St. Louis Cardinals , Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics . Crawford was born in Los Angeles, California. He batted and threw left-handed... |
Center fielder Center fielder A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field... |
| Len Gabrielson | Right fielder Right fielder A right fielder, abbreviated RF, is the outfielder in baseball or softball who plays defense in right field. Right field is the area of the outfield to the right of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound... |
| Bill Sudakis Bill Sudakis William Paul Sudakis was a power-hitting third baseman whom the Dodgers tried at catcher in 1970-1971.... |
Third baseman Third baseman A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run... |
| Ron Fairly Ron Fairly Ronald Ray Fairly is a former Major League Baseball player and broadcaster. He either played in or broadcast over 7,000 major league games from through .-College career:... |
First baseman First baseman First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team... |
| Andy Kosco Andy Kosco Andy Kosco is a former Major League Baseball player who was affiliated at various times with the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds.... |
Left fielder Left fielder In baseball, a left fielder is an outfielder who plays defense in left field. Left field is the area of the outfield to the left of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound... |
| Tom Haller Tom Haller Thomas Frank Haller was an American professional baseball player and baseball executive. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball with the San Francisco Giants , Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers... |
Catcher Catcher Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to... |
| Jim Lefebvre Jim Lefebvre James Kenneth Lefebvre is a former second baseman, third baseman and manager in Major League Baseball. Lefebvre, the 1965 National League Rookie of the Year, was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1962. In 1965, his rookie year, he hit .250 with 12 home runs and 69 RBI... |
Second baseman Second baseman Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base... |
| Ted Sizemore Ted Sizemore Ted Crawford Sizemore was a second baseman for Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers , St... |
Shortstop Shortstop Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the... |
| Don Drysdale Don Drysdale Donald Scott "Don" Drysdale was a Major League Baseball player and Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was one of the dominant starting pitchers of the 1960s, and became a radio and television broadcaster following his playing career... |
Starting pitcher Starting pitcher In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher.... |
Notable transactions
- April 17, 1969: Tommy DeanTommy DeanTommy Douglas Dean was a shortstop in Major League Baseball. He played four seasons in the Majors, 1967 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and 1969-1971 with the San Diego Padres.-External links:...
and Leon EverittLeon EverittEdward Leon Everitt is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for one season. He pitched for the San Diego Padres for five games during their inaugural 1969 San Diego Padres season.-External links:...
were traded by the Dodgers to the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for Al McBeanAl McBeanAlvin O'Neal McBean is a retired professional baseball player who played 10 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball....
. - June 5, 1969: 1969 Major League Baseball Draft1969 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1969 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :The Washington Senators tabbed slugging outfielder Jeff Burroughs of Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA as the nation's number one pick...
notable picks:
-
- Round 1: Terry McDermottTerry McDermott (baseball)Terrance Michael McDermott is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball. He played in nine games for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 1972 baseball season....
- Round 2: Lee LacyLee LacyLeondaus "Lee" Lacy , is a former Major League baseball player who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles, primarily as an outfielder, from 1972-1987.-Trivia:...
- Round 4: Bob O'Brien
- Round 6: Stan WallStan WallStanley Arthur Wall is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched in 66 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1975-1977.-External links:...
- Round 15: Roy StaigerRoy StaigerRoy Joseph Staiger is a former infielder in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Mets and New York Yankees . This makes him one of the few players to have played for both current New York baseball teams...
(did not sign) - Round 22: Royle StillmanRoyle StillmanRoyle Eldon Stillman is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played all or part of three seasons in the majors, from until , for the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox.-Sources:...
- Round 26: Jim FullerJim Fuller (outfielder)James Hardy Fuller is a former professional baseball payer. He played two seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and one season with the Houston Astros. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2nd round of the 1970 amateur draft...
(did not sign)
- Round 1: Terry McDermott
- Secondary Phase
- Round 2: Bob RandallBob Randall (baseball)Robert Lee Randall ais a former professional baseball second baseman. He played five seasons in Major League Baseball from 1976 until 1980, all for the Minnesota Twins....
- June 11, 1969: Ron FairlyRon FairlyRonald Ray Fairly is a former Major League Baseball player and broadcaster. He either played in or broadcast over 7,000 major league games from through .-College career:...
and Paul PopovichPaul PopovichPaul Edward Popovich was an infielder for the Chicago Cubs , Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates ....
were traded by the Dodgers to the Montreal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
for Maury WillsMaury WillsMaurice Morning "Maury" Wills is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitting batter who played most prominently with the Los Angeles Dodgers , and also with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Montreal Expos...
and Manny MotaManny MotaManuel Rafael Mota Geronimo, more commonly known as Manny Mota was a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos and most notably the Los Angeles Dodgers, best known for his pinch hitting abilities...
. - August 15, 1969: Chuck GogginChuck GogginCharles Francis Goggin is a former utility player in Major League Baseball who played from to for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox ....
, Ron Mitchell (minors) and cash were traded by the Dodgers to the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
for Jim BunningJim BunningJames Paul David "Jim" Bunning is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and politician.During a 17-year baseball career, he pitched from 1955 to 1971, most notably with the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. When he retired, he had the second-highest total of career...
. - September 1, 1969: Jack JenkinsJack Jenkins (baseball)Warren Washington "Jack" Jenkins was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. Born in Covington, Virginia, he pitched for the Washington Senators in 1962 and 1963 and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1969. He died at age 59 in Tampa, Florida.-External links:...
was purchased by the Dodgers from the Washington SenatorsTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
.
- June 11, 1969: Ron Fairly
- Round 2: Bob Randall
Roster
| 1969 Los Angeles Dodgers | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Other batters |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RF | 120 | 424 | 105 | .248 | 19 | 74 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 7 | 6 | 20 | 2.55 | 92 | |
| 48 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2.77 | 51 | |
Awards and honors
- National League Rookie of the Year
- Ted SizemoreTed SizemoreTed Crawford Sizemore was a second baseman for Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers , St...
- Ted Sizemore
- Gold Glove AwardGold Glove AwardThe Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball players judged to have exhibited superior individual fielding performances at each fielding position in both the National League and the American League , as voted by the...
- Wes ParkerWes ParkerMaurice Wesley Parker III is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from to...
- Wes Parker
- NL Player of the MonthPlayer of the MonthThe Player of the Month Award is a Major League Baseball award named by each league every month of the regular season. The National League started recognizing the award on June 4, 1958. National League president Warren Giles conducted a poll of baseball writers in each Major League city and...
- Willie DavisWillie Davis (baseball)William Henry Davis was a center fielder in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Los Angeles Dodgers...
(August 1969)
- Willie Davis
