Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants Rivalry Greatest Hits
In baseball history, few rivalries have stood the test of time the same way the rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants has. The Dodgers vs. Giants rivalry dates back to when both franchises were located in New York and have survived decades after both teams moved to California. Needless to say, the number of big games and memorable moments that have happened between these teams is almost too big to count. That being said, we were able to put together a list of the biggest hits and greatest moments in this rivalry to show fans just how special this rivalry is and how deep it goes.
Brian Johnson’s September Home Run
The Giants and Dodgers were locked in a tight race for the NL West crown in 1997, with a game between the two teams on September 18 playing a critical role in the race. At the time, the Giants were a game behind Los Angeles in the standings. The game ended up going to the 12th inning, which is when catcher Brian Johnson abruptly ended things with a walk-off home run. That ended up being the turning point in the race, as Johnson’s homer put the Giants in a tie for first place and gave them the momentum to eventually beat out the Dodgers by two games and capture the NL West crown.
Joe Morgan Plays Spoiler
In 1982, the Dodgers fell one game short in the NL West standings behind the Braves, and it was because of the Giants. On the final day of the season, the Dodgers needed a win to tie the Braves at the top of the division and keep their season alive. But veteran Joe Morgan made sure that didn’t happen. At age 39 and well past his prime, the 10-time all-star hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning to break a 2-2 and put the Giants ahead 5-3. San Francisco would hold on for a 5-3 win, which left the Giants two games behind the Braves in the NL West but also kept the Dodgers a game back, spoiling a potential playoff spot for Los Angeles.
Kevin Elster Hits Three Homers
The Giants debuted their new home, Pacific Bell Park (now known as Oracle Park), in 2000 with a three-game series against the Dodgers. In the first game of that series, Los Angeles shortstop Kevin Elster stole the show from the Giants and their brand-new ballpark by hitting three home runs. Those three home runs gave the Dodgers a 6-5 win in the ballpark’s inaugural game, with Los Angeles ultimately sweeping the series. However, the Giants got the last laugh in 2000, winning the NL West.
Barry Bonds Hits No. 71
In a way, it’s fitting that Bonds hit his record-breaking home run against the rival Dodgers. It came in late September 2001 during the first inning of a home game against the Dodgers. Bonds’ 71st home run came off Chan Ho Park and broke Mark McGwire’s single-season record of 70 home runs. Just to add insult to Los Angeles, Bonds hit his 72nd home run of the season in the third inning of that same game. Obviously, there is controversy surrounding the record because of Bonds’ connection to steroids. But that doesn’t take away the sting the Dodgers must feel from giving up the record-setting homer.
Steve Finley Grand Slam
With the Giants facing elimination on the penultimate day of the 2004 season, Finley put the final nail in San Francisco’s coffin. Despite the Giants leading 3-0 heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers rallied, tying the game on a Jayson Werth single while leaving the bases loaded for the 39-year-old Finley, who was approaching the twilight of his career. On a 0-1 pitch, Finley smashed a home run into the right-field stands at Dodger Stadium, giving the Dodgers their first NL West title in nearly a decade, while the Giants finished that season two games back, leaving them without a playoff despite winning 91 games. After the game, Finley claimed he dreamed about the moment happening just as it did: “I wanted it. I knew I was going to get it done. When I walked to the plate, I knew the game was over. I even had a smile on my face.
The Shot Heard Round the World
There is no more famous moment or hit in the Giants-Dodgers rivalry – and perhaps in baseball history – than Bobby Thomson’s game-winning home run against the Dodgers on October 3, 1951. The two teams were tied at the end of the regular season and needed a three-game playoff to decide the National League winner. The teams split the first two games, and the Dodgers took a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth in the decisive game. The Giants scored a run to make it 4-2 and had two runners on base when Thomson stepped up to the plate. He connected on a 0-1 pitch from Ralph Branca, hitting a line-drive homer over the left field fence. Giants announcer Russ Hodges went crazy, exclaiming: “The Giants win the pennant!” over and over again. Making the moment even more special is the fact that this three-game series was the first time baseball was televised nationally, which meant millions across the country were actually able to watch this iconic moment in baseball history.