Editorials

Dodgers’ Playoff Moment: Bill Russell Sends Dodgers To WS In 1978

In our first installment of Dodger playoff moments, we wanted to start back in time as this will be the Dodgers first playoff appearance since 2009.

After losing in the World Series in 1977, the Dodgers were determined to get back and reverse their fortunes. They would reach the postseason and take on the Philadelphia Phillies for the second year in a row in the National League Championship Series.



The Dodgers were up 2-1 in the five-game series and were looking to close it out at Dodger Stadium. The game was a back-and-forth affair that would be tied at three after nine innings.

In the bottom of the 10th, the Dodgers got two quick outs against Phillies reliever Tug McGraw. However, McGraw then walked Dodger third baseman Ron Cey. Outfielder Dusty Baker then hit a soft line drive into short center field that Phillies centerfielder Gary Maddox could not come up with.

With runners on first and second, Dodgers shortstop Bill Russell stepped to the plate. Russell hit a line drive base hit into center field and Cey would score the winning run sending the Dodgers back to the World Series.

Here’s that great moment in Dodgers playoff history:

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

2 Comments

  1. Great moment. But why are you promoting Bill Russel’s walk-off hit with a photo of Rick Monday??

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