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The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a special place in the annals of baseball history, marked by a tapestry of achievements, milestones, and iconic moments that resonate across generations. As one of the oldest and most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, the Dodgers’ impact extends far beyond the confines of the diamond.
The team’s rich history is punctuated by milestones like Jackie Robinson’s historic breaking of the color barrier, an enduring legacy of success that includes numerous World Series championships, and the distinction of being in existence for over a century. These accomplishments and transformative moments have not only shaped the course of baseball but have left an indelible mark on the broader narrative of American sports and civil rights.
Here are the top 10 Dodgers of all-time and a must-have baseball card for each of them:
10. Orel Hershiser
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Orel Hershiser, often known as “Bulldog,” made a significant impact during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His career with the Dodgers spanned from 1983 to 1994, and it was marked by extraordinary accomplishments. One of the standout moments was his 1988 season when he played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to a World Series championship.
In 1988, Orel Hershiser had a season for the ages. He set an MLB record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings pitched, surpassing the previous record held by Don Drysdale. Hershiser’s remarkable feat earned him the National League Cy Young Award. That same year, he also won the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) award as he led the Dodgers to a stunning World Series victory over the heavily favored Oakland Athletics.
Throughout his Dodgers career, Hershiser was known for his consistency and durability. He was a three-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner. His exceptional ability to keep runners from scoring was highlighted by his three consecutive shutouts in the 1988 postseason. These performances helped bring a World Series title to Los Angeles for the first time in over a quarter of a century. Orel Hershiser’s time with the Dodgers is a cherished chapter in the team’s history, and his name is forever associated with the 1988 championship.
Best Dodgers card: 1985 Topps #493 Orel Hershiser (RC)
Hershiser’s most iconic card is his rookie from the 1985 Topps set. His other 1985 issues, from Donruss and Fleer, don’t come close to the interest level created by his Topps card. Nonetheless, it’s fairly accessible, with 100s of PSA 10s available. The card costs around $150 for those, or $25 for PSA 9. Ungraded cards are around $2.
9. Don Sutton
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Don Sutton had a storied career in Dodger blue that spanned two decades. He joined the Dodgers in 1966, remained with the team until 1980, and briefly returned for a final season in 1988, at age 43. Over those 15 seasons, he earned four All-Star selections and was known for his reliability, exceeding 250 innings pitched in a season eight times.
Sutton was known for his incredible consistency and was one of the most reliable pitchers of his era. His exceptional control allowed him to accumulate impressive strikeout and walk rates, contributing to his longevity in the game. Throughout his Dodgers career, Sutton had an impressive 2.99 ERA and 233 wins, both tops all-time for the Dodgers.
Sutton was known for his meticulous preparation and attention to detail. He would document every pitch he threw in a game and his performance against each batter – an analytical approach that was not yet commonplace in baseball. This commitment to his craft contributed to his long and successful career in Major League Baseball. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
Best Dodgers card: 1967 Topps #440 Don Sutton
Cards from Sutton’s playing days are relatively inexpensive. Collectors typically want his true rookie card, which he shares with Bill Singer, or his first individual card, from the 1967 Topps set. This card has a beautiful layout and shows Sutton mid-windup. The blues punctuated with a red “Dodgers” and a facsimile signature looks great. The card can be purchased for around $150 for a PSA 8, or ungraded in average condition for around $50.
8. Zack Wheat
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Zack Wheat was a prominent outfielder who spent the majority of his 19-year career with the Brooklyn Robins. Wheat played for the Dodgers from 1909 to 1926 and he was known for his consistency and impressive hitting. He was known not only for his exceptional baseball skills but also for his remarkable eyesight. His keen eyesight served him well on the baseball field, where he was known for tracking fly balls and pitches with exceptional precision. Wheat’s remarkable vision was one of the unique qualities that set him apart as a player.
During his Dodgers career, Wheat achieved many remarkable feats. He recorded over 200 hits in a season multiple times and maintained a high batting average throughout his career, hitting over .300 in 14 out of 19 seasons. He had over 2,800 hits, an impressive .317 batting average, and his left-handed swing was a thing of beauty.
Wheat played in four World Series with the Dodgers and helped the team win their first championship in 1916. His impact on the franchise can’t be understated, as he was one of the earliest stars of the Dodgers and set a high standard for future generations of players. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1959.
Best Dodgers card: 1909-1911 T206 Zack Wheat
Wheat’s most attainable card, and also one that holds value, is the T206. The card features a beautiful rendering of Wheat with a bat on his shoulder, and a fair number of copies exist. A mid-condition (PSA 5) can be found for around $2,000. Not surprisingly, a PSA 9 or PSA 10 has never been recorded.
7. Dazzy Vance
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Charles Arthur “Dazzy” Vance was a dominant pitcher who played a significant role in the early success of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He joined the team in 1922 and quickly made an impact with his incredible fastball. Vance’s remarkable achievements include leading the National League in strikeouts for seven consecutive seasons. He was renowned for his fastball, which was one of the fastest of his era. He had remarkable speed and control, making him a strikeout artist.
During his Dodgers career, Vance was a seven-time All-Star and a two-time NL ERA leader. He won the first ever NL MVP award in 1924, the same year he won the pitching triple crown. He was the first pitcher to strike out 200 batters in a season, setting a precedent for power pitching in the years to come. Vance’s exceptional pitching skills helped the Dodgers secure their first pennant in 1920 and made him a key figure in the early history of the franchise. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.
Best Dodgers card: 1926 W512 #10 Dazzy Vance
Like nearly all pre-1930s cards, Vance’s early cards are difficult to find. His easiest card to find, the 1933 Goudey, came during his time in St. Louis. For Dodgers cards, we chose the 1926 W512 set. It’s iconic, with cards for Hall of Famers like Babe Ruth, and costs approximately $200 for a mid-grade version. Greatly affecting its value is the fact that the cards were hand-cut, so the fate of the card may have been sealed by its original owner.
6. Don Drysdale
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Don Drysdale, a towering figure on the pitching mound, was a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ success during the late 1950s and 1960s. He played for the Dodgers from 1956 to 1969, and his achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Drysdale was known for his incredible durability, leading the league in games started four times in his career.
During his Dodgers tenure, Drysdale was a nine-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion. He was also the recipient of the Cy Young Award in 1962, a year that he led the league in wins (25), games started (41), innings pitched (314.1) and strikeouts (214). This remarkable year cemented his status as one of the premier pitchers of his era. Drysdale’s presence in the Dodgers’ rotation alongside Sandy Koufax created a formidable one-two punch, and their combined efforts helped the team secure multiple championships.
In 1967, Drysdale experienced a significant shoulder injury. He was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, which led to the shortening of his career at age 32. He became an accomplished broadcaster, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984 alongside teammate Peewee Reese.
Best Dodgers card: 1958 Bell Brand Don Drysdale
Many of Drysdale’s cards feature headshots, so this card is interesting because it shows Drysdale in his pitching motion. It’s also one of the first cards issued after the Dodgers move to Los Angeles, which can be either painful or exciting, depending on your allegiances. This card costs around $1,000-$2,500 as a PSA 8 or PSA 9.
5. Sandy Koufax
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Sandy Koufax is one of the most iconic pitchers in Dodgers history. His time with the team, from 1955 to 1966, is characterized by unparalleled excellence on the mound. Koufax was a six-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner during his shortened Dodgers career. His achievements are highlighted by his incredible dominance in the 1960s.
Koufax’s peak was nothing short of legendary. He led the league in strikeouts for four consecutive seasons and won the National League MVP in 1963. He is perhaps best known for his remarkable stretch of four no-hitters, including a perfect game in 1965. Koufax’s contributions to the Dodgers were integral to their success in the 1960s, and he helped lead the team to three World Series championships in a four-year span from 1959 to 1963.
In 1966, after leading the Dodgers to another World Series victory and securing his third Cy Young Award, Sandy Koufax made the difficult decision to retire at the age of 30. His retirement shocked the baseball world, but it was a move made out of concern for his long-term health and quality of life. Despite his relatively short career, Koufax’s legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the game remains undiminished, and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
Best Dodgers card: 1963 Topps #210 Sandy Koufax
Sandy Koufax had one of the greatest pitching performances ever in 1963 – he won the Cy Young, MVP and had a staggering 1.88 ERA, 0.875 WHIP and 10.7 WAR. His 1963 Topps has good coloring and shows Koufax in his Los Angeles uniform. No PSA 10 of this card have been logged, but a PSA 8 has been valued around $1,500-$2,000.
4. Duke Snider
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Duke Snider, often referred to as “The Duke of Flatbush,” was a vital part of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup from 1947 to 1962. Snider was a talented center fielder and an imposing presence in the batter’s box. He had an excellent batting average and could hit for both power and average. This made him a formidable presence in the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup.
He was an eight-time All-Star and was known for his power-hitting abilities. Although he never won a major award outside of his all-star selections, Snider nonetheless was a powerful presence in the Dodgers lineup and led the league in runs, slugging and total bases several times. He had five seasons with 40 or more home runs and he finished his career with over 2,000 hits and 400 homeruns. Snider won a World Series championship in 1955 and he helped lead the Dodgers to several pennants during his tenure.
Duke Snider was a fan favorite and remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Dodgers franchise. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980.
Best Dodgers card: 1953 Bowman Color #117 Duke Snider
1953-1955 were Snider’s best seasons, a fact that merges nicely with Snider’s first full-color card. The photography in the set is beautiful and Snider’s card is no exception. Cards in PSA 7 or PSA 8 condition cost around $750-$1,000. Finding the card in a better condition is nearly impossible.
3. Peewee Reese
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Harold “Peewee” Reese was a beloved shortstop who spent his entire career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1940 to 1958. Reese was a ten-time All-Star and a key defensive player for the Dodgers. Reese was known for his leadership on and off the field; his partnership with Jackie Robinson was instrumental in breaking down racial barriers in the sport.
Reese, like many players in the 40s, missed time while he served oversees in the military. When he returned, he was in the top 25 of MVP voting for 11 straight years, and his Dodgers career included two World Series championships in 1955 and 1959. He was a consummate team player, known for his exceptional defense and clutch hitting.
Reese’s legacy as a leader and a remarkable shortstop remains a vital part of the Dodgers’ history, but his legacy wasn’t just about his incredible talent on the field; it was also about his ability to bring people together and create lasting change, even in the simplest of ways. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1984 by the Veteran’s Committee.
Best Dodgers card: 1941 Play Ball #54 Pee Wee Reese (RC)
In a long career, Reese appeared in many icon sets of the late 40s and 50s. His 1941 Play Ball #54 rookie card is his best. The 21 year old rookie is one of the most valuable cards in this set that also features Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx and Ted Williams. The card is worth approximately $750-$1,000 in ungraded condition. And condition is an issue – only two PSA 9s are registered with PSA, and no PSA 10s.
2. Clayton Kershaw
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Clayton Kershaw, a modern-day Dodgers legend, has had a remarkable career with the team since his debut in 2008. He has been one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, earning three Cy Young Awards as he’s played his entire career for the Dodgers. Kershaw’s consistency on the mound, with numerous All-Star selections and the 2014 NL MVP, has made him a beloved figure among Dodgers fans.
Kershaw’s contributions to the Dodgers have been significant. He has helped lead the team to multiple playoff appearances and was instrumental in securing the 2020 World Series championship, ending a 32-year title drought for the franchise. His remarkable strikeout rate and sub-2.00 ERAs have made him a force to be reckoned with on the mound. He also has the highest WAR of any Dodgers player. Clayton Kershaw’s legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in Dodgers history is secure, and his impact on the team continues to be felt.
Best Dodgers card: 2008 Topps Update & Highlights #UH240 Clayton Kershaw
Like most modern players, Kershaw has a lot of rookie card options, and there are even a few autographs and relics. However, the iconic design of this set, and the photography on this card, surpasses more expensive examples like Bowman Chrome or SPX autographs. Since it’s a base card, it won’t break the bank. PSA 10s are easy to come by and are worth approximately $900, while a PSA 8 or PSA 9 can be had for around $100-$300. There are also black and gold parallels available.
1. Jackie Robinson
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Jackie Robinson’s legacy extends far beyond his statistics and awards, and calling him the best Dodgers player all-time is only scratching the surface of his contributions to baseball and American society in general. Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. His arrival was a pivotal moment in the history of the sport, marking the end of racial segregation in baseball. He faced tremendous adversity and discrimination but remained steadfast in his pursuit of equality.
What few people realize is how great a player Robinson was, even in the face of a short major league career (he was aged 28 in his rookie year). Robinson’s Dodgers career saw him win the Rookie of the Year award in 1947, MVP in 1949, and make six consecutive All-Star appearances. He was a key player on the Dodgers’ championship-winning team in 1955. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, the first time he appeared on the ballot.
Robinson played only 11 years in MLB, but his impact on the game of baseball and his role in advancing civil rights are immeasurable. His jersey number 42 has been retired throughout Major League Baseball in his honor, and his story continues to inspire generations of athletes and advocates for social justice.
Best Dodgers card: 1948 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson (RC)
Rookie cards are always coveted, but in this case, a player’s first time on the major league field was also a major point in civil rights history. Robinson’s only true rookie card is the 1948 Leaf, and it’s not cheap – an estimated $500,000 for a PSA 8 or PSA 9 – but this is one of a handful of must-haves for any collection, if you can swing it. Condition is key too. PSA hasn’t logged any PSA 10s, and only seven PSA 9s, so this is a tough chase. You can typically find a PSA 1, 2 or 3 for under $15,000.
For collectors with less cash, Robinson’s later cards in the 1954-1956 Topps sets are iconic designs, and are much more affordable at $1,000-$3,000 for ungraded examples.