The Los Angeles Dodgers have built one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball history. Throughout the decades, the team has been home to legendary sluggers, dominant pitchers, and trailblazing icons who have shaped the game.
Here is a list of the 10 greatest Dodgers players of all time, according to the Stay Casino and Sportsbook staff, based on their achievements, impact, and contributions to the team’s success.
1. Jackie Robinson (1947–1956, 2B)
- Years Played: 1947–1956
- All-Star Appearances: 6 (1949–1954)
- MVP Awards: 1 (1949)
- World Series Titles: 1 (1955)
- Career Batting Average: .311
- Total Stolen Bases: 197
Jackie Robinson is one of the greatest Dodgers and one of the most significant figures in baseball history. As the first African American player in Major League Baseball, Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, paving the way for future generations of athletes. His contributions to the game extended beyond his impact on civil rights—he was an elite player, winning the 1949 MVP Award and helping the Dodgers capture their first-ever World Series title in 1955.
Robinson was known for his aggressive base running, clutch hitting, and elite second-base defense. Despite facing extreme racism, he maintained incredible composure and became one of the best all-around players of his era. His No. 42 is retired across all of MLB, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential players in the sport.
2. Sandy Koufax (1955–1966, SP)
- Years Played: 1955–1966
- All-Star Appearances: 7 (1961–1966)
- Cy Young Awards: 3 (1963, 1965, 1966)
- World Series Titles: 4 (1955, 1959, 1963, 1965)
- Career ERA: 2.76
- Total Strikeouts: 2,396
Sandy Koufax is widely regarded as one of baseball’s most dominant left-handed pitchers. Despite a short 12-year career, his peak from 1961 to 1966 remains one of the most dominant stretches ever recorded.
Koufax was known for his unhittable fastball and devastating curveball, leading the Dodgers to four World Series titles. In 1965, he famously pitched a shutout in Game 7 of the World Series on just two days’ rest, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. He retired early due to chronic arthritis, but his impact on the game remains legendary.
3. Duke Snider (1947–1962, CF)
- Years Played: 1947–1962
- All-Star Appearances: 8 (1950–1956, 1963)
- World Series Titles: 2 (1955, 1959)
- Career Batting Average: .295
- Total Home Runs: 407
- Total RBIs: 1,333
Duke Snider was the power-hitting center fielder who led the Dodgers during their Brooklyn years. Nicknamed the “Duke of Flatbush,” he was one of the most feared sluggers of the 1950s.
Snider was the only player to hit 40+ home runs in five consecutive seasons (1953–1957) and played a critical role in the Dodgers’ 1955 and 1959 World Series victories. His ability to perform in clutch situations made him a fan favorite and one of the franchise’s most iconic players.
4. Clayton Kershaw (2008–Present, SP)
- Years Played: 2008–Present
- All-Star Appearances: 9 (2011–2017, 2019, 2022)
- Cy Young Awards: 3 (2011, 2013, 2014)
- World Series Titles: 1 (2020)
- Career ERA: 2.48
- Total Strikeouts: 2,900+
Clayton Kershaw is the modern-day equivalent of Sandy Koufax and has been the Dodgers’ ace for over a decade. He is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and won the NL MVP in 2014, a rare feat for a pitcher.
Kershaw is known for his pinpoint accuracy, devastating curveball, and unmatched consistency. His most significant moment came in 2020 when he helped the Dodgers win their first World Series title in 32 years, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
5. Roy Campanella (1948–1957, C)
- Years Played: 1948–1957
- All-Star Appearances: 8 (1949–1956)
- MVP Awards: 3 (1951, 1953, 1955)
- World Series Titles: 1 (1955)
- Career Batting Average: .276
- Career Home Runs: 242
- Career RBIs: 856
Roy Campanella was one of the greatest catchers in baseball history and a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ success in the 1950s. His power at the plate and elite defense behind it made him an invaluable asset for Brooklyn. Campanella was a three-time NL MVP, demonstrating his dominance during an era filled with some of the game’s most legendary players.
As one of the first Black players to break into Major League Baseball, Campanella’s success was more than just statistical—it was historic. He was an eight-time All-Star and played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ 1955 World Series championship, marking the team’s first title.
His career was tragically cut short by a car accident in 1958, which left him paralyzed. Despite his early exit from the game, his contributions to baseball remain immortalized, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of Dodgers fans.
6. Don Drysdale (1956–1969, SP)
- Years Played: 1956–1969
- All-Star Appearances: 9 (1959–1964, 1967, 1968)
- Cy Young Awards: 1 (1962)
- World Series Titles: 3 (1959, 1963, 1965)
- Career ERA: 2.95
- Total Strikeouts: 2,486
Don Drysdale was the definition of an intimidating pitcher. Standing 6’5″, he used his size and aggressive pitching style to dominate hitters. Known for throwing inside and challenging batters with a fierce fastball, Drysdale became one of the most feared pitchers of his era.
His ability to perform in high-pressure moments was unmatched, and he was a key figure in three Dodgers World Series titles. Drysdale set a Major League record with 58⅔ consecutive scoreless innings in 1968, a mark that stood until fellow Dodger Orel Hershiser broke it in 1988.
Beyond his playing career, Drysdale remained connected to baseball as a broadcaster, continuing to influence the game long after his retirement.
7. Fernando Valenzuela (1980–1990, SP)
- Years Played: 1980–1990
- All-Star Appearances: 6 (1981–1986)
- Cy Young Awards: 1 (1981)
- World Series Titles: 1 (1981)
- Career ERA: 3.54
- Total Strikeouts: 2,074
Fernando Valenzuela brought a cultural revolution to baseball, igniting what became known as “Fernandomania”. His rookie season in 1981 was one of the most remarkable debuts in MLB history—he became the first player ever to win both the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
Valenzuela was more than just a great pitcher—he was a phenomenon. His charismatic personality, signature screwball, and clutch performances won over fans, especially within the Latino community, where he became a cultural icon.
During the 1981 postseason, Valenzuela led the Dodgers to a World Series championship, cementing his place in franchise history. He continued to be a force for over a decade, leaving a legacy as one of the most beloved Dodgers ever.
8. Steve Garvey (1969–1982, 1B)
- Years Played: 1969–1982
- All-Star Appearances: 10 (1974–1981, 1984, 1985)
- MVP Awards: 1 (1974)
- World Series Titles: 1 (1981)
- Career Batting Average: .294
- Total Hits: 2,599
Steve Garvey was the face of the Dodgers in the 1970s and one of the most consistent hitters of his era. He was a 10-time All-Star, proving his durability, leadership, and clutch-hitting ability.
His best season came in 1974, when he won the NL MVP Award, batting .312 with 21 home runs and 111 RBIs. However, his most memorable moment came during the 1981 postseason, where he helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series championship, solidifying his place in team history.
Garvey’s work ethic and professionalism made him a fan favorite, and his impact on the Dodgers remains significant today.
9. Orel Hershiser (1983–2000, SP)
- Years Played: 1983–2000
- All-Star Appearances: 3 (1987–1989)
- Cy Young Awards: 1 (1988)
- World Series Titles: 1 (1988)
- Career ERA: 3.48
- Total Strikeouts: 2,014
Orel Hershiser was the Dodgers’ ace in the 1980s, delivering one of the most dominant pitching seasons in 1988. That year, he won the NL Cy Young Award, set a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings, and led the Dodgers to a World Series championship.
Hershiser’s performance in the 1988 postseason was legendary—he won the NLCS MVP, World Series MVP, and the Cy Young Award in the same season. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in big moments made him one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history.
10. Zack Wheat (1909–1926, LF)
- Years Played: 1909–1926
- All-Star Appearances: N/A (Pre-All-Star Era)
- World Series Titles: None
- Career Batting Average: .317
- Total Hits: 2,884
- Total Home Runs: 132
Zack Wheat is one of the most underrated legends in Dodgers history. Playing in the early 20th century, Wheat was a pure hitter, finishing his career with 2,884 hits and a .317 batting average.
Despite playing in an era where home runs were rare, Wheat consistently led the Dodgers in offensive production. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in hits, making him one of the greatest players ever to wear a Dodgers uniform.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Dodgers have built a legacy of excellence and dominance, producing some of baseball’s greatest players. These legends have shaped the franchise’s success, from Jackie Robinson’s historic impact to Sandy Koufax’s pitching dominance and Clayton Kershaw’s brilliance.
Their achievements on the field and cultural influence have made the Dodgers one of MLB’s most storied teams. While new stars will continue to rise, the legacy of these 12 all-time greats will forever be remembered in Dodgers history.
