Los Angeles Dodgers: Unlikely heroes of the 2010s

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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 15: Justin Turner /

The new decade of Dodgers’ baseball is here but let’s take one more look back at the previous decade and it’s Dodger heroes.

The decade of the 2010s has come to an end for the Los Angeles Dodgers but before ushering in the new decade, let’s take one more look back at the previous decade. The last decade has been one of the more exciting decades for Dodger baseball since their last World Series title in 1988. Although the Dodgers did not win a title they did make two World Series appearances and it appears they were cheated against in 2017.

Despite failing to win a World Series title there were still plenty of exciting moments over the last decade. From Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter to Max Muncy’s walk-off home run in the World Series, the 2010s were a decade filled with memorable moments. Not only were there memorable moments but there were also unlikely heroes. Here are the top three unlikely heroes of the last decade.

Enrique Hernandez

This spot could have gone to Juan Uribe for his go-ahead home run in the 2013 National League Division Series but instead, it will go to Enrique Hernandez for his performance in game five of the 2017 NLCS. The Dodgers held a 3-1 lead and were trying to advance to their first World Series since the 1988 fall classic. The Cubs hoped to fight their way back into the series but Enrique Hernandez but those thoughts to rest early.

Hernandez slugged three home runs including a grand slam in the third inning to put LA up 7-0. What made Hernandez’s performance unlikely was that he hit just .215 that season with eleven home runs. While Enrique has shown more power in recent seasons at the time his power especially against right-handed pitching was not very good. It was an unlikely breakout performance from a utility player who was not yet known for his power.

Max Muncy

The whole Dodger tenure of Max Muncy has been one giant surprise. The parting gift from Farhan Zaidi who signed Muncy to a minor league contract just before leaving the Dodgers for the rival Giants. Muncy entered the 2018 season with just five total big league home runs and he has hit 35 home runs in each of the last two seasons for the Dodgers. Max has gone from a career minor leaguer to a vital part of a World Series contender’s lineup in Los Angeles.

Muncy’s biggest home run came in game three of the 2018 World Series when he ended the longest game in World Series history against the Boston Red Sox. The never-ending game lasted eighteen innings before Max ended the game against former Dodger Nate Eovaldi. In addition to being a power hitter, Muncy is also versatile and can play second and third base. He will be a big part of LA’s core going forward into the new decade.

Justin Turner

The most unlikely hero of the 2010s for the Dodgers is Justin Turner. Like Max Muncy, Justin Turner was a castoff who worked himself into one of the game’s best hitters. The New York Mets made the mistake of non-tendering Justin Turner after the 2013 season although to be fair, JT’s rise to fame was something that few scouts and coaches could have seen. Now it’s a mistake they’ll regret for years.

Turner was signed by former Dodgers’ GM Ned Colletti to be a utility player but he transformed himself into much more. Juan Uribe was the Dodgers’ third-base starter at the time but due to injuries, Turner received plenty of playing time in 2013 and hit .340 in 288 at-bats. He solidified his spot in the starting lineup in 2014 by hitting 16 home runs with a .294 average. Ever since, the hot corner has been Justin’s spot in the everyday lineup.

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Game two of the NLCS has become Justin Turner’s game as he hit two big home runs in game two of the 2017 and 2018 NLCS. In game two of the 2017 NLCS, Turner slugged a walk-off home run against the Chicago Cubs to give the Dodgers a commanding 2-0 lead in the NLCS. His home run off John Lackey propelled LA to their first World Series title since 1988.

The second big home run in game two of the NLCS came in 2018 against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers were down one game to zero in the series and trailed 3-2 in the eighth inning staring straight at a 2-0 series deficit against the Brewers’ vaunted bullpen. JT lifted a two-run homer over the left-field fence that gave the Dodgers a lead they would not relinquish.

Next. Four bold predictions for the Dodgers' 2020 decade. dark

The Dodgers eventually won the series in seven games to advance to their second straight World Series. Justin Turner is entering the last season of his contract in 2020 so make sure to appreciate what Turner has done during his time in Los Angeles. It has been a stellar career turnaround for one of the hardest-working players in the game. A true unlikely hero.

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The new decade of Dodgers’ baseball is here but let’s take one more look back at the previous decade and it’s Dodger heroes.

Enrique Hernandez

Max Muncy

Justin Turner

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