By: Alicia Chen
One of the greatest infields in the history of the Dodgers was made because of a small lie.
On June 23, 1973, the Dodgers struggled during a game against the Cincinnati Reds, losing 4-2. Looking for a way to improve the situation, Walter Alston, the manager, asked Steve Garvey if he had ever played first before.
Garvey said, “I was sitting at my locker, and Walter Alston came by and stopped me and asked me, ‘Have you ever played first?’” He lied and said he did. Garvey said with a grin, “But, I wasn’t going to tell him.”
Garvey was put into the position and played with his teammates Ron Cey, Bill Russell, and Davey Lopes for the next 8 ½ years. The group performed spectacularly, appearing at 21 All-Star Games, four National Lead pennants, and the 1981 World Series.
Cey, who played at six consecutive All-Star games during the years 1974-1979, commented, “It’s one of those things in Dodger history that you don’t go back too many times after 50 years.”
Russell, who played at the Midsummer Classic during the years 1973, 1976, and 1980, added, “It’s just like your family. We didn’t take anything for granted back then. You had to be successful to be together that long.”
Lopes won the Gold Glove in 1978, played in four All-Star games, and was declared a Rookie of the Year finalist in 1973.
Garvey ended up winning the Gold Glove four times, earned an NL Most Valuable Player Award in 1974, and played in four All-Star games.
In 1981, the lineup defeated the New York Yankees, earning the team its first World Series Title in 16 years.
This “Legendary Infield” was celebrated before the Dodgers faced off against the Houston Astros at their own stadium. Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Bill Russell threw the first pitch and watched a video tribute.
Garvey stated, “When you look at the accomplishments, the longevity, and the contribution to the Dodger organization and baseball, all four of us have taken a lot of pride in it.”
They stood together on a field they called home for many years and will continue to be appreciated and recognized for being the greatest infield in the Dodgers’ history.