By: Kaitlyn Zhou

When your future is on the line and a huge opportunity sits right in front of you, no doubt you would do just about anything to not pass it up. Even if it means telling a lie. But a small lie should be harmless, right? Well, that was the case of utility infielder Steve Garvey, who told a harmless lie that turned greatly in his favor. A harmless lie, something so small could create something so big.

In 1973 on June 23rd, the Dodgers were no match for the Cincinnati Reds and lost 4-1.

Garvey recalled that he was sitting at his locker when Walter Alston, an American baseball player who played for the Saint Louis Cardinals, went up to him and asked, “Have you ever played first?”

Garvey hadn’t played before, but Garvey didn’t tell him so. Instead, he lied and just said, “Oh, sure.”

Garvey continued to play and that night, he lined up alongside Ron Cey, Bill Russell and Davey Lopes.

Several years passed and the Dodgers’ positions rarely and barely changed. A memorable 1981 World Series title and four National League pennants resulted.

Garvey not only became a four-time Gold Glove winner at his adopted first base position but had also won an NL Most Valuable Player Award in 1974 and appeared in eight consecutive All-Star Games.

“It’s one of those things in Dodger history that you don’t go back to too many times over 50 years.” Ron Cey said.

It is true, because 50 years later before the team went against Houston Astros, the Dodgers infield was honored on Friday Night.

Bill Russel related it to family and said that they didn’t take anything for granted back then, you just had to be successful to be together that long.

Garvey explained that when you look at the accomplishments, the longevity, the contribution to the Dodger organization and baseball, all four of the players have taken a lot of pride in it.