While the Los Angeles Dodgers weren’t able to repeat as World Series champions in 2021, they still had a successful season that included winning 106 games and reaching the National League Championship Series for a fifth time in the past six years.
After defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in walk-off fashion in the Wild Card Game, the Dodgers faced the San Francisco Giants in the NL Division Series. The series took all five games as the Dodgers emerged victorious in dramatic fashion at Oracle Park.
Their Game 5 win was nominated for the Top Sports Moment at the 2021 L.A. Sports Awards but it ultimately finished No. 4 in fan voting. The top spot in the voting went to L.A. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant posthumously being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Prior to Game 5 between the Dodgers and Giants, Vin Scully called it the “most important game in the history of their rivalry.”
The two teams have been rivals for 131 years, which includes moving from New York to California in the same year. There have been many big games between the two, however, the 2021 NLDS marked the first time the Dodgers and Giants ever met in the postseason.
Lasorda honored
Tommy Lasorda was also honored as he was named the recipient of the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award during the 17th annual event.
“Speaking on behalf of my family, it’s an honor for my father to be named with this Lifetime Achievement award. He is among very distinguished company. There is no one who loves sports, L.A. sports, especially baseball, the Dodgers and City of Angels as much as he did,” Laura Lasorda said in a recorded video message.
Tommy Lasorda passed away in January 2021 at the age of 93. He spent more than seven decades in the Dodgers organization, first joining it after being selected from the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1948 Minor League Draft.
In his two decades as manager, Lasorda compiled a 1,599-1,439 record, leading the franchise to eight National League West division titles, four NL pennants and two World Series championships (1981, 1988).
“Tommy Lasorda getting the Lifetime Achievement Award is a no-brainer. It’s certainly well deserved,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Other recent Dodgers winners at the L.A. Sports Awards include Mookie Betts being voted one of the Sportspersons of the Year and Roberts earning Coach of the Year in 2020. Cody Bellinger was voted one of the 2019 Sportspersons of the Year.
Complete list of 2021 Top L.A. Sports Moments
No. 1: Lakers icon Kobe Bryant posthumously inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
No. 2: L.A. Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani unanimously voted American League MVP
No. 3: UCLA men’s basketball team advances to Final Four
No. 4: Dodgers eliminate Giants in Game 5 of NLDS
No. 5: L.A. Rams defeat Seattle Seahawks in NFC Wild Card round
No. 6: Allyson Felix becomes most-decorated American track & field Olympian
No. 7: L.A. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbet wins NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
No. 8: USC Trojans men’s basketball team advances to Elite 8 for first time since 2001
No. 9: Angel City FC acquires Christen Press as very first player
No. 10: L.A. Clippers advance to Western Conference Finals for first time in franchise history
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