Beyond the Box Score: A Journey Through “The Dodgers: 120 Years of Dodgers Baseball”
The Trolley Dodgers and the Brooklyn Bums
And now, there’s a book that captures it all. If you’re a lifelong fan, a newcomer to the sport, or simply a history buff, you need to get your hands on a copy of “The Dodgers: 120 Years of Dodgers Baseball”. We are proud to have this incredible book in our shop, and for good reason. It’s more than just a collection of facts; it’s an immersive journey through a team’s evolution that is, in many ways, a story about America itself.
The word “Dodgers” means so many things to so many people. It’s a battle cry from Bensonhurst to Burbank. It’s the sound of streetcars and the roar of a stadium. It’s “Dem Bums” and the “Boys of Summer.” It’s Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax, Kirk Gibson’s impossible home run and Fernando Mania. The rich, vibrant, and often dramatic history of this franchise is truly unlike any other in baseball.
The book begins where the story truly starts: in Brooklyn, New York. You’ll learn about the team’s earliest days, from its inception in 1883 and its various nicknames—including the “Bridegrooms” and the “Superbas”—before the name “Trolley Dodgers” finally stuck. This nickname, a nod to the pedestrians who had to “dodge” the electric streetcars in the bustling city, is a testament to the team’s deep roots in its community.
The authors, Glenn Stout and Richard A. Johnson, expertly chronicle the team’s tumultuous and often heartbreaking years in Brooklyn, a period defined by a fierce rivalry with the New York Yankees and a string of near-misses in the World Series. This is the era of “Dem Bums,” a nickname born of affectionate frustration. The narrative is brought to life with over two hundred rare and captivating photographs, many of which have never been seen before.
Breaking Barriers: Jackie Robinson and the Boys of Summer
Perhaps the most compelling chapter of the Dodgers’ history is their role in breaking the color barrier. “The Dodgers: 120 Years of Dodgers Baseball” dedicates significant space to the monumental story of Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson. The book explains how this brave act not only changed the Dodgers franchise forever but also ushered in the contemporary era of baseball. It’s a powerful and essential part of the narrative, highlighting the team’s willingness to embrace change even when it was a wildly unpopular choice. You’ll relive the triumph of the 1955 World Series, the franchise’s first-ever championship, a moment of sweet victory for a team and a city that had waited so long.
The Move West: A New Era in Los Angeles
The book doesn’t shy away from the most controversial and emotional moment in Dodgers history: the move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958. It explores the circumstances surrounding this painful migration, a decision that cemented the team’s identity on the West Coast. The authors take you through the early years in Los Angeles, playing in the Coliseum before the majestic Dodger Stadium opened in 1962.
From there, you’ll meet the heroes of the Los Angeles era, including the dynamic pitching duo of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, the legendary manager Tommy Lasorda, and modern icons like Fernando Valenzuela and Kirk Gibson. The book chronicles the team’s World Series victories and its enduring presence as one of baseball’s most storied and successful franchises.
A Must-Have for Any Fan
“The Dodgers: 120 Years of Dodgers Baseball” is much more than a history book. It’s a tribute to the players, the managers, and most importantly, the fans who have bled Dodger Blue for generations. It’s a book that can be read season by season, reliving the greatest moments and most unforgettable plays. The inclusion of essays from renowned sportswriters adds another layer of depth and insight, making this a truly comprehensive and engaging read.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a die-hard Dodgers fan or want to dive into the rich history of one of baseball’s most iconic teams, this book is an essential addition to any collection. Don’t miss your chance to own this piece of baseball history.
Make sure to check out this book for sale on our Abe Books store, here! You can also purchase it directly from our site, here! If you want to check out some of our other great genre’s of books, such as western, American history, Historical fiction, and more you can see those all for sale here!