Then there’s a group of still-eligible gamers who spent comparatively transient however impactful parts of their careers in Dodger Blue, similar to Manny Ramirez and Chase Utley.
These are a couple of former Dodgers with sturdy circumstances for Cooperstown, although the checklist for consideration might embrace Andruw Jones, Orel Hershiser, Tommy John, Adrián González and Kenny Lofton — and that is not even moving into the Brooklyn days.
Here is a have a look at the Prime 5 circumstances:
1) Steve GarveyGarvey, a 10-time All-Star, was the largest title of the record-setting infield of 8 1/2 seasons that included second baseman Davey Lopes, shortstop Invoice Russell and third baseman Ron Cey. From 1974-80, Garvey was the epitome of consistency, with a batting common between .297 and .319 and an OPS between .808 and .852, by no means ending decrease than 14th in MVP voting. He was at his clutch greatest within the postseason, with a .910 OPS.
Garvey’s NL report of 1,307 consecutive video games performed will in all probability by no means be damaged. He was successful machine, with no less than 200 of them in six seasons. He peaked in Corridor of Fame voting his first 12 months of eligibility at 41.6 %.
2) Gary SheffieldSheffield and Ramirez, regardless of their reputations, make this Prime 5 checklist as a result of their offensive impression is not possible to disregard. Sheffield was a nine-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger with a batting title and a World Sequence win.
In case you’re searching for merely the perfect three-plus offensive seasons from a Dodgers left fielder, that will be Sheffield from 1998-2001. He was twice an All-Star, with a median slash line of .312/.420/.581 in his three full Dodgers seasons. He wasn’t fazed by the drama surrounding the commerce that introduced him to L.A. for Mike Piazza and may need ranked increased with higher protection.
Even with all his success on the sphere, Sheffield fell in need of being inducted into the Corridor in his tenth and ultimate 12 months on the BBWAA poll, receiving solely 63.9% of the votes in 2024 — leaving him shy of the 75% threshold wanted for induction. He was on the Modern Baseball Period Committee poll in ’25, however fell in need of election once more.
3) Maury WillsWills has at all times been an ignored participant as a result of his greatest instrument was baserunning. His greatest second got here in 1962 when he broke Ty Cobb’s trendy period single-season steals report with 104, a report that stood till 1974 when Lou Brock stole 118 bases. Wills’ efficiency helped him edge out Willie Mays for MVP. He additionally modified the way in which the business valued excellent basestealers.
4) Manny RamirezRamirez’s time in L.A. was transient and tumultuous, nevertheless it additionally included an unthinkable three-month stint after his 2008 midseason acquisition wherein he hit .396 in 53 video games down the stretch and .520 in two rounds of the postseason.
In 19 Main League seasons, Ramirez went to 12 All-Star Video games, received 9 Silver Sluggers and a batting title and was a two-time World Sequence champion, receiving World Sequence MVP honors for the Purple Sox in 2004. He hit 555 residence runs with a slash line of .312/.411/.585 over the course of his profession.
Ramirez stays on the poll in 2025, however he has seemingly plateaued after receiving 32.5% of the votes in his eighth 12 months on the poll in 2024.
5) Andruw JonesJones’ worst season of his profession got here with the Dodgers, and his tenure in Los Angeles didn’t precisely go away him as a fan favourite. Nevertheless it’s laborious to disclaim what Jones achieved all through his 17-year Main League profession.
Jones is extensively thought of as the most effective defensive middle fielders in MLB historical past and he was undoubtedly the perfect glove on the place in his period. Over his profession, Jones received 10 Gold Glove Awards. He additionally wasn’t too dangerous on the plate, hitting 434 profession homers.
Jones’ run from 1997-2006 was one of the crucial spectacular throughout his time. The Curacao native acquired 61.6% of the vote in 2024 and he has three years left of eligibility remaining, placing him in good condition to ultimately earn induction.
