History of Los Angeles Dodgers in Timeline

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team in MLB's National League West Division, originally founded in Brooklyn in 1883. Known as the Brooklyn Dodgers until their move to Los Angeles, they developed a significant rivalry with the New York Yankees, facing them in seven World Series and winning their first title in 1955. The team is also historically significant for breaking the baseball color line in 1947 with Jackie Robinson, and for Don Newcombe being the first player to win both the Cy Young Award and the NL MVP in the same season, 1956.

1901: Dodgers total franchise attendance tracked since 1901

On July 3, 2007, Dodgers management announced that total franchise attendance, dating back to 1901, had reached 175 million, a record for all professional sports.

1916: New York Times article mentions Dodgers' pennant hopes

In 1916, a New York Times article discussed the Dodgers' chances of winning the National League pennant, referring to the team as both "Dodgers" and "Superbas."

1918: New York Times article uses 'Robins' nickname

In 1918, a New York Times article titled "Buccaneers Take Last From Robins" referred to the team as both "Robins" and "Superbas."

1932: "Dodgers" appears on team jerseys

In 1932, the word "Dodgers" appeared on the team's jerseys for the first time, marking a formal recognition of the nickname.

1933: "Dodgers" used on home and road jerseys

In 1933, both the home and road jerseys for the team bore the name "Dodgers", solidifying the team's official name.

1933: "Dodgers" on front of home jersey

In 1933, the word "Dodgers" was first used on the front of the team's home jersey, which was white with red pinstripes and a stylized "B" on the left shoulder.

1937: Dodgers wear green outlined uniforms and caps

Throughout the 1937 season, the Dodgers wore green outlined uniforms and green caps before reverting to blue the following year.

1939: Mel Almada plays for Dodgers

In 1939, Mel Almada, the first Mexican-born player in league history and a southern California native, played for the Los Angeles Dodgers near the end of his career.

1939: Current uniform design created

In 1939, the current Dodgers uniform design was created and has remained the same with only cosmetic changes.

1944: Introduction of all-blue satin uniforms

In 1944, the Dodgers introduced all-blue satin uniforms.

1947: Allan Roth Hired as Statistician

In 1947, Allan Roth was hired by the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first official statistician for a Major League team.

1947: Jackie Robinson's Rookie Season

Jackie Robinson's rookie season opening day in 1947 is commemorated yearly.

1950: Vin Scully begins broadcasting for Dodgers

From 1950 to 2016, Vin Scully called almost all Los Angeles Dodger games.

1951: Red numbers added to home uniform

In 1951, red numbers were intended to be added under the "Dodgers" script on the home uniform for the World Series, but the team did not qualify that year.

1952: Red numbers added to home uniform

In 1952, red numbers were added under the "Dodgers" script to the home uniform.

1954: Start of Managerial Stability

In 1954, the Dodgers began a period of managerial stability, employing only Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda over nearly 43 years, from 1954 to mid-1996.

1955: 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers

In 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers existed.

1956: Jerry Doggett partners with Vin Scully

In 1956, Jerry Doggett became a longtime partner of Vin Scully and worked together until 1987 to broadcast Los Angeles Dodgers games.

1957: Dodgers move to Los Angeles

After the 1957 season, Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley moved the team to Los Angeles, convincing Giants owner Horace Stoneham to preserve the rivalry by moving his team to California as well.

April 18, 1958: Dodgers' first LA game

On April 18, 1958, the Dodgers played their first game in Los Angeles, defeating the San Francisco Giants 6–5 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in front of 78,672 fans.

1958: Back-up PA Announcers

From 1958, Doug Moore, Philip Petty, and Dennis Packer served as back-up voices for John Ramsey for the Dodgers, California Angels, Los Angeles Chargers, USC football, and Los Angeles Rams.

1958: Dodgers move to Los Angeles

In 1958, after the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, the rivalry with the New York Yankees retained its significance as the two teams represented the two largest cities on opposite sides of the United States since the 1980s.

1958: John Ramsey Becomes PA Announcer

In 1958, coinciding with the Dodgers' move to Los Angeles, John Ramsey became the public address announcer, a position he held until his retirement in 1982.

1958: Los Angeles Dodgers Managers List

In 1958, the Los Angeles Dodgers started using a list of managers.

1958: Dodgers Establish Spanish-Language Broadcast

In 1958, upon moving to Los Angeles, the Dodgers became the first MLB team with a Spanish-language flagship station, KWKW (1300 AM), featuring René Cárdenas as part of the broadcast team.

1958: LA replaces B on caps

In 1958, when the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, the stylized "B" on the caps was replaced with the interlocking "LA".

1959: Jaime Jarrín Begins Spanish Play-by-Play

In 1959, Jaime Jarrín began his tenure as the Spanish play-by-play voice for the Dodgers, a role he held until 2022.

1961: Start of Dodgers-Angels intra-city rivalry

The Dodgers' intra-city rivalry with the Los Angeles Angels dates back to the Angels' inaugural season in 1961.

1962: Dodgers lead league in attendance

In 1962, the Dodgers led the league in attendance by a significant margin, nearly doubling that of the New York Yankees, after initial concerns about filling the newly constructed Dodger Stadium.

1963: Dodgers-Yankees World Series

In 1963, the Dodgers' rivalry with the New York Yankees was revived with their East Coast/West Coast World Series battle.

1964: Allan Roth Ends Tenure

In 1964, Allan Roth ended his tenure as the statistician with the Los Angeles Dodgers, after beginning with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

1969: Revival of Dodgers-Padres rivalry

The Dodgers recently revived an old Southern California-based rivalry with the San Diego Padres dating back to the Padres' inaugural season in 1969.

1970: Peter O'Malley Takes Over the Team

In 1970, Walter O'Malley handed over control of the Dodgers to his son Peter O'Malley, which influenced Jackie Robinson's decision to accept the honor of having his number retired.

1970: City name removed from road jerseys

In 1970, the Dodgers removed the city name from the road jerseys, featuring "Dodgers" on both home and away uniforms.

1970: Intense rivalry with Cincinnati Reds begins

In 1970, the Los Angeles Dodgers' rivalry with the Cincinnati Reds intensified, marking the beginning of a highly competitive period where both teams frequently vied for the NL West division title.

June 4, 1972: Koufax, Campanella, and Robinson Have Numbers Retired

On June 4, 1972, Koufax, Campanella, and Robinson became the first Dodgers to have their numbers retired in a ceremony at Dodger Stadium. Robinson had initially rejected the honor until Walter O'Malley's son took over the team.

1972: Number Retirement

In 1972, Koufax, Robinson and Campanella had their jersey numbers retired.

1976: Vin Scully selected Most Memorable Personality

In 1976, Vin Scully was selected by Los Angeles Dodgers fans as the Most Memorable Personality in the team's history.

1977: Ross Porter partners with Vin Scully

In 1977, Ross Porter became a longtime partner of Vin Scully and worked together until 2004 to broadcast Los Angeles Dodgers games.

1977: Dodgers-Yankees World Series

In 1977, the Dodgers continued their rivalry with the New York Yankees with another East Coast/West Coast World Series battle.

1978: Packer Becomes Lakers and Kings Announcer

In 1978, Dennis Packer became the public address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings after John Ramsey's retirement from the Forum.

1978: Dodgers-Yankees World Series

In 1978, the Dodgers continued their rivalry with the New York Yankees with another East Coast/West Coast World Series battle.

1978: Dodgers attract over 3 million fans

In 1978, the Los Angeles Dodgers became the first MLB team to attract more than three million fans in a season.

1980: Dodgers start clinics in China and South Korea

In 1980, former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley began reaching out to Asia by starting baseball clinics in China and South Korea.

1981: Yankees and Dodgers go 40 years without meeting in World Series

From 1981 until 2024, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers had gone 40 years without meeting in the World Series.

1981: Dodgers-Yankees World Series

In 1981, the Dodgers continued their rivalry with the New York Yankees with another East Coast/West Coast World Series battle.

1982: John Ramsey Retires

In 1982, John Ramsey retired as the public address announcer for the Dodgers after serving in that role since 1958.

1982: Vin Scully inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

In 1982, Vin Scully was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasters.

1982: Vin Scully Wins Frick Award

In 1982, Vin Scully won the Ford C. Frick Award and is permanently honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame's "Scribes & Mikemen" exhibit.

1982: Back-up PA Announcers

Until 1982, Doug Moore, Philip Petty, and Dennis Packer served as back-up voices for John Ramsey for the Dodgers, California Angels, Los Angeles Chargers, USC football, and Los Angeles Rams.

1983: Nick Nickson Replaces John Ramsey

In 1983, Nick Nickson, a radio broadcaster for the Los Angeles Kings, replaced John Ramsey as the Dodger Stadium public address announcer.

1987: Jerry Doggett retires

In 1956, Jerry Doggett became a longtime partner of Vin Scully and worked together until 1987 to broadcast Los Angeles Dodgers games.

1987: Don Drysdale replaces Jerry Doggett

In 1987, Don Drysdale replaced Jerry Doggett after his retirement as a broadcaster for Los Angeles Dodgers games.

1988: Nancy Bea Hefley Joins Dodgers

From 1988, Nancy Bea Hefley became the organist at Dodger Stadium.

1989: Nick Nickson Leaves Dodgers

In 1989, Nick Nickson left his position as the Dodger Stadium public address announcer to work with the Los Angeles Kings full-time.

January 25, 1990: Pete Arbogast Wins Announcer Job After Ramsey's Death

On January 25, 1990, Pete Arbogast won the Dodgers' public address announcer job by imitating John Ramsey's opening and closing remarks after Ramsey's death.

1990: Death of John Ramsey

In 1990, John Ramsey, the Dodgers' public address announcer from 1958 to 1982, passed away.

1990: Rivalry with Cincinnati Reds continues

Through 1990, the Dodgers and Reds had eleven 1-2 finishes in the standings, with seven within 5½ games or fewer, competing in numerous championships.

1993: Don Drysdale dies

In 1993, Don Drysdale died in his hotel room following a heart attack before a game in Montreal. He was replaced by Rick Monday.

1994: Mike Carlucci Replaces Pete Arbogast

In 1994, Mike Carlucci replaced Pete Arbogast as the Dodgers' public address announcer.

1994: Dodgers sign Chan Ho Park

In 1994, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Chan Ho Park, becoming the first MLB team to sign the first South Korean-born player in league history.

1995: Dodgers face Reds in NLDS

In 1995, the Dodgers faced the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Division Series (NLDS), after the Reds moved to the NL Central.

1996: Dodgers streak of drawing 3 million fans begins

From 1996 to 2010, the Los Angeles Dodgers drew at least three million fans for 15 consecutive seasons, the longest such streak among all MLB teams.

1996: End of Managerial Stability

The period of managerial stability for the Dodgers, marked by only Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda managing from 1954, came to an end in mid-1996.

1997: Robinson's Number Retired Throughout MLB

In 1997, 50 years after he broke the color barrier, Jackie Robinson's No. 42 was retired throughout Major League Baseball, an honor unique to him.

1998: Dodgers open office in Asia

In 1998, the Dodgers became the first major league team to open an office in Asia.

1999: City script returns to road jerseys

In 1999, the city script returned to the road jerseys, and the Dodgers introduced an alternate uniform for the first time since 1944. These alternate jerseys had a royal top with the "Dodgers" script in white, a red number on the front, white pants, and a new cap with a silver brim.

1999: Blue alternate uniform

The "City Connect" uniform of 2021 was similar to the blue alternate uniform that the Dodgers wore in 1999.

2000: Dodgers regularly place in the top three in attendance

Since 2000, the Los Angeles Dodgers have regularly placed in the top three in attendance, or have led the league numerous times.

2002: Mike Carlucci Resigns

In 2002, Mike Carlucci resigned as the Dodgers' public address announcer to focus on his voiceover and acting career, as well as his Olympics announcing duties.

2002: Dodgers sign Chin-Feng Chen

In 2002, the Los Angeles Dodgers made history by signing Chin-Feng Chen, the first Taiwanese player in MLB, leading to increased fan support from Taiwan.

2003: Eric Smith Becomes PA Announcer

From 2003, Eric Smith was the Dodgers public address announcer until 2014. He also announces for the Los Angeles Clippers and USC Trojans.

2004: Ross Porter leaves broadcasting for Dodgers

In 1977, Ross Porter became a longtime partner of Vin Scully and worked together until 2004 to broadcast Los Angeles Dodgers games.

2004: Ross Porter's tenure ends

In 2004, Ross Porter's tenure as a Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster ended, after which the format of play-by-play announcers and color commentators was installed.

2004: Yankees and Dodgers play in interleague series

In 2004, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers played a three-game interleague series, their first non-exhibition games since 1981.

2005: Angels Name Change Controversy

In 2005, animosity grew between the Dodgers and Angels' fanbases after Angels' owner Arte Moreno changed the team name to 'Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim'. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt filed a formal complaint and created a t-shirt mocking the Angels.

2005: Hee Seop Choi competes in Home Run Derby

In 2005, the Dodgers' Hee Seop Choi became the first Asian player to compete in the Home Run Derby.

July 3, 2007: Dodgers reach 175 million in total franchise attendance

On July 3, 2007, Dodgers management announced that total franchise attendance, dating back to 1901, had reached 175 million, a record for all professional sports.

2007: Jackie Robinson Day Established

Starting in the 2007 season, Jackie Robinson Day (April 15) has been celebrated with many or all players and coaches wearing the number 42 as a tribute to Robinson.

March 28, 2008: Dodgers set world record for baseball game attendance

On March 28, 2008, the Dodgers set the world record for the largest attendance for a single baseball game during an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with 115,300 fans in attendance, honoring the Dodgers' 50th anniversary.

2008: Dodgers roster with most Asian players

During the 2008 season, the Dodgers had the most Asian players on its roster of any major league team, with five.

2009: Dodgers lead MLB in total attendance

In 2009, the Los Angeles Dodgers led MLB in total attendance.

2009: Dodgers win NLDS against Cardinals

In 2009, the Los Angeles Dodgers won the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the St. Louis Cardinals.

2010: Dodgers 15-season streak of drawing at least 3 million fans ends

In 2010, the Los Angeles Dodgers' 15-season streak of drawing at least three million fans comes to an end.

2010: Giants win first championship since moving to California

The 2010 World Series was the Giants' first championship since moving to California.

2012: Sue Falsone, First Female Physical Therapist

In 2012, Sue Falsone became the first female physical therapist in Major League Baseball.

2012: Dodgers fans named best in Los Angeles

In 2012, a Bleacher Report article referred to Los Angeles Dodgers fans as the best sports fanbase in Los Angeles.

September 19, 2013: Dodgers Clinch Division and Celebrate at Chase Field

On September 19, 2013, after eliminating the Diamondbacks and clinching the division, multiple Dodgers players celebrated by jumping into the pool at Chase Field.

2013: Dodgers sign Hyun-Jin Ryu

For the 2013 season, the Dodgers signed starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu with a six-year, $36 million contract.

2013: Sue Falsone, First Female Head Athletic Trainer

In 2013, Sue Falsone became the first female head athletic trainer in Major League Baseball.

2013: Dodgers Launch Korean Broadcast

In 2013, the Dodgers began their Korean broadcast through KMPC, expanding their reach to Korean-speaking fans.

2013: Dodgers lead the league in attendance

Since 2013, the Los Angeles Dodgers have recently led the league in attendance for nine straight seasons.

2014: Eric Smith's Tenure Ends

In 2014, Eric Smith's tenure as the Dodgers public address announcer came to an end.

2014: Introduction of alternate road jersey

In 2014, the Dodgers introduced an alternate road jersey, a gray version with the "Dodgers" script instead of the city name.

April 3, 2015: Todd Leitz Hired as PA Announcer

On April 3, 2015, the Dodgers announced the hiring of Todd Leitz, a former radio broadcaster, as their new public address announcer.

December 8, 2015: Zack Greinke signs with Diamondbacks

On December 8, 2015, Zack Greinke signed a six-year, $206.5 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks in free agency.

2015: Dave Roberts Appointed Manager

Following the 2015 postseason, Dave Roberts was appointed as the manager of the Dodgers, succeeding Don Mattingly.

2015: Nancy Bea Hefley Retires, Dieter Ruehle Takes Over

In 2015, Nancy Bea Hefley retired as the organist at Dodger Stadium, and Dieter Ruehle, who also plays for Los Angeles Kings games, took over her position.

2015: Dodgers most popular MLB team in Utah

In 2015, Vivid Seats reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers were the most popular MLB team in Utah based on ticket sales.

2016: Dodgers sign Kenta Maeda

For the 2016 season, the Dodgers signed starting pitcher Kenta Maeda with an eight-year, $25 million contract.

2016: Vin Scully retires from broadcasting for Dodgers

From 1950 to 2016, Vin Scully called almost all Los Angeles Dodger games.

2016: Vin Scully Retires

In 2016, Vin Scully retired from calling games after an impressive 67 years with the Dodgers, marking the longest tenure with a single sports team.

2016: Dodgers host Korean Heritage Night

Since 2016, the Los Angeles Dodgers have partnered with the Korean communities of Los Angeles and began hosting an annual Korean Heritage Night.

2017: Joe Davis Selected as Play-by-Play Announcer

In 2017, Joe Davis was selected by Dodgers management to take over play-by-play duties on television, with Orel Hershiser as the color commentator.

2017: Dodgers sweep Diamondbacks in NLDS

In 2017, the Dodgers swept the Diamondbacks 3-0 in the National League Division Series (NLDS) en route to their appearance in the World Series.

2017: Astros win World Series against Dodgers

In 2017, the Houston Astros won the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 7 games, intensifying the rivalry that was later re-intensified by the Astros' sign-stealing scandal.

2017: Heated rivalry regrown against Houston Astros

The Dodgers also regrew a heated rivalry against the former divisional foe Houston Astros after their move to the American League, due in no small part to the controversy of the 2017 World Series.

2018: Dodgers wear 60th anniversary patch

In 2018, the Dodgers wore their 60th anniversary patch to honor 60 years in Los Angeles.

2019: Legends of Dodger Baseball Established

In 2019, the Dodgers established "Legends of Dodger Baseball" to honor Dodger greats whose numbers have not been retired, recognizing their impact on and off the field with plaques at Dodger Stadium.

2020: Dodgers sweep Padres in NLDS

In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers swept the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series (NLDS).

2020: Dodgers exclude 2020 from top attendance rankings

The Los Angeles Dodgers have regularly placed in the top three in attendance, or have led the league numerous times since 2000, excluding the 2020 season.

2021: Dodgers and Giants both finish with over 100 wins

In 2021, both the Dodgers and Giants finished the regular season with over 100 wins, leading to their first postseason matchup in the NLDS, which the Dodgers won.

2021: Dodgers unveil "City Connect" uniform

In 2021, the Dodgers unveiled a blue alternate "City Connect" uniform in collaboration with Nike, featuring the script "Los Dodgers".

2021: Dodgers win National League Wild Card Game

In 2021, the Los Angeles Dodgers won the National League Wild Card Game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

2022: Jaime Jarrín's Last Season

In 2022, Jaime Jarrín completed his tenure as the Spanish play-by-play voice for the Dodgers, concluding a long and distinguished career.

2022: Cap change for "City Connect" uniform

In 2022, the Dodgers switched the cap for the "City Connect" uniform to a blue interlocking "LA" cap with a black brim, relocating the "Los Dodgers" script to the right side.

2022: Padres win NLDS against Dodgers

In 2022, the San Diego Padres won against the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games in the National League Division Series (NLDS).

2023: Dodgers Announcer Lineup

As of 2023, Joe Davis and Charley Steiner are the primary play-by-play announcers on television and radio, respectively, for the Los Angeles Dodgers, with Orel Hershiser and Rick Monday as the primary color commentators.

2023: Yñiguez and Mota Join Spanish Booth

In 2023, Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota, the son of Dodger legend Manny Mota, joined Fernando Valenzuela in the Spanish broadcast booth.

2023: Diamondbacks sweep Dodgers in NLDS

In 2023, the Diamondbacks swept the Dodgers 3-0 in the National League Division Series (NLDS) as they eventually reached the World Series.

2023: Pants change for "City Connect" uniform

In 2023, white pants with blue piping replaced the blue pants previously worn with the "City Connect" uniform.

June 2024: Dodgers win series against Yankees

In June 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers won two out of three games against the New York Yankees in New York.

2024: Dodgers sign Shohei Ohtani

For the 2024 season, the Dodgers signed free agent two-way player Shohei Ohtani with a 10-year, $700 million contract, the largest ever in professional sports history.

2024: Fernando Valenzuela's Death

In 2024, former Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who also served as a color analyst for some games and was a translator for Jaime Jarrín, passed away.

2024: Dodgers Focus on Japanese Fanbase with Ohtani Signing

In 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers increased their focus on growing a Japanese fanbase following their signing of Shohei Ohtani, including theme nights in collaboration with Japanese companies like Sanrio (Hello Kitty night) and VTuber agency Hololive.

2024: Dodgers win NLDS against Padres

In 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers won against the San Diego Padres in five games in the National League Division Series (NLDS).

2024: Dodgers unveil second "City Connect" uniform

Midway through the 2024 season, the Dodgers unveiled their second "City Connect" uniform, a cream-based design paying homage to Los Angeles' history. It featured a slanted "Los Angeles" wordmark, mid-century number font, cobalt and electric blue shades, chili red accents, and a cobalt blue cap with a merged "LAD" logo. The uniform also featured the hashtag #ITFDB.