The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise has had some of the MLB’s most talented players throughout their history.
They did it on both coasts, before and after their move to Los Angeles.
In their 62-year history in L.A., the team has been represented by six players in the Hall of Fame.
These include stars such as Sandy Koufax, Don Sutton and Don Drysdale.
However, they have other stars who are well deserving of a spot in Cooperstown.
In this article, we will take a look at three Dodgers players who deserve to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
1. Orel Hershiser
Hershiser’s career is one of dominance derailed by injury.
Prior to the 1990 season, he was on pace to have a truly dominant career.
Los Angeles #Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser sets a new record of 59 consecutive scoreless innings, breaking the mark of former Dodgers great Don Drysdale! (1988) #MLB #Baseball #History pic.twitter.com/S7TI1EQyup
— Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) November 11, 2020
When he became a solidified arm in the Dodgers’ rotation in 1984, Hershiser was one of the best pitchers in the league.
From 1984-1989, the highest ERA he posted was a 3.85.
Over this stretch, he had dazzling ERAs of 2.66, 2.03, 2.26 and 2.31.
He was also one of the most durable arms, leading the league in innings pitched for three straight seasons.
The 1988 season embodies his dominant perfectly.
He went 23-8 with just a 2.26 ERA.
On top of that, he led the MLB in complete games (15), innings pitched (267.0) and won the NL Cy Young award.
However, he was forced to undergo reconstructive shoulder surgery during the 1990 season which hurt his career.
He was never quite the same after that, as his durability was never what it used to be.
By the time he retired in 2000, Hershiser finished with a career record of 204-150 and a 3.48 ERA.
While these career numbers may not warrant Hall of Fame consideration, his dominance prior to his injury deserves recognition.
2. Steve Garvey
Garvey spent a majority of his 19-year career with the Dodgers.
Happy 71st Birthday to Steve Garvey! @SteveGarvey6 pic.twitter.com/3bwbXGjYuy
— Dodgers-LowDown (@DodgersLowDown) December 22, 2019
He developed himself into one of the best hitters during the 1970s, being a mix of power and batting average.
It took him until his fifth season in the MLB to establish himself as a starter.
In 1973, he played in 114 games and hit .304.
The next season, he became a full-fledged starter and thrived in the role.
In 156 games, Garvey hit 21 home runs with 111 RBI and a .312 average.
This performance was good enough to win the MVP award, along with a Gold Glove.
Garvey took his performance and built on it, stringing together eight straight All-Star seasons where he was one of the best hitters in the MLB.
He finished his career with 2,599 hits, 272 home runs and a .294 batting average.
However, what hurts Garvey is his career WAR, which is just 38.1.
Regardless of this, he certainly has a case for the Hall of Fame.
3. Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw is undoubtedly the premier pitcher of this generation.
Since entering the league, he has been a dominant threat on the mound.
Clayton Kershaw can't be touched 😳
Postseason career-high 13 K's and the Brewers are still scoreless through 8 👀 pic.twitter.com/uBaVNMVlkj
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 2, 2020
While he still is in the midst of his career, he deserves Hall of Fame consideration.
In his 13-year career, he has a 175-76 record with a 2.43 ERA.
Over this stretch, he has earned seven top-five finishes in the Cy Young voting.
He has also won three Cy Young awards, as well as the MVP in 2014.
If his career ended today, he would be deserving of a spot in Cooperstown.
However, Kershaw still appears to be going strong as he posted just a 2.16 ERA during the 2020 season.
He is putting on one of the best pitching careers ever in the history of baseball, and he will certainly have a spot waiting for him in the Hall of Fame after his career.
Each of these players put together careers that could possibly be deserving of a spot in Cooperstown, and they could become the next players to represent the Dodgers.
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