The History of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers dates back to the 1880s when the two teams played against each other in the old American Association. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the rivalry really heated up, with both teams becoming powerhouses in the National League.
The two teams have faced each other in numerous high-stakes games over the years, including the 1977 National League Championship Series, which the Dodgers won in four games, and the 2008 National League Championship Series, which the Phillies won in five games.
The Players
Over the years, the Phillies and Dodgers have had some of the best players in baseball on their rosters. Some of the notable players from the Phillies include Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, and Chase Utley. The Dodgers have had their share of stars as well, including Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, and Clayton Kershaw.
These players have been instrumental in some of the most memorable moments in the rivalry, from Mike Schmidt hitting four home runs in a game against the Dodgers in 1976 to Kirk Gibson hitting a walk-off home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series against the Oakland A’s.
The Stadiums
The Phillies and Dodgers have played against each other in some of the most iconic stadiums in baseball history. The Dodgers have called Dodger Stadium home since 1962, while the Phillies have played at Veterans Stadium and Citizens Bank Park.
Dodger Stadium is known for its beautiful views of the San Gabriel Mountains and its famous palm trees. Veterans Stadium, on the other hand, was known for its notoriously bad turf and the infamous “Veterans Stadium Jail.” Citizens Bank Park, which opened in 2004, is known for its stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline.
The Future of the Rivalry
The Phillies and Dodgers will continue to face each other for years to come, and the rivalry is sure to produce many more memorable moments. With both teams boasting talented rosters and passionate fan bases, the games between these two teams are always a must-watch.
Whether you’re a Phillies fan or a Dodgers fan, there’s no denying the history and excitement of this epic rivalry.
