Gil Hodges and Sandy Koufax are among players responsible for memorable moments in Los Angeles Dodgers history, and that includes Aug. 31 during separate years.
Hodges spent 16 seasons with the Dodgers organization, beginning in Brooklyn. His Hall of Fame career ended with playing parts of two seasons for the New York Mets.
In June 2022, the Dodgers retired No. 14 for Hodges.
Koufax also began his Dodgers career in Brooklyn and ended it while the team was in Los Angeles. Recognized as one of the best pitchers in MLB history, Koufax retired after 12 years because of a chronic left elbow injury.
Among other accolades and accomplishments, Koufax became the youngest player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and was celebrated by the Dodgers with a statue unveiling at Dodger Stadium in June 2022.
Aug. 31 in Dodgers history
Gil Hodges home runs
On Aug. 31, 1950, Hodges became the fourth player of the century with four home runs in one game. That propelled Hodges to tying an MLB record of 17 total bases in a single contest.
Hodges’ historic performance led Brooklyn to a 19-3 win over the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field.
Sandy Koufax strikeouts record
On Aug. 31, 1959, Koufax set a then-National League record with 18 strikeouts. That also tied the MLB record that had been set by Bob Feller in 1938.
Koufax achieved the feat in complete game as part of the Dodgers’ 5-2 win over the San Francisco Giants at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum.
Koufax later had 18 strikeouts in a start on April 24, 1962 as well.
The Major League record for most strikeouts in a single game is now shared by Roger Clemens and Kerry Wood, who each fanned 20 batters.
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