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Dodgers: Who is the best first baseman in franchise history?

By Jeffrey Bellone

UNSPECIFIED - UNDATED: Brooklyn Dodger Gil Hodges photographed at first base during practice. (Photo by Barney Stein/Sports Studio Photos/Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED - UNDATED: Brooklyn Dodger Gil Hodges photographed at first base during practice. (Photo by Barney Stein/Sports Studio Photos/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 19: Adrian Gonzalez #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reaches for the throw at first base for an out on Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers during a MLB game at Comerica Park on August 19, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Dodgers defeated the Tigers 3-0. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

Recent heroes

Adrian Gonzalez gave the back-end of his career to the Dodgers, but from 2013-2016 he was a consistent producer at the plate and sure handed in the field. Acquired from the Red Sox in a money-inspired deal, the first baseman ended up hitting 101 home runs with the Dodgers, driving in 448 RBIs, and batting a steady .280/.339/.454.

His best season in Los Angeles came in 2014 when he led the National League with 116 RBIs, won the Gold Glove Award, and earned a Silver Slugger Award with his .276 batting average and 27 home runs. Gonzalez was also clutch in the playoffs that year, hitting .333 in the NLDS victory over the Atlanta Braves, and .300 in the team’s NLCS loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

James Loney took the opposite path with the Dodgers than A-Gon, starting his career in Dodger blue, before moving on to several other destinations. Over seven seasons in LA, Loney connected on 71 home runs and drove in 451 RBIs with near equal production to Gonzalez’ time with the team. His slash line is also very similar at .284/.341/.423.

These two recent first baseman represent the best at the position since Eric Karros gave up the reins, which we will discuss next.

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