Dodgers: The 18 Best Individual Seasons in Franchise History

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American baseball player Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972) during his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers, 28th August 1949. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) /

2017 saw the Dodgers put together their best season in about three decades. There were numerous Dodgers who had terrific campaigns in 2017.

With contributions from top to bottom, from stars to surprises, depth was the battle cry that rang true all year. But was there a Dodger last year who was good enough to be ranked among the greatest Dodger seasons ever?

This is an imperfect science, and maybe an imperfect list. It has been attempted to be constructed relative to the era the player was in, the season’s historical significance, the player’s postseason performance, (if applicable) and their overall statistical dominance. If a player has been listed once, the odds of them being listed again are slim in order to spread around the praise and go through the books. (Unless the season is really super great)

After reading this list, most of you will probably hate me. To avoid any lingering unpleasant feelings, I’ve added honorable mentions at the end to recognize more of your personal favorites. So with the 2018 season approaching, let’s take a look at the 18 greatest seasons in Dodger History. (Cheaters omitted)

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 19: Cody Bellinger /

Cody Bellinger (2017)

The Numbers: .267/.352/.581 39 HR 97 RBI 480 AB

Sure there were strikeouts A-plenty for Bellinger, but the power was legendary. The 21-year old amassed 39 Bombs in only 132 games to go along with solid, versatile defensive play. He became the fastest player ever to hit 21 homers in history and helped lead his team to game seven of the World Series. Not bad for a rookie.

Shawn Green (2001)

The Numbers: .297/.372/.598 49 HR 125 RBI 20 SB WAR 7.0

Green never led LA to much playoff success, but there were a couple of seasons where he was just about as good as anyone. In 2001, he set the all-time Dodger home run record with 49, while also being a threat on the bases. The following year saw him join the four-homer in one game club.

Maury Wills (1962)

The Numbers: .299/.347/.373, 100 SB, 165 G 695 AB

When it comes to Dodger Baseball, it’s hard to find many names that represent the brand better. From his work ethic, his attitude, the way he played the game, to who he is as a person, Maury Wills was and is just about the perfect Dodger. 1962 was probably his best season, one in which he broke the All-time stolen base record set by Ty Cobb.

Zack Greinke (2015)

The Numbers: W/L: 19-3 1.66 ERA 222.2 IP 200 K 0.844 WHIP 2.76 FIP 9.9 WAR

Though his departure may have left a bad taste in the mouths of the Dodger faithful, let’s not forget how truly dominant Greinke was in 2015. Clayton Kershaw had one of his best years that season, and somehow Greinke may just have been better. And let’s not forget about his elite hitting and fielding as a starting pitcher. He would go on to cash in on his stellar season and snag a huge contract from Arizona.

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 04: Matt Kemp /

Matt Kemp (2011)

The Numbers: .324/.399/.586 39 HR 126 RBI 40 SB 8.2 WAR 172 OPS+

One of 2 Dodgers still on this list, (for now) Matt Kemp produced one of the more memorable seasons in Dodger history in 2011. He hit over .320, with an OPS of nearly 1.000, and that wasn’t even the best part. Kemp came up a single homer shy of joining the 40/40 club. He should have won the MVP, but it’s probably time to let that ol’ thing go.

Zack Wheat (1924)

The Numbers: .375/.428/.549 14 HR 97 RBI

Not exactly a household name anymore, but Wheat produced one of the most impressive Triple slash lines in Dodger history in 1924. “Buck” saved the best for the end of his career, as his age 35-37 seasons saw him hit at least .359 each year.

Tommy Davis (1962)

The Numbers .346/.374/.535 27 HR 153 RBI 18 SB

Tommy Davis had two of the best seasons a Dodger has ever had back to back. His masterpiece was 1962, in which he lead the league in hits, batting average, and RBI’s. However, 1963 would prove perhaps a bit more rewarding, as 1962’s end of summer heartbreak was replaced by a sweep of Mantle, Maris, and the 1963 Yankees in the World Series.

Don Drysdale (1968)

The Numbers: W/L 14-12 2.15 ERA 239 IP 155 K 2.54 FIP 1.075 WHIP

Although he wasn’t quite as venomous as he was earlier in his career, Don still found a way to hit his fair share of batters. He made history in 1968 with his famous 58.2 consecutive scoreless innings streak. One could make a good argument for his 1964 campaign as being slightly better statistically, but I’ll take one with all-time pitching record that would stand for two decades.

Fernando Valenzuela (1981)

The Numbers: W/L 13-7 2.48 ERA 192.1 IP 180 K 2.44 FIP 1.045 WHIP

The numbers may not jump out and scream “legendary” in this shortened season, but we all know the birth of “Fernandomania” is one of the most treasured chapters in Dodger history. After two recent failed attempts at beating the Yankees in the World Series, The Dodgers would turn to a 20-year-old rookie from Mexico to lead the way. With an electric flurry of fan support behind him, Fernandomania proved far too potent to stop, and the Dodgers would top the Yanks in the 1981 World Series.

Jackie Robinson (1949)

The Numbers: .342/.432/.528 16 HR 124 RBI 37 SB 9.6 WAR

He had some great ones, but ‘49 was probably Jackie at his statistical best. On his way to the MVP, Jackie led Brooklyn to 97 wins and the World Series. “42” accumulated 203 hits and struck out just 27 times in 593 AB’s. His dominant 1951 campaign was quite similar to this one.

Roy Campanella (1953)

The Numbers: .312/.395/.611 41 HR 142 RBI 7.1 WAR

“Campy” would take home the second of his three MVP awards in 1953 and for a good reason. He posted an OPS north of 1.000 and led the league with 142 runs batted in. Roy earned one of his 8 All-Star selections as the Dodgers would eventually fall to the Yankees in six games in the World Series.

Clayton Kershaw (2014)

The Numbers: W/L 21-3 1.77 ERA 198.1 IP 239 SO 197 ERA+ 1.81 FIP 0.857 WHIP 7.5 WAR

There are a few to choose from, and he still has a chance to improve on his landing spot here, but 2014 is Kershaw’s best overall piece of work. It’s not every day the MVP is a pitcher after all. Use any pitching metric you like; they will all say that Kershaw was lethal in 2014. (like most years) Clayton led the league in Wins, Winning Percentage, ERA, ERA+, FIP, WHIP, SO/9 and SO/W. Another 20 or so innings pitched, and he might’ve moved up a spot or two on this list.

Orel Hershiser/Kirk Gibson (1988)

The Numbers: Gibson- .290/.377/.483 25 HR 31 SB/Hershiser W/L 23-8 2.26 ERA 267 IP 149 ERA+

Ok, yeah I’m cheating a bit here. But when you think of 1988, these are the first two guys that come to mind, and it felt wrong initially separating them. Hershiser had a stellar season, as he broke fellow Dodger Don Drysdale’s scoreless inning streak. Soon after, he would be a major component in dispatching the powerful Oakland A’s in the World Series. Gibson helped change the culture and turned around a team that lost 89 games the previous year. He won the MVP and continued to produce perhaps the single greatest moment in this game’s history. What a year.

Adrian Beltre (2004)

The Numbers: .334/.388/.629 48 HR 121 RBI 9.5 WAR

That 2004 team, which busted the then 16-year long Playoff victory drought, will always hold a special place in my heart. Beltre would go on to produce one of the greatest seasons ever put out by a third baseman, reaching the 200 hit mark. He tallied a 9.5 WAR, the highest produced by a Dodger at the time since Koufax, further detailing his defensive excellence. The Dodgers bet that Beltre played far above his head in 2004, and decided the right move was to let him walk. The first five years after his departure may have proven LA right, but the last eight years and counting have proven them very wrong. Beltre now seems like a good bet for the HOF as he’s already eclipsed the 3,000 hit mark.

7 Apr 1998: Catcher Mike Piazza of the Los Angeles Dodgers in action during the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport /

Mike Piazza (1997)

The Numbers: .362/.431/.638 40 HR 124 RBI 8.7 WAR 185 OPS

The kind of season that comes out of a video game. Catchers just don’t put up numbers like this. Seriously, no catcher did or has since, as it’s considered the greatest offensive season ever from the position. From his trade from LA, friction with Vin Scully, and his Hall of Fame induction as a Met, LA, and Piazza have a bit of an estranged relationship these days. Still, the numbers from that season will leave even the most bitter fan in awe.

Duke Snider (1953)

The Numbers: .336/.419/.627 42 HR 126 RBI 16 SB 165 OPS+ 9.3 WAR

“The Duke of Flatbush” put together a ridiculous five-year stretch for himself, starting in 1953. He would hit at least 40 homers through the ‘57 season, including nearly 600 RBI. His next couple of seasons were as good offensively, but ‘53 probably represents Duke’s best overall body of work. With numbers like these, paired with championship glory and a Hall of Fame induction, the career of Duke Snider remains one of the franchise’s all-time treasures.

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Sandy Koufax (1963)

The Numbers: W/L 25-5 1.88 ERA 311 IP 306 K 1.85 FIP WHIP 0.875

The most talented Dodger who ever lived. One could make the argument that ‘65 was, in fact, Sandy’s best year. That year he did win the World Series, Cy Young, threw a perfect game, and struck out 382 batters. (whaaa?) However, he was also pretty decent in 1963. Sandy won MVP, CY Young, threw a no-hitter against the Giants, and led the way in sweeping the MnM Boys in the World Series. Making history against the Giants and Yankees? Can’t think of a better way to represent the Dodger brand. Unless…

Jackie Robinson (1947)

The Numbers .297/.383./.427 12 HR 48 RBI 29 SB

A true hero. He won rookie of the year and helped lead Brooklyn to game 7 of the World Series, but statistically speaking, this year probably doesn’t belong at number one. However, when one considers the scope of the impact it had on our game and our country, it’s the greatest season anyone has ever had, ever. In any sport. It’s better than any film released by the best filmmakers in the world and far more important than your favorite album of all time. Jackie Robinson helped shape our country and world into the place it is today. For that reason, he will always remain the greatest Dodger. His play was phenomenal, but his heart was legendary.

Next: Are the Dodgers turning the team over to the youngsters?

Honorable Mentions:

Roy Campanella (1951), (1955), Don Sutton (1980), Dazzy Vance (1924), Andy Messersmith (1975)

Gil Hodges (1954), Pedro Guerrero (1985), Reggie Smith (1977), Jackie Robinson (1951)

Jim Winn (1974), Don Newcombe (1949) (1956), Orel Hershiser (1985), Zack Wheat (1925)

Clayton Kershaw (2011), (2013), (2015), Dolph Camili (1941), Steve Garvey (1977), Mike Marshall (1974), Don Drysdale (1964), Duke Snider (1954) (1955), Steve Garvey (1974), Sandy Koufax (1964) (1965) (1966)

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2017 saw the Dodgers put together their best season in about three decades. There were numerous Dodgers who had terrific campaigns in 2017.

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