Last week, Joc Pederson left the Dodgers as a free agent to join the Chicago Cubs, and prior to that, Kike’ Hernandez signed with the Red Sox. Both were very popular with Dodger fans.
Kike’, the Banana Man to many, and a versatile player, had enthralled fans with his energy, and his sometimes flair for the dramatic. His best day as a Dodger was in game 5 of the 2017 NLCS against the Cubs. 3 homers, 7 RBI’s in a 11-1 blowout to win the NLCS and send the Dodgers to the World Series with the Astros.
Joc Pederson also had a flair for the dramatic, especially in the postseason.
But his most impressive performance was in the Home Run Derby at the All Star game in 2019. He beat Alex Bregman in round one, and then in round 2 he went head to head with Vlad Guerrero Jr.
It was an impressive battle. They had two extra swing off rounds and Guerrero ended up beating Pederson with a total of 40 HR’s to 39. Pete Alonso of the Mets ended up defeating Guerrero for the title.
In Joc’s last full season he hit 36 HR’s to join Belli and Muncy on the 30 HR club. He was known as JungJoc on twitter and posted there often. I like Joc and enjoyed watching him play, but I also felt he could have been better.
The first time I had to deal with a favorite leaving the Dodgers was in the spring of 1963. On the 1st of April, the Dodgers rather unceremoniously sold Duke Snider to the Mets for cash. I was crushed. Duke was my favorite player. And although the Mets were in their second year of existence, and he was reunited with his former Dodger teammate, Gil Hodges, who had left in the expansion draft, I just could not believe I would not see #4 in a Dodger uni again.
That feeling was compounded the following April when the Mets sold him to the Giants. To be fair, Duke probably would have retired a Dodger, but he wanted to get to 400 HR’s. He was at 389 when he left. He hit 14 as a Met to get to 403, and he hit 4 with the Giants, one at Dodger Stadium off of Joe Moeller, who went to my high school, and then was released at the end of the year and he retired.
Then in the winter of 1966, Sandy retired, and Maury was traded to the Pirates. Boom, two of my favorites gone in a flash. Tommy Davis was also traded that winter to the Mets for Jim Hickman and Ron Hunt. Bad year to be a favorite of mine.
I was in the Army by then, so the boyhood hero thing was past. I enjoyed watching games when I could, but I was not as in touch with the team as before since the only way I could follow was through the box scores and the Sporting News. There was at that time, just the game of the week on Saturdays. No ESPN or cable service. It was even harder to follow when I was overseas.
In 69, one the last members of the 59 team retired because of arm trouble when Big D called it a career. Gilliam and Alston and Ron Fairly were still there. Then they traded Fairly and Paul Popovich to the Expos for Maury Wills. That trade also brought Manny Mota to LA. Maury retired after the 72 season.
With the Dodgers not really contending most of my time in the service, I really had little love for most of the players. In fact, most of them are hard to remember. Claude Osteen was around for a while, as was Don Sutton, but I never really warmed to him. Jim Lefebvre had moved on also. In the winter of 1973, the 3 Dog was traded to the Expos for Mike Marshall. Probably the closest thing to a favorite player I had at the time. Always liked Willie D.
The Dodgers returned to the Series the year I got out of the Army, 1974, and after moving back home to LA, I could finally follow the team again. I really liked Bill Buckner, he reminded me of Pete Rose with his constant hustle. Free agency was just becoming a thing also. I loved watching Jimmy Wynn hit. Small package, big time power.
Steve Garvey and Ron Cey were also favorites. But the Dodgers just could not beat the Reds Big Red Machine. After 75, things began to change, they traded Wynn to the Braves for Dusty Baker, who’s 76 season is better forgotten. Alston retired with 2 games left in the 76 season, and Lasorda took over.
Immediately, you saw the energy in the dugout change. They had traded for Reggie Smith at the deadline in 1976, Buckner had gone to the Cubs for Rick Monday in Jan of 1977. One of Lasorda’s things was having the starting 8 run in the outfield together before every game.
So anytime you came to Dodger Stadium, Davey Lopes, Garvey, Cey, Bill Russell, Baker, Steve Yeager, Monday and Smith would be out there together running. Once again they were winners. 77 and 78 World Series. And they lost to the Yanks both times.
Usually over this period, none of whom anyone would call favorites were traded or left the team. Andy Messersmith had left via free agency, but he was not a Dodger long enough for me to get attached. Sutton also left after the 1980 season.
In 81, the strike year, they again went to the Series and this time beat the Yanks. And now ever so slowly, the core of that team began to leave. Lopes and Cey ended up being traded. Really missed the Penguin. Lopes was showing his age, so I knew it was only a matter of time. Smith moved on also, and Baker got released.
When Garvey left after the 82 season as a free agent, my biggest gripe was that they did not even try to keep him, and judging from what he did over the last 5 years of his career, they probably should have kept him. He definitely played better than his replacement, Greg Brock.
At that point, I had decided that while I would support players while they were Dodgers, I would not ever really have a favorite player again. I have pretty much stuck to that since.
It was great watching guys like Fernando, Steve Sax, Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Raul Mondesi all make their marks on Dodger history. And watching the 5 rookies of the year in a row was also cool. Piazza was the closest thing to a favorite I had. And I was so POed when Fox traded him.
After 88, they had good seasons, and a few bad, and never really were good enough to win it all. Players came and went, and in the early 2000’s they finally seemed to be getting back some of their mojo. Some kids were coming from the farm to make their marks, Fox sold the team to McCourt, who when he first took over looked like a winner, but time would erode that fast.
They traded for some guys who made impacts, Andre Ethier, and signed a few free agents. Jeff Kent and Kevin Brown. But they still could not get over the hump. I really liked Matt Kemp, and at one time he looked like he was going to be one of the best to wear the uni. A meeting with the wall at Coors Field derailed that. Trying to come back too soon also had an effect.
The most exciting time to me back then was when Manny Ramirez showed up and had probably the best 2 month stretch of any Dodger I have ever seen, but I did not go out and buy a dreadlock wig. Clayton Kershaw had arrived and was starting his run as an elite player.
But I still did not play favorites. Turner came as a free agent, they were sold to the Guggenheim group and immediately made a huge trade. You knew change was in the wind. I really liked Gonzo, and Nick Punto was fun to watch. The kids were beginning to contribute. And Kershaw was winning Cy Youngs and dominating hitters.
Outside of Koufax, I have never really had a pitcher as a favorite player. And although I thought he was a very good pitcher, I was miffed at the comparisons of Kersh to Sandy. I saw them both pitch. And they are totally different guys. Sandy was pure power with a devastating curveball. Maybe one of the best curves I have ever seen.
Kershaw has 25 complete games in his career. Koufax had 27 in each of his last 2 seasons. Different eras, different philosophies. Koufax has 4 rings, and was clutch in the playoffs. Kersh finally got his first, and turned his playoff performances around some. Kersh pitches in way more playoff games than Sandy did.
I respect Kersh’s accomplishments. And he will undoubtedly take his place in the hall with Sandy. So in reality, since I am not prone to having a pitcher as a favorite, the closest thing at this point I had was Justin Turner.
Turner in his Dodger career has been a rock solid player. He went from being a reserve to being the most consistent Dodger over the last few years. He has been one of the better clutch hitters in baseball.
He is now the Dodgers leader in career postseason HR’s with 12, passing Duke Snider’s 11. Of course, all of Dukes came in World Series games including 2 four homer performances. Still the only Dodger ever to hit 4 in a World Series.
Turner is now a free agent. And it seems he wants a 4 year deal. I do not see the Dodgers doing that. And Turner’s options are dwindling. It is said that 4 teams are interested. The Dodgers among them. But to me, Turner, even as good as he has been, is slowing down a lot. At 36, I no longer consider him an everyday 3rd baseman. Now, if the DH were back for sure, I would give him 2 and an option. No more than that. And I would not pay him more than 15 mil a year. That is just me.
Now we come down to his possible departure as a free agent. I look at it the same way I look at Kike’ and Joc. I am happy for their time as Dodgers. But rarely does a player spend his entire career with one team anymore. I think Kersh should retire a Dodger, he has earned that. If JT gets a better deal somewhere else, more power to him.
I will not cry or moan about it if he leaves. It will be his choice. I will have my memories of his time in Dodger blue. I will wish him well wherever he goes. Just not against the Dodgers.
ESPN baseball analyst died yesterday suddenly at age 58. One of the better baseball guys on ESPN. His son plays in the Red Sox organization. RIP Pedro.
This is just downright good stuff Bear. Thanks.
I second that , Harold. Excellent!
I hope JT comes back, but on the right deal. If he doesn’t, then I could see the Dodgers standing pat with Rios and seeing what he can do, and making a trade at the deadline if needed.
My favorite players are frequently not the top players. I like Kike, but he never reached the levels I thought he would attain.
Joc was maddening to me. He had some really big hits, but to me he was Yasmani Grandal with a lower BA an OB%, minus the passed balls. I wish him well, but he offered too much of the same ‘ole, same ‘ole!
I think my favorite players this year will be Luke Raley and Zach McKinstry!
Rios makes a lot of sense because he doesn’t seem to have the traditional platoon splits that we’ve had with other Dodgers left handed hitters. It seems to me that if he was on another team, he would be penned, not just penciled into the middle of the order of their lineup with his historic power production that we’ve seen so far.
Regarding Joc and passed balls, you must have forget what he did at 1B. 😉
yeah, but he did not let as many get passed him as Grandal did in 4 years, and Joc was only over there a very short time.
The winky face indicates sarcasm.
Thanks Harold, I appreciate that. I really believe that free agency changed the game so much. It became harder to get attached to players since so many would move on. Even the super stars were either leaving via free agency, or being traded in their later years. Guys like Ken Griffey Jr. Pete Rose. Few stay with their original teams their entire careers anymore. That is one of the reasons I admired the Braves for keeping Chipper Jones around for his entire career. I feel bad for kids who get really attached to a player, get his jersey and such, and for some he is gone when he hits free agency, and they are crushed to see them go. Luckily, when Duke was sold, I was 14. So I could handle it a lot better. I did wonder why the Dodgers put some players that were to me at least vital, on the list to be drafted in the expansion draft in 1960. My guess was they felt Larker and Fairly could handle the first base duty’s and Gil was in his late 30’s. I did not understand them putting Neal on there though. What really surprised me was the reaction on Twitter to Kike leaving. You would have thought that Mike Piazza was leaving all over again. Have not seen that much crying in years.
Awesome Bear
Thank you Bum
One Dodger who is a couple of years away from free agency, Cody Bellinger. Now so far in his career Cody has had a good year, then a bad year, good year, bad year. What I would like to see before they even consider signing him to an extension or long term contract is 2 very good years in a row. Show me some consistency. That is why I prefer they try to extend Seager before they even think about Bellinger. Belli has more power, and he strikes out a lot more. But Seager, when healthy is the better player.
Nice write up Bear. You’re right about free agency and the movement of players but the old system was just horrific for the players. But I just can’t help myself having favorite players. How can you not love Kersh? He’s my all time favorite player! And I can’t imagine the Dodgers without at least a couple more years of Turner. Sign him AF! And I will continue to wear my Joc jersey to Dodger games this year. I loved his boyhood enthusiasm for the game and he put up some darn good years in 16,18 and 19. He came up big in October and I will miss him. But I’m really excited about 2021. If we sign Turner I think this will be the best LA Dodger team ever entering spring training!
I really enjoyed your article this morning, Bear. Thank you very much. I have had many favorites over the years and have been sad to see them go, but wished them well in the end. Thank goodness they never traded Sandy Koufax. That would have devastated me. Keep up the good work.
Thank you DBM. I really appreciate it. Koufax being traded almost happened. It was after the 1960 season I think, and there were rumors out that the Dodgers came () that close to trading Sandy for Elston Howard of the Yanks. Yanks owner killed the deal. Best non trade they ever made. Also wanted you to know that Bill Haselman is now on the OKC coaching staff.
Ok. Very good news on Bill Haselman, a very knowledgeable coach. Do you know what area he is coaching in? Thanks.
Probably 3rd base and the catchers. When they post the rosters and such for the affiliates it should have exactly what his job is there.
Yes, I checked. Think he will be the bench coach and 3rd base coach. Sorry, I should have done that myself instead of asking you. But, thanks always for your help. DBM
Thanks Cassidy. I hope CK retires as a Dodger. I do not think they will give him 30 mil a year anymore. I know the owners make a lot of money, but these salaries are just unreal. Joc was as fun to watch as he was frustrating. Never bought his jersey but I have an 88 Gibson, a 63 Koufax, 55 Jackie Robinson. I also have Kersh, Seager, my Seager is a tribute to the military so it is Olive Drab and black. A Bellinger and a Adrian Gonzalez, so I have 2 # 23’s. And I found an old # 7 Brooklyn jersey that is wool.
My son gave me a Mookie jersey for Christmas. I love the guy! As great a person as a player! MVP this year. I don’t think Kersh expects another 30 mil contract and I hope he retires as a Dodger
The Super Bowl was yesterday, pitchers and catchers report next week. Free agents have been flying off the shelves with surprisingly several top 50 free agents yet to sign.
All of this means that baseball is just around the corner after another crazy offseason with mostly post holidays free agent signings. A wild ride that landed us the top free agent according to MLBTR who correctly picked the final destination. Not much ink was spilled during the offseason about Bauer’s perceived value and prediction of Four years, $128MM. But, now that the best team in baseball signed the sometimes surely ace of a right-hander, he’s not worth the money and won’t perform close to his short season numbers. **rolls eyes**
I’m not sure what the media is thinking these days. They try to convince you of the opposite in too many cases. They sensationalize everything. Not too many articles about last year’s best pitching staff adding the best available pitcher comparted to the number of articles about what an a-hole he his, how he’ll fit in the clubhouse and how his career stats are underserving of such a contract even though it comes in at 26 million less than expected.
I watched the 4 hour infomercial of systemic brain washing last night complete with social justice themed commercials in order to see the greatest QB in the history of the game win his record setting 7th ring while being the underdog. Instead of the normal Super Bowl festivities built around parties and game score pools, I watched at home with my wife, son and future daughter in law. It was pretty uneventful.
Now, it’s finally time for baseball and to say goodbye to some old friends as Bear alluded to. It’s hard to say goodbye, but it’s sure a lot easier when there’s an exciting hello. It was so tough for me to say goodbye to Ron Cey, nothing hurt more than Mike Piazza a fellow Italiano and a hall of famer. Saying goodbye to Joc, Kike and Baez is not that hard for me. I view Joc leaving as more ABs for Pollock and perhaps some up and comers that I wanted to see in the Bigs (Hello Zach Recks). Kike’s loss is CT3’s benefit in the same way and say hello to Zach McKinstry. (What are the odds of two Zach’s taking over for Joc and Kike?) Sure, I’ll miss those Joc Bombs, I was fortunate to see some missiles launched off his bat at Dodger Stadium. I’ll miss Kike’s play at 2B making throws from all angles and from his butt and knees. But, I’m not going to get too worked up about losing two part time players and a guy that blew more than his fair share of postseason games. I liked all of them, especially Joc. But, it’s time for another season and it’s time to move onward and forward.
Thanks for the great article, Bear!
I will miss Joc, Kike, Baez, and Alex Wood. All of them were solid contributors who had great moments. But each player had become role players for the Dodgers, and are seeking full time roles with other teams. Joc wrote a great piece in Players Tribune about his time with the Dodgers, and explained his desire to play everyday even against left handed pitchers. And the Cub’s GM, Jed Hoyer, was on MLB radio yesterday explaining the Joc signing and confirming that he will start out as their everyday left fielder. Best of luck to Joc in Chicago! And Kike, Baez, and Wood will all get more playing time with their new teams. Wish them all well, except the ones playing for the Giants and the Astros.
Thanks RC. It was a lot harder to watch players leave before free agency, and some, I could not wait to see them shipped out of town. Bye Grandal! And some you hear the reason’s why long after they have been traded. Frank Robinson and Richie Allen butted heads with Alston. He thought Robinson was second guessing him all the time. Allen and Alston just had a personality conflict. That is one reason both of those guys only spent one season in LA, Maury Wills pissed off Walter O’Malley after the 1966 season because he begged out of the teams Japan trip, and then was spotted in Las Vegas playing banjo in a nightclub. Boom, he was gone.
I really liked your article Bear. In some ways you and I are a lot alike. We are from the same era (I’m 3 yrs older). Obviously, you know who my favorite Dodger is. You mentioned that when you were in the service, you didn’t or couldn’t follow the team that closely. I can relate to that but for a much longer period. I was not in the service, but when the Dodgers left Brooklyn it became very hard to follow them closely. I’ve lived in Jersey all my life and I used to listen to games that I could pickup on other teams stations through the static (Phillies, Pirates, sometimes the Reds). After I got married I followed them even less closely. Today, with ESPN, MLB, FS1 plus the internet I can follow much more closely again, thank goodness. You mentioned that you don’t really have favorites any more. Well, neither do I. If I was really pressed to pick one I guess it would be Corey Seager.
I thank all you guys who write such great articles and to all the others who post so well. I’m really looking forward to this season. We’re really getting close now. Go Dodgers!