1953 Brooklyn Dodgers
The 1953 Dodgers were coming off a demoralizing loss in the 1952 World Series, losing to the New York Yankees in 7 games. Dropping the last two games in their home stadium, Ebbets Field, while having led 3-2 in the series. While the core group of players remained the same from the previous year, the '53 team made some notable changes to the lineup and rotation. An aging Jackie Robinson was moved from second base to left field in favor of 24 year old rookie Jim Gilliam. On the mound 11 game winner Ben Wade was moved to the bullpen while the steady Russ Meyer was added to the starting rotation, as well as a rookie Johnny Podres who would go on to be a 4 time all-star. An incredible balance of power, average and speed the '53 Dodgers still are one of the most dynamic offensive teams ever and not to mention packed full of stars. Some like Duke Snider and Gil Hodges were hitting their prime, while others were at the end, Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson. Four future Hall of Famers are on this team as well as multiple All-Stars. The Dodgers would go on to win 105 games and the National League Pennant. 105 still stands as the most by any Dodger team to this day. Unfortunately, they were met again by the Yankees, and a young Mickey Mantle, and were dispatched in 6 games in the World Series. While they failed to win the series for the second year in a row the 1953 Dodgers is still regarded as one of the best Dodger teams of all-time.
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