On June 23, 1973, the Los Angeles Dodgers were in an uphill battle against the Cincinnati Reds, losing 4-1 in the first game of a doubleheader. Just before the second game, team manager Walter Alston was looking for a solution.
Thae answer was utility infielder Steve Garvey.
“I was sitting at my locker,” Garvey recalled, “and Walter Alston came by and stopped me and asked me, ‘Have you ever played first?’”
He had not played first, at least not much. He had only played first a couple of times in the Little League, a few more times in the Minor League, and a few times occasionally in his Major League career.
“But,” Garvey added with a grin, “I wasn’t gonna tell him.”
Garvey replied, “Oh sure.” That night, he lined up beside Ron Cey, Bill Russell, and Davey Lopes.
For the next 8 and a half years, these players were Dodger infielders. The famous group made 21 All-Star Game appearances, four National League pennants and a 1981 World Series title.
As for Garvey himself, he won the Golden Glove four times. He also became the Major League MVP in 1974 and was in eight consecutive All-Star games in 1981. That year, the Dodgers won their first World Series title in 16 years.
Sources:
https://eb18600f7bb2916037f5ee8e636ce199.cdn.bubble.io/f1687708004360x893342546479498600/How%20a%20harmless%20lie%20created%20an%20iconic%20Dodgers%20infield%20-%20Los%20Angeles%20Times.pdf
Thae answer was utility infielder Steve Garvey.
“I was sitting at my locker,” Garvey recalled, “and Walter Alston came by and stopped me and asked me, ‘Have you ever played first?’”
He had not played first, at least not much. He had only played first a couple of times in the Little League, a few more times in the Minor League, and a few times occasionally in his Major League career.
“But,” Garvey added with a grin, “I wasn’t gonna tell him.”
Garvey replied, “Oh sure.” That night, he lined up beside Ron Cey, Bill Russell, and Davey Lopes.
For the next 8 and a half years, these players were Dodger infielders. The famous group made 21 All-Star Game appearances, four National League pennants and a 1981 World Series title.
As for Garvey himself, he won the Golden Glove four times. He also became the Major League MVP in 1974 and was in eight consecutive All-Star games in 1981. That year, the Dodgers won their first World Series title in 16 years.
Sources:
https://eb18600f7bb2916037f5ee8e636ce199.cdn.bubble.io/f1687708004360x893342546479498600/How%20a%20harmless%20lie%20created%20an%20iconic%20Dodgers%20infield%20-%20Los%20Angeles%20Times.pdf
