For this week’s Five for Friday, we straying from the music tip to the sports tip. Before he was a huge Heels fan, before he was a Vikes fan, before he was a Bobcats fan…hell, before he was a SONICS fan, the Monster was and still is a huge Dodgers fan. Below are 5 of my favorite players to don a Dodgers uniform since I’ve been alive (so you won’t see Koufax, Drysdale, and Robinson on this list).
KIRK GIBSON
GIBSON. CLUTCH. The 1988 World Series. You all know the story, you’ve all seen him take D-Eck yard. You’ve all seen the fist pump. This was the last Dodgers World Series win. Easy choice.
OREL HERHISER
Orel. The white guy with the doofy name was a dominant pitcher for the Big Blue Crew for years. In 1988, he put together one of the best seasons ever in my opinion. Let’s think about it for a minute. In 1998, he led the league in wins (23), innings (267) and complete games (15). He went 23-8 with a 2.26 ERA. In the 1988 NLCS against the Mets, he started Game 1 and Game 3, pitched in relief and got the save in Game 4, then threw a complete game shutout in Game 7. He threw another CG shutout in Game 2 of the World Series, and threw a complete game allowing only 2 runs in the series clinching game 5. In 1988, Orel won the CY Young Award, A Gold Glove, the NLCS MVP AND the World Series MVP. Marinate on THAT for a minute.
DARRYL STRAWBERRY/ ERIC DAVIS
Okay, so I know it’s semi-cheating to put two for one here, but it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want too. Both of these guys were biggest stars with other teams, but when they played together on the Dodgers, I absolutely loved it as a kid. Man, I used to love Eric Davis’ swing. So pretty. I was too young to really understand or here about too many off field troubles for Strawberry. He hit home runs. That’s what I knew. Either way, these guys made a great combo in Los Angeles that I won’t forget.
GARY SHEFFIELD
Sheffield is quite the journeyman and has played for a lot of teams. He’s still one of my favorite players still playing the game. Another swing that is just plain fun to watch. Used to love seeing him jack deep ones. He also brought some fire to the team, which at times the Dodgers have lost over the years.
MATT KEMP
Matt Kemp is quickly becoming my favorite player. This kid is incredible! He has great speed for a bigger guy, can play super sick defense in center (as evidenced by several web gems this year), and he carries a big bat to boot. Great attitude and always having fun as well. I’ve really enjoying watching him recently and that’s why he makes the list.
GO DODGERS!!!!!
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