The 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers understandably are remembered for their remarkable and unexpected run that culminated with a World Series win over the heavily favored Oakland Athletics. But what’s often lost in the legendary tales is just how much that club endured and overcame challenges.
They’re covered in a documentary produced by MLB Network, “Only In Hollywood,” which will premiere Sunday, July 15, at 5 p.m. PT. It’s narrated by Bryan Cranston, and in addition to chronicling the Dodgers’ rise, the special also incorporates footage from Dodger Stadium on Opening Day of the 2018 season.
DodgerBlue.com was invited to the iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank, Calif. for a private screening of the work. Also in attendance were Orel Hershiser and Vin Scully, as well as Fred Claire; Hershiser and Scully addressed the crowd before the film began.
Claire took over as general manager when Campanis stepped down after making racist comments during an appearance on ABC’s “Nightline.”
Although Claire constructed a roster supported by castoffs who factored heavily into the Dodgers’ run to the World Series, the memories are bittersweet for him. “The saddest part in the film was the story on Al, because he was a great man and a great baseball man,” Claire said.
“I know it was a part of history, so it was portrayed. That really was the only part I didn’t enjoy.”
Naturally, Kirk Gibson’s dramatic home run in Game 1 of the World Series is featured in the film, but as Scully reminded the crowd, there was another home run — against the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series — that was just as significant.
“It was just as big in many ways as the one he hit in the World Series,” Scully said. “So when I see Gibby, I think of two, not one. Forever.”
And though Gibson is remembered for his heroics, Hershiser was easily the star of that season’s Dodgers team. He broke Don Drysdale’s record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings and turned in one of the best start-to-finish performances in MLB postseason history.
Beyond the players, former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda is a focal point in the film. Specifically his ability to take any slight and use it as motivation. One memorable instance that’s chronicled in the documentary was Bob Costas’ criticism of the Dodgers’ injury-riddled lineup for Game 4 of the World Series.
The film concludes with Gibson, Hershiser and Lasorda reuniting at Dodger Stadium earlier this year for the ceremonial first pitch. More so than reflecting on his record-setting performance in 1988, that moment and memory was much more emotional for the usually stoic Hershiser.
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