History of Los Angeles Dodgers in Timeline

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles, competing in the National League West Division. They are one of MLB's most successful franchises, with nine World Series championships and 26 National League pennants. As of 2025, the Dodgers' franchise valuation was estimated at $6.9 billion, ranking second in MLB.

1901: Franchise Attendance Record Keeping Begins

In 1901, the Dodgers started keeping records of total franchise attendance.

1914: Wilbert Robinson becomes manager.

In 1914, Wilbert Robinson became manager of the team, leading them until 1931. The "Robins" nickname was derived from his name.

1916: Use of Team Nicknames in The New York Times

In 1916, a New York Times article described a game, mentioning both "Dodgers" and "Superbas" as nicknames for the team, illustrating the various names used before the official adoption of "Dodgers."

1918: Use of "Robins" and "Superbas" nicknames

In 1918, a New York Times article used the nickname "Robins" in its title, but the subtitle referred to the team as "Superbas", highlighting the concurrent use of different nicknames.

1920: World Series Program Identifies Team as "Dodgers"

The program issued at Ebbets Field for the 1920 World Series identified the matchup as "Dodgers vs. Indians," even though the "Robins" nickname had been in use for about six years.

1931: Wilbert Robinson's Last Season as Manager

1931 marked Wilbert Robinson's last season as manager of the team, a role he had held since 1914. The nickname "Robins" was derived from his name.

1932: "Dodgers" Appeared on Team Jerseys

In 1932, the word "Dodgers" appeared on team jerseys for the first time. Before this, the Trolley Dodger nickname, among others, was used by fans and sportswriters but not in an official capacity.

1933: "Dodgers" on Home and Away Jerseys

In 1933, the "conclusive shift" occurred when both home and road jerseys for the team bore the name "Dodgers".

1937: Green 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 the Dodgers

In 1939, Mel Almada, the first Mexican-born player to play in the MLB, played for the Dodgers near the end of his career.

1939: Current Uniform Design Created

In 1939, the current uniform design was created, remaining largely unchanged since then with only cosmetic modifications.

1944: All-Blue Satin Uniforms Introduced

In 1944, all-blue satin uniforms were introduced.

1947: Allan Roth Hired as Official Statistician

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

1947: Jackie Robinson's Rookie Season

In 1947, Jackie Robinson started his rookie season. Jackie Robinson Day, which commemorates Robinson's rookie season, is celebrated on April 15 every year.

1950: Vin Scully Begins Broadcasting Career with Dodgers

From 1950 to 2016, Vin Scully called almost all Dodger games, becoming a legendary voice for the team.

1951: Red Numbers Planned for Home Uniform

Originally intended for the 1951 World Series (for which the ballclub failed to qualify), red numbers under the "Dodgers" script were planned to be added to the home uniform.

1952: Red Numbers Added to Home Uniform

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

1954: Dodgers Employed Walter Alston

In 1954, Walter Alston became one of the two managers employed by the Dodgers for nearly 43 years, until mid-1996.

1956: Jerry Doggett Joins Vin Scully as Broadcaster

In 1956, Jerry Doggett joined Vin Scully as one of his long time broadcasting partners until 1987.

1957: Dodgers Move to Los Angeles

After the 1957 season, Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley moved the team to Los Angeles for financial and other reasons.

1958: Managers of the Los Angeles Dodgers

From 1958 onward, there have been several managers for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1958: Doug Moore, Philip Petty, and Dennis Packer as back-up voices

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 Establish Spanish-Language Broadcast

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

1958: Dodgers Move to Los Angeles

In 1958, the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, continuing their rivalry and representing one of the largest cities on the West Coast, while also gaining the support of one of the largest fanbases in North America.

1958: Move to Los Angeles and Uniform Changes

In 1958, when the franchise moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, the city name on the road jersey changed, and the stylized "B" on the caps was replaced with the interlocking "LA".

1958: John Ramsey Becomes PA Voice of the Dodgers

In 1958, with the Dodgers' move to Los Angeles from Brooklyn, John Ramsey became the public address (PA) voice of the Dodgers.

1959: Jaime Jarrín Begins Spanish Play-by-Play

From 1959 to 2022, Jaime Jarrín voiced the Spanish play-by-play for the Dodgers.

1961: Rivalry with Los Angeles Angels Begins

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

1962: Dodger Stadium Completed

In 1962, construction of Dodger Stadium was completed just in time for Opening Day. The stadium's design, with its clean lines and picturesque setting, quickly turned it into an icon for the Dodgers.

1962: Dodgers Lead MLB in Attendance

In the 1962 season, the Dodgers led MLB in attendance by a considerable margin, nearly doubling that of the New York Yankees, proving the viability of Dodger Stadium despite initial concerns.

1963: World Series Battles with Yankees Revived

In 1963, the Dodgers' rivalry with the New York Yankees, which originated when the Dodgers were based in New York, was revived with their East Coast/West Coast World Series battle.

1964: Allan Roth's Tenure Ends

In 1964, Allan Roth's tenure as the statistician for the Los Angeles Dodgers came to an end.

1965: MLB Draft Introduction

In 1965, the MLB draft was introduced. Since then, the Dodgers have had only three top-five draft picks.

1969: Rivalry with San Diego Padres Begins

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

1970: Peter O'Malley Takes Control of the Dodgers

In 1970, Walter O'Malley handed over control of the Dodgers to his son Peter, leading Jackie Robinson to finally agree to a number retirement ceremony.

1970: City Name Removed from Road Jerseys

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

1970: Intense Rivalry Begins between Dodgers and Reds

Starting in 1970, the Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds began an intense rivalry, frequently competing for the NL West division title.

June 4, 1972: First Dodgers Number Retirement Ceremony

On June 4, 1972, Koufax, Campanella, and Robinson were the first Dodgers to have their numbers retired, in a ceremony at Dodger Stadium.

1972: Number Retirement of Robinson and Campanella

In 1972, the Dodgers retired the numbers of Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella. Both Robinson and Campanella had already been inducted into the Hall of Fame for several years before their numbers were retired.

1976: Vin Scully Selected as Most Memorable Personality

In 1976, Vin Scully was selected by Dodgers fans as the Most Memorable Personality (on the field or off) in the team's history.

1977: Ross Porter Joins Vin Scully as Broadcaster

In 1977, Ross Porter joined Vin Scully as one of his long time broadcasting partners until 2004.

1977: World Series Battles with Yankees

In 1977, the Dodgers had World Series battles with the New York Yankees.

1978: Dennis Packer Became Public Address Announcer

In 1978, Dennis Packer became the public address announcer for the Lakers, Kings, indoor soccer, and indoor tennis events at the Forum, after Ramsey's retirement.

1978: Dodgers First MLB Team to Attract Over Three Million Fans

In 1978, the Dodgers became the first MLB team to attract over three million fans in a single season.

1978: World Series Battles with Yankees

In 1978, the Dodgers had World Series battles with the New York Yankees.

1980: Outreach to Asia Begins

In 1980, then-owner Peter O'Malley began reaching out to Asia by starting clinics in China and South Korea and building baseball fields in two Chinese cities.

1981: Last World Series Meeting Until 2024

After 1981, the Yankees and Dodgers did not meet again in the World Series until 2024.

1981: World Series Battles with Yankees

In 1981, the Dodgers had World Series battles with the New York Yankees.

1982: John Ramsey's Retirement

In 1982, John Ramsey retired from his position as the PA voice of the Dodgers, after serving since 1958.

1982: Vin Scully Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

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

1982: Vin Scully wins the Ford C. Frick Award

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

1982: Doug Moore, Philip Petty, and Dennis Packer as back-up voices

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 as Dodger Stadium Public Address Announcer

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

1985: Clayton Kershaw Drafted

Since 1985, the Dodgers have had one top-ten pick, which was Clayton Kershaw, No. 7.

1987: Don Drysdale replaces Jerry Doggett

In 1987, Don Drysdale replaced Jerry Doggett as a Dodgers broadcaster.

1987: Jerry Doggett Ends Broadcasting Career

In 1987, Jerry Doggett retired from broadcasting after partnering with Vin Scully since 1956.

1988: Nancy Bea Hefley at Dodger Stadium

From 1988, Nancy Bea Hefley enjoyed popularity behind the Dodger Stadium keyboard similar to Gladys Goodding.

1989: Nick Nickson Leaves Dodger Stadium Public Address Announcer Position

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

January 25, 1990: Pete Arbogast wins the Dodgers job

On January 25, 1990, Pete Arbogast won the Dodgers job on the day that Ramsey died, by doing a verbatim imitation of Ramsey's opening and closing remarks that were standard at each game.

1990: Dodgers-Reds Rivalry Peak

By 1990, the Dodgers and Reds had finished in the top two spots in their division eleven times since 1970, with many finishes being decided by narrow margins, highlighting the intensity of their rivalry.

1990: Death of John Ramsey

In 1990, John Ramsey, the former PA voice of the Dodgers, passed away.

1993: Don Drysdale's Death

In 1993, Don Drysdale passed away in his hotel room following a heart attack before a game in Montreal and was later replaced by Rick Monday.

1994: Mike Carlucci Replaces Pete Arbogast

In 1994, Mike Carlucci replaced Pete Arbogast as the Dodgers' PA voice announcer.

1995: Dodgers and Reds Face off in NLDS

In 1995, the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds played each other in the National League Division Series (NLDS).

1996: Dodgers Employed Tommy Lasorda

In 1996, Tommy Lasorda was the second of two managers employed by the Dodgers for nearly 43 years, from 1954 to mid-1996.

1996: Dodgers Begin Streak of Drawing 3 Million Fans for 15 Consecutive Seasons

In 1996, the Dodgers began a streak of drawing at least three million fans for 15 consecutive seasons, the longest such streak among all MLB teams, lasting until 2010.

1997: Jackie Robinson's Number Retired Throughout Major League Baseball

In 1997, 50 years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and 25 years after the Dodgers retired his number, Robinson's No. 42 was retired throughout Major League Baseball, making him the only major league baseball player so honored.

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 and Alternate Uniform Introduced

In 1999, the city script returned to the road jerseys, and the Dodgers introduced an alternate uniform for the first time since 1944 featuring a royal top with white "Dodgers" script and a red number.

2000: Dodgers Regularly Place in Top Three in Attendance

Since 2000, the Dodgers have regularly placed in the top three in attendance or have led the league numerous times, highlighting their strong fan support.

2002: Mike Carlucci Resigned

In 2002, Mike Carlucci resigned as the Dodgers' PA voice announcer to concentrate on his voiceover and acting career along with his Olympics announcing duties.

2002: Dodgers Sign Chin-Feng Chen

In 2002, the Dodgers signed Chin-Feng Chen, who became the first Taiwanese player in MLB.

2003: Eric Smith Becomes Public Address Announcer

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

2004: Ross Porter Ends Broadcasting Career

In 2004, Ross Porter's tenure as a Dodgers broadcaster ended after partnering with Vin Scully since 1977.

2004: Ross Porter's Tenure Ends

In 2004, Ross Porter's tenure as a Dodgers broadcaster ended, leading to the installation of a play-by-play announcers and color commentators format, led by Monday and newcomer Charley Steiner.

2004: Yankees and Dodgers Play First Non-Exhibition Game Since 1981

In 2004, the Yankees and Dodgers played their first non-exhibition game since 1981, engaging in a three-game interleague series that drew sellout crowds.

2005: Hee Seop Choi in Home Run Derby

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

2005: Angels Name Change Sparks Fanbase Animosity

In 2005, the animosity between the fanbases of the Dodgers and Angels grew when Angels' owner Arte Moreno changed the team name to 'Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim', leading to a formal complaint and the creation of a Dodgers t-shirt that read "The Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles".

July 3, 2007: Dodgers Reach Record Franchise Attendance

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

2007: Jackie Robinson Day

Starting in the 2007 season, Jackie Robinson Day, which is commemorated on April 15, the Opening Day of Robinson's rookie season of 1947, has featured 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 at a single baseball game with 115,300 fans present during an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, celebrating the Dodgers' 50th anniversary.

May 17, 2008: Three Asian Pitchers in a Single Game

On May 17, 2008, the Dodgers became the first team to send out three Asian pitchers from different Asian countries (Park, Kuo, and Saito) in a single game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

2009: Dodgers Win NLDS against Cardinals

In 2009, the Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series (NLDS).

2009: Dodgers Lead MLB in Total Attendance

In 2009, the Dodgers led MLB in total attendance.

2010: Dodgers End Streak of Drawing 3 Million Fans for 15 Consecutive Seasons

In 2010, the Dodgers end a streak of drawing at least three million fans for 15 consecutive seasons, the longest such streak among all MLB teams.

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 declared Dodgers fans as the best in Los Angeles.

September 19, 2013: Dodgers Clinch Division and Celebrate in Pool

On September 19, 2013, after defeating the Diamondbacks and securing the division title, several Dodgers players celebrated their victory by jumping into the swimming pool at Chase Field.

2013: Hyun-Jin Ryu Signed

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 was the first female head athletic trainer in Major League baseball.

2013: Dodgers Begin Korean Broadcast

In 2013, the Dodgers began their Korean broadcast through KMPC.

2013: Dodgers Sign Hyun Jin Ryu

In 2013, the Dodgers signed All-Star pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu.

2013: Dodgers Begin Nine-Year Streak Leading League in Attendance

Starting in 2013, the Dodgers led the league in attendance for nine consecutive seasons.

2014: Alternate Road Jersey Introduced

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

2014: Eric Smith as Public Address Announcer

Until 2014, Eric Smith was the Dodgers public address announcer, he also announces for the Los Angeles Clippers and USC Trojans.

April 3, 2015: Todd Leitz Hired as Public Address Announcer

On April 3, 2015, the Dodgers announced that former radio broadcaster Todd Leitz was hired to become their new public address announcer. Leitz was an anchor and news reporter in Los Angeles at KNX 1070 AM for 10 years, and a news reporter at KABC 790 for two years.

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 as a free agent.

2015: Dave Roberts Appointed as Manager

Following the 2015 postseason, Dave Roberts was appointed as the Dodgers' manager after Don Mattingly's departure.

2015: Nancy Bea Hefley's Retirement and Dieter Ruehle's Replacement

In 2015, Nancy Bea Hefley retired and was replaced by Dieter Ruehle as the organist. Dieter Ruehle also plays at Crypto.com Arena for Los Angeles Kings games.

2015: Dodgers Most Popular MLB Team in Utah

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

2016: Kenta Maeda Signed

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

2016: Vin Scully's Last Season

From 1950 to 2016, Vin Scully called almost all Dodger games, marking 2016 as his last season.

2016: Dodgers Launch Annual Korean Heritage Night

In 2016, the Dodgers launched an annual Korean Heritage night in collaboration with the Korean communities of Los Angeles.

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

In 2017, Joe Davis was selected by Dodgers management to handle play-by-play on television with Orel Hershiser as his color commentator.

2017: Dodgers Sweep Diamondbacks in NLDS en route to World Series

In 2017, the Dodgers and Diamondbacks met in the National League Division Series, where the Dodgers swept the Diamondbacks 3–0 as they advanced to the World Series.

2017: Astros Defeat Dodgers in World Series

In 2017, the Houston Astros defeated the Dodgers in seven games during the 2017 World Series, later revealed to have used a sign-stealing system to gain an advantage.

2017: Rivalry with Houston Astros Regrows

Most recently, in 2017, the Dodgers have also regrown 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: 60th Anniversary Patch

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

2019: Establishment of "Legends of Dodger Baseball"

In 2019, the Dodgers established "Legends of Dodger Baseball" to honor Dodger greats whose numbers have not been retired. The program recognizes those who made an "impact on the franchise, both on and off the field," with plaques at Dodger Stadium.

2020: Dodgers Attendance Affected by 2020 Season

In 2020, the Dodgers attendance was affected, impacting their consistent presence in the top attendance rankings.

2020: Dodgers Sweep Padres in NLDS

In the 2020 NLDS, the Dodgers swept the Padres.

2021: Dodgers and Giants Postseason Matchup

In 2021, the Dodgers and Giants finished the regular season with over 100 wins each, resulting in their first postseason matchup in the NLDS. The Dodgers won the decisive Game 5 but lost in the NLCS to the Atlanta Braves.

2021: "City Connect" Uniform Unveiled

In 2021, the Dodgers unveiled a blue alternate "City Connect" uniform in collaboration with Nike, featuring the script "Los Dodgers" to honor Los Angeles' Latino community.

2021: Dodgers Win National League Wild Card Game

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

2022: "LA" Cap Replaces "Los Dodgers" Cap

In 2022, the Dodgers switched the "City Connect" uniform cap 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 the 2022 NLDS, the Padres won against the Dodgers in four games.

2022: Jaime Jarrín Ends Spanish Play-by-Play

Jaime Jarrín's tenure voicing the Spanish play-by-play for the Dodgers ended in 2022.

2023: Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota Join Spanish Broadcast Team

In 2023, Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota, son of Dodger legend Manny Mota, joined Fernando Valenzuela on 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, eventually reaching the World Series.

2023: White Pants Replace Blue Pants with "City Connect" Uniform

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

2024: Shohei Ohtani Signed

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

2024: Yankees and Dodgers Meet again in World Series

In 2024, the Yankees and Dodgers meet again in the World Series.

2024: Dodgers Win NLDS Against Padres

In the 2024 NLDS, the Dodgers won against the Padres in five games.

2024: Second "City Connect" Uniform Unveiled

Midway through the 2024 season, the Dodgers unveiled their second "City Connect" uniform, a cream-based uniform paying homage to Los Angeles and its history connected to the team.

2024: Death of Fernando Valenzuela

Until his death in 2024, Fernando Valenzuela served as a color analyst for some Dodgers games in Spanish.

2025: Dodgers Announcers in 2025

As of 2025, Joe Davis and Tim Neverett are the primary play-by-play announcers on television and radio, respectively, for the Dodgers. Orel Hershiser and Rick Monday work as the primary color commentators on TV and radio, respectively.