In this year’s National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers showed similarities to their 1965 World Series team, with both teams having strong pitching performances and lopsided scores in their victories. The ’65 Dodgers had their first six games decided by four or more runs, a feat matched by the current Dodgers. However, the differences between the teams are stark, highlighting changes in baseball strategy over the years.
In terms of pitching, the ’65 Dodgers had three starters who threw the majority of innings in the World Series, with Sandy Koufax being a standout performer. In contrast, the current Dodgers used a larger number of pitchers, reflecting a shift towards more specialization in the game. The offensive side also saw a significant change, with the ’65 Dodgers struggling to score runs while the current team boasts a potent lineup.
The 1965 World Series saw the Dodgers using seven pitchers in total, compared to the current team’s use of 17 different starters throughout the season. The ’65 Dodgers relied on small ball, with Maury Wills leading the team in stolen bases, while the current Dodgers have a more powerful lineup and are efficient on the base paths.
Despite the similarities in the dominating performances in both series, the differences in pitching strategies, offensive production, and overall team composition paint a picture of how much baseball has evolved over the past 59 years. The current Dodgers’ success in reaching the World Series for the fourth time in eight years showcases their ability to adapt to the changing landscape of the game and find success through different approaches.
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