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Four of the Dodger Greats at Third Base

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Justin Turner's ascendance after joining the Dodgers ranks him among the best third basemen in franchise history.

In the storied history of the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, there have many exceptional players who have distinguished themselves. Here are four of the greatest third basemen to man the “hot corner” for the Dodgers.

Four of the Greatest Dodgers Third Basemen

4. “Red Turn Two”

Justin Turner was non-tendered by the New York Mets in 2013. After Dodgers’ third base coach Tim Wallach spotted the infielder at a college alumni softball game, Los Angeles signed him to a minor-league contract. Turner made the club out of spring training. Over six seasons with the Dodgers, the fan-favorite had a .887 OPS and 35 postseason runs batted in, which is first in Dodgers history. Turner was also very good in clutch situations, as his batting average of over .300 with runners in scoring position can attest. Originally a second baseman by trade, the consummate professional turned himself into a proficient defender at third base.

3. The Good One That Left Too Soon

Jim Gilliam was one of the most versatile infielders in Dodgers history. Originally slated to play second base, where he made over 1,000 starts, he was eventually moved to third. The transition was seamless, as his game-saving diving catch in the final game of the World Series in 1965 against the Minnesota Twins illustrates. Gilliam’s sparkling defensive play with runners at first and second preserved a 2-0 shutout for Sandy Koufax and the Dodgers. His defensive skills were honed in the Negro Leagues, where he began his career as a 17- year-old. In 1951, Gilliam won Rookie of the Year honors. He would go on to score at least 100 runs in his first four years in the major leagues.

A favorite teammate and respected coach, Gilliam was managerial material. However, a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 49 cost Gilliam his life. In his honor, the Dodgers retired his number 19. It is the only retired number in Los Angeles history that isn’t in the Hall of Fame.

2. Penguin

Ron Cey is considered by some the best third baseman in Dodgers history. In eight of his nine seasons with Los Angeles, Cey played in at least 150 games at the corner spot. The six-time All-Star and NL MVP award finalist from 1974-1977 was a keystone of the infield. His greatest highlight was in the postseason when it mattered most.  After being beaned in Game Five of the 1981 World Series by Goose Gossage, Cey heroically came back in Game Six. His game-winning RBI garnered him a share of World Series Most Valuable Player honors. As a result, Cey remains one of the most popular Dodger alumni to date.

1. The One That Got Away

Adrian Beltré was signed by Los Angeles at the age of 15. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Beltré had his share of growing pains when he was called up from Double-A San Antonio four years later, at the request of manager Tommy Lasorda.  As his five Gold Glove Awards demonstrate, his defense was always exceptional. Ironically, it was an ankle injury that would transform his career offensively. In 2004, forced to adjust his swing, Beltré had a breakout year. The future Hall of Famer hit 48 home runs and had 121 runs batted in. It is arguably the greatest offensive season of any position player in Dodgers history. However, due to mismanagement of contract talks, Beltre would not continue in a Dodger uniform. The genial superstar would eventually achieve the 3,000-hit club and a ticket to Cooperstown.

One could debate the rankings of each of these players. But no one would question the indelible mark each has had at the hot corner in Dodgers history.

 

Photo Credit: © Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

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