1971 Los Angeles Dodgers

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1971 Los Angeles Dodgers / Franchise: Los Angeles Dodgers / BR Team Page[edit]

Record: 89-73, Finished 2nd in NL Western Division (1971 NL)

Managed by Walter Alston

Coaches: Red Adams, C.B. Beringer, Jim Gilliam, Roy Hartsfield, Danny Ozark and Dixie Walker

Ballpark: Dodger Stadium

History, Comments, Contributions[edit]

The 1971 Los Angeles Dodgers finished only one game out of first place, behind the San Francisco Giants. In spite of that, the Dodgers were never in first place during the 1971 season, and it would be three years before they would win the division, going from 1967 to 1973 without a championship. When they finally did win, in 1974, most of the players had turned over from this group.

Nevertheless, the 1971 Dodgers won 89 games and came very close. The hitters played in a pitcher's park, but were still third in the National League in batting average. Dick Allen, in his only year with the Dodgers, led the team with 23 home runs, far above the # 2 home run hitter on the team, Jim Lefebvre with 12. Allen would be traded to the Chicago White Sox after the season to begin what was perhaps the most famous part of his career.

Veteran Willie Davis at .309 had the highest batting average of the regulars, with backup Manny Mota hitting .312 in 269 at-bats. Mota would be with the team until 1982.

Young Steve Garvey was still a third baseman, and would continue to play third for one more year. First baseman Wes Parker, second baseman Jim Lefebvre, and shortstop Maury Wills would finish out their major league careers with the Dodgers in 1972.

Al Downing was the star of the pitching staff, going 20-9, while Don Sutton went 17-12. Reliever Jim Brewer had 22 saves.

For skipper Walter Alston, although he won 89 games, the winning percentage of .549 was slightly below his career percentage of .558.

Awards and Honors[edit]