Illustrated History of the Dodgers: A Visual Celebration of Baseball's Beloved Franchise [Hardcover]

Richard Whittingham (Author), Tommy Lasorda (Foreword), Tommy Lasorda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2005

This richly illustrated book is a magnificent salute to one of the most successful and popular baseball teams in the history of professional sports. The story begins in Brooklyn in the 19th century, spans the first half of the 20th, and focuses on the five decades during which the Dodgers have called Los Angeles their home. The tale culminates with the Dodgers’ dramatic capture of the 2004 National League West title. It includes exciting accounts of all the important games and championship seasons and is packed with in-depth profiles of the most memorable players, managers, coaches, and figures from every era.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

With names like Koufax, Drysdale, Garvey, Lasorda, Valenzuela, and Gibson gracing the familiar blue-and-white uniform over the years, the Los Angeles Dodgers have become one of the most successful and beloved franchises in sports. Their story actually begins in Brooklyn more than a century ago, and their fanatical following continues to spread across the nation today—more than 45 years after they relocated to Los Angeles. The Illustrated History of the Los Angeles Dodgers vividly tells the entire story, from the team’s early days in Brooklyn, to the legendary Boys of Summer, to the cross-country move in 1958, to the ensuing string of pennants and subsequent championships over the next five decades. Some of baseball’s greatest legends and most colorful personalities have helped to shape the Dodgers legacy, including Walter O’Malley, Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Leo Durocher, Walter Alston, Sandy Koufax, Tommy Lasorda, Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, Kirk Gibson, Greg Gagne, and many more. This richly illustrated book celebrates these and other Dodgers legends, reliving all of the momentous games and memorable moments in the team’s remarkable history. This comprehensive work takes the reader from Ebbets Field to Dodger Stadium and culminates with the 2004 team’s dramatic playoff push, in which they clinched the National League’s Western Division title by beating the rival San Francisco Giants on a walk-off grand slam. Every other indelible memory in the Dodgers’ vast history is chronicled here through pictures and words. In addition to in-depth player and manager profiles, there are sections devoted to Dodgers in the Hall of Fame, award winners, league leaders in hitting and pitching, year-by-year team standings, and World Series performances. This beautiful tribute to one of the most beloved baseball franchises is a must-have for any Dodgers fan or baseball historian.

About the Author

Richard Whittingham is the author of more than 30 books, including the definitive histories of such proud and storied franchises as the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins. He has collaborated on projects with Joe DiMaggio, Sir Edmund Hilary, and Life magazine. He resides in the Chicago area.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Triumph Books (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572437146
• ISBN-13: 978-1572437142
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,374,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Illustrated History of the Dodgers, February 23, 2006

By 

Henry Gruen (Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Illustrated History of the Dodgers: A Visual Celebration of Baseball's Beloved Franchise (Hardcover)

As a long time Dodger baseball fan (over 50 years), I found the book very informative, intereting reading, and sprinkled with good photos. Great book for any Dodger fan. The book does a good job in a chronilogical order of telling the story of the organization - players, management, and owners. There were many tidbits that I learned new or did not remember until reading the book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Dodger fans, September 17, 2007

By 

michael bragg (glen jean, wv United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Illustrated History of the Dodgers: A Visual Celebration of Baseball's Beloved Franchise (Hardcover)

This book is highly recommended for any Dodger fan. The people who remember the Brooklyn Dodgers will enjoy seeing and reading about Ebbets Field and Gil, Pee Wee, Jackie, Campy, Duke, Oisk, Skoonj, Uncle Robbie and the rest. Newer Dodger fans get to see Sandy, Big D, Maury, Fernando and Steve Garvey along with Eric Gagne.

4.0 out of 5 stars History of the Dodgers Book, October 24, 2008

By 

Suzette Gerhart (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Illustrated History of the Dodgers: A Visual Celebration of Baseball's Beloved Franchise (Hardcover)

I bought this book as a gift for my father. He loved it. I would recommend this and any other book on Amazon to any potential customer. Ordering is very easy and you get your delivery usually within 3 weeks. I plan on doing a lot of my Christmas shopping on Amazon. It has everything from books to CDs to videos and has something for every member of the family. Keep up the good work Amazon.

Your Continued Loyal Customer,
Suzette Gerhart