Editorials

Dodgers Legends Who Deserve a Statue at Dodger Stadium

In addition to the enormous (and honestly much-needed) renovation plans for Dodger Stadium for the 2020 All-Star Game, the team made an equally big announcement by revealing that Sandy Koufax will officially have a statue by the new main entrance. It will be the second, following Jackie Robinson’s in 2017. 

As a franchise who celebrates their rich heritage often, it’s surprising that this will only be the second statue to greet fans at Chavez Ravine. It’s likely it won’t be the last, and thus it’s worth considering some other candidates to immortalize in bronze. 

Pee Wee Reese

Having played his entire career for both Brooklyn and Los Angeles from 1940 to 1958, Harold Peter Henry Weese was not only one of the best shortstops of the era, but one of the men who defines the image of the Dodgers. He was a 10-time All-Star, and a crucial advocate for Jackie Robinson. Maybe they could have their statues next to each other. 

Walter Alston

Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes it feels like Walter Alston gets overshadowed in our collective memory by Tommy Lasorda. Which is odd, considering he won more championships (three to Lasorda’s two) and pennants (seven to four). He was selected Manager of the Year six times, and won 2,040 career games. “The Quiet Man” certainly would deserve representation in statue form. 

Tommy Lasorda

Of course, Tommy remains the most famous Dodger manager by far, and one of the greatest managers the game has ever known. He’s been with the organization in some capacity for almost 70 years, managed two World Series winners, and managed for two whole decades. A figure of him in one of his many fired up moments would be a delight to see at every game. 

Zack Wheat

Playing for Brooklyn in the early 20th century, this one probably wouldn’t be likely to happen as many current L.A. fans might not be as attached to him. But Zack Wheat is not only a Hall of Famer, but arguably still the greatest position player in franchise history. He still holds many Dodger team batting records, including hits, games played, triples, and total bases. The team wasn’t consistently great during his career, but he sure was. 

Fernando Valenzuela

If I had to guess which statue will be built next, I would bet heavily on it being for Fernando. He was just recognized as a Legend of Dodger Baseball, while his number 34 was retired in Mexico (thus rekindling debate as to whether the Dodgers should retire it too). He remains a beloved fan favorite not only for his historic rookie season in 1981 and stellar pitching thereafter, but for representing a cultural and racial shift in franchise history exceeded only by Jackie himself. Get ready to see his “look at the heavens” delivery emblazoned forever outside an entrance. 

Roy Campanella

While he tragically never got to play in Los Angeles, Campy remains a timeless legend for his heroics in Brooklyn. He won NL MVP three times, helped break down the MLB color barrier, and worked for the franchise for decades after his career-ending car crash. He is the quintessence of Dodger baseball, and the image of his jubilant expression while clad in catcher’s gear would make for a regal bronze likeness. 

Vin Scully 

Do I really need to explain this one? Vinny is the ultimate ambassador for the Dodgers, and perhaps the greatest baseball announcer ever. He has been with us through the good times, and the bad, and made us believe in the magic of the game every time he said it was time for Dodger baseball. A statue of him would be fawned over endlessly by fans and non-fan visitors alike. 

5 Comments

  1. Newcomb, Snider, Campanella, Hodges, Reese, Koufax, Drysdale, Wills, Alston, Lasorda, Robinson, Scully, Jarin, Valenzuela, Hershizer,

  2. I am voting for the Duke. There are other ways they can be honored if statues do not fit the remodel. There can be a Dodger Hall of Fame that includes old and new with nice portraits/or oversized pictures. Should consider all possibilities

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