Dodgers: Ranking the Top 5 left fielders in franchise history

Who are the best left fielders in Dodgers history? We rank the top five.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ left field job has been a bit of a revolving door, with the highest total of opening day starters of any position in franchise history, despite including the longest tenured Dodger of all-time. That being said, there have been plenty of great Dodgers to man left field. Let’s take a look at some of the best.

We begin with our honorable mentions: a pair of Mannys.

Manny Ramirez

Manny Ramirez’ time in LA was a bit of a rollercoaster. After coming to the Dodgers in a three-team blockbuster at the 2008 trade deadline, Ramirez went on an absolute rampage. He nearly single-handedly spearheaded the Dodgers’ playoff push, hitting a ludicrous .396 with 27 homers in just 53 games with the club. He continued his tear into the playoffs; however, the Dodgers were defeated by the Phillies in the NLDS. Unfortunately, Manny’s next two seasons in LA were marred by PED controversy and a questionable attitude, and the Mannywood era ultimately came to an abrupt end following a mid-season release in 2010.

Manny Mota

Unlike Manny Ramirez, Manny Mota is a beloved figure within the organization. The elder Manny came to the Dodgers in 1969 and all he did was hit. Unfortunately, since practically all he did was hit, Mota is excluded from this list. Manny Mota was a pinch-hitter extraordinaire, retiring with a then-record 150 career pinch hits. He only appeared in left field in 360 games in 13 seasons in LA, but provided many clutch hits off the bench and even was named to the All-Star team in 1973. Mota’s .315 average is second highest in LA Dodger history among qualifiers, and he finished his career with a .297 average off the bench. Mota has coached or been involved with the Dodgers in some way since 1969, and was famously name-checked in the legendary comedy Airplane!