The Dodgers–Giants rivalry, a feud that has lasted since 1890 and even survived a cross-country move from New York to California, is the longest running rivalry in baseball.
Although it has been overshadowed by the Yankees–Red Sox rivalry, which is something of a media darling, it’s interesting to revisit how it got started, admire some highlights, and look at where it stands today.
The Dodgers–Giants rivalry goes all the way back to the late 1800s when the Dodgers, then known as the Bridegrooms, played in Brooklyn and the New York Giants played in Manhattan.
The rivalry officially began June 12, 1890, after Brooklyn joined the National League. The first gauntlet was thrown down when Brooklyn third-base coach Darby O’Brian pretended to be a base runner, drawing an overthrow to third base.
This kind of dishonesty incited the Giants, and the rivalry between the two New York clubs was underway. Brooklyn went on to win the game 12–6, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of the Giants.
While the Dodgers and the Giants would constantly battle for the pennant, the most memorable event came in 1951 with the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.”
The 1951 season needed a Game 3 (of the three-game series) between the two teams to decide the National League Champion. Brooklyn looked like they had things under control with a 4–1 lead in the bottom of the ninth inning.
After Giants shortstop Alvin Dark came in to score a run, outfielder Bobby Thomson stepped up to the plate with runners on second and third. He belted the third pitch into the left field seats. The walk-off home run sealed the 1951 pennant for the Giants, eliminating the Dodgers.
Another example of the rivalry has to do with Jackie Robinson. He broke into the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He was the first African-American player ever and became an icon in major league baseball.
After ten successful years, the Dodgers decided to trade him to, of all teams, the rival Giants. Instead of accepting the trade and playing for the Dodgers’ nemesis, he chose to retire and become an executive at Chock Full ‘O Nuts.
In 1957, with the rivalry in full swing, both teams decided to make a move to California.
The Giants were looking for a new home due to the slated demolition of their home “The Polo Grounds.” The Dodgers, also unhappy with their current stadium, were looking to move as well.
San Francisco mayor George Christopher began talking with the Giants, the Dodgers, and the mayor of L.A. He convinced the two teams to move together. The Giants settled in San Francisco and the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
The city choices are interesting in that the social, economic, and cultural differences that had fueled such fanaticism in New York would be reflected in California. Except in California, they were reversed.
The Giants moved from Manhattan, where their fans embodied the wealth and success that came from business on Wall Street. The Dodgers moved from Brooklyn where their fans identified with the hard working, blue collar underdogs.
San Francisco brought the Giants fans who were less concerned about money and business success as they were about cultural progression. L.A. brought the Dodgers fans that had a “Hollywood mentality,” one about star power, fame, and fortune.
No matter their social and cultural views, both cities competed for supremacy in the state. With the addition of an already rich and historic baseball rivalry, there was no fear that the move would bring any let-up in the rivalry.
If anyone had doubts about the rivalry sustaining the move, August 22, 1965, proved that it was still very much alive.
Giants pitcher Juan Marichal came up to bat in the third inning after brushing back Maury Wills in the previous inning. Knowing that Sandy Koufax would not bean him in retaliation, Dodgers catcher John Roseboro attempted to hit Marichal with the throw back to the mound twice.
Marichal retaliated by hitting Roseboro in the head with his bat. A bench clearing brawl ensued, lasting 14 minutes.
The 60s witnessed numerous on-field brawls between the two rivals, but this was by far the bloodiest.
The Dodgers and Giants have played an astonishing 2,313 games with the Giants holding the edge 1159–1137–17. But the Dodgers have 22 pennants and six World Series Championships to the Giants’ 20 pennants and five World Series Championships.
The Dodgers and Giants play six more games this season, all of which take place next month. If the August 12th bench-clearing brawl is any indication, there could be more history to add to this already intense rivalry.
Although it has been overshadowed by the Yankees–Red Sox rivalry, which is something of a media darling, it’s interesting to revisit how it got started, admire some highlights, and look at where it stands today.
In the Beginning
The Dodgers–Giants rivalry goes all the way back to the late 1800s when the Dodgers, then known as the Bridegrooms, played in Brooklyn and the New York Giants played in Manhattan.
The rivalry officially began June 12, 1890, after Brooklyn joined the National League. The first gauntlet was thrown down when Brooklyn third-base coach Darby O’Brian pretended to be a base runner, drawing an overthrow to third base.
This kind of dishonesty incited the Giants, and the rivalry between the two New York clubs was underway. Brooklyn went on to win the game 12–6, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of the Giants.
While the Dodgers and the Giants would constantly battle for the pennant, the most memorable event came in 1951 with the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.”
The 1951 season needed a Game 3 (of the three-game series) between the two teams to decide the National League Champion. Brooklyn looked like they had things under control with a 4–1 lead in the bottom of the ninth inning.
After Giants shortstop Alvin Dark came in to score a run, outfielder Bobby Thomson stepped up to the plate with runners on second and third. He belted the third pitch into the left field seats. The walk-off home run sealed the 1951 pennant for the Giants, eliminating the Dodgers.
Another example of the rivalry has to do with Jackie Robinson. He broke into the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He was the first African-American player ever and became an icon in major league baseball.
After ten successful years, the Dodgers decided to trade him to, of all teams, the rival Giants. Instead of accepting the trade and playing for the Dodgers’ nemesis, he chose to retire and become an executive at Chock Full ‘O Nuts.
Go West
In 1957, with the rivalry in full swing, both teams decided to make a move to California.
The Giants were looking for a new home due to the slated demolition of their home “The Polo Grounds.” The Dodgers, also unhappy with their current stadium, were looking to move as well.
San Francisco mayor George Christopher began talking with the Giants, the Dodgers, and the mayor of L.A. He convinced the two teams to move together. The Giants settled in San Francisco and the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
The city choices are interesting in that the social, economic, and cultural differences that had fueled such fanaticism in New York would be reflected in California. Except in California, they were reversed.
The Giants moved from Manhattan, where their fans embodied the wealth and success that came from business on Wall Street. The Dodgers moved from Brooklyn where their fans identified with the hard working, blue collar underdogs.
San Francisco brought the Giants fans who were less concerned about money and business success as they were about cultural progression. L.A. brought the Dodgers fans that had a “Hollywood mentality,” one about star power, fame, and fortune.
No matter their social and cultural views, both cities competed for supremacy in the state. With the addition of an already rich and historic baseball rivalry, there was no fear that the move would bring any let-up in the rivalry.
If anyone had doubts about the rivalry sustaining the move, August 22, 1965, proved that it was still very much alive.
Giants pitcher Juan Marichal came up to bat in the third inning after brushing back Maury Wills in the previous inning. Knowing that Sandy Koufax would not bean him in retaliation, Dodgers catcher John Roseboro attempted to hit Marichal with the throw back to the mound twice.
Marichal retaliated by hitting Roseboro in the head with his bat. A bench clearing brawl ensued, lasting 14 minutes.
The 60s witnessed numerous on-field brawls between the two rivals, but this was by far the bloodiest.
The Score
The Dodgers and Giants have played an astonishing 2,313 games with the Giants holding the edge 1159–1137–17. But the Dodgers have 22 pennants and six World Series Championships to the Giants’ 20 pennants and five World Series Championships.
The Dodgers and Giants play six more games this season, all of which take place next month. If the August 12th bench-clearing brawl is any indication, there could be more history to add to this already intense rivalry.
