Podres
When you think of the great rotations in Dodger history, Johnny Podres has to be included. His teaming with Koufax and Drysdale would help LA win two World Series. 1959 and 1963. Podres was born on the 30th of September in 1930 in Witherbee, New York. Witherbee is one of five…
When you think of the great rotations in Dodger history, Johnny Podres has to be included. His teaming with Koufax and Drysdale would help LA win two World Series. 1959 and 1963. Podres was born on the 30th of September in 1930 in Witherbee, New York. Witherbee is one of five hamlets in Moriah, New York. It is located in the Adirondack Mountains.
Podres is of Lithuanian and Polish descent. His grandfather Barney was an immigrant from Russia and settled in the Adirondacks. Which is an area known for its attraction to sportsmen. Podres spent much time in Port Henry, a 73 square mile outdoorsman’s paradise. His father was a miner. His father Joe, found an outlet on Sundays playing semi-pro baseball for 25 years.
Podres had 3 brothers, Thomas, Walter, and James, and a sister, Mary. He used to listen to Dodger games on the radio when he was a child. His mother would come in and tell him to turn off the radio because he had school the next day. He also had an uncle who was his teammate in high school. They combined for a 1-0 17 inning game to win the Essex County League title for Mineville High School in Witherbee in 1949.
In 1950, he pitched for the Burlington Cardinals of the Vermont Collegiate Summer League. That winter he was signed as an amateur free agent by the Brooklyn Dodgers. Podres was sent to Newport News in the Class B Piedmont League and was 0-2 in 7 games and then was sent to Class D Hazard team in Kentucky in the Mountain States League. There he went 21-9 with a 1.67 ERA in 26 games. 22 of those were starts. He also struck out 228 batters.
He was promoted to AAA Montreal of the International League for the 1952 season and went 5-5 with a 3.27 ERA in 24 games, 13 that he started. Brooklyn was pretty desperate for pitching that season with Don Newcombe being called to military service, and they gave Podres a look-see in spring training but decided he needed more seasoning. One of his teammates was Tommy Lasorda. Tommy got the save in Podres’s first win in AAA ball.
In 1953 at the age of 20, Podres made the Dodger roster and had a decent rookie campaign going 9-4 with a 4.23 ERA. He started game 5 of the World Series but was pulled in the third inning. The Yankees won 11-7 behind a grand slam by Mantle off of Russ Meyer, who had relieved Podres.
He had a nice sophomore year winning 11 and losing 7 in 1954. He made 21 starts and had an ERA of 4.27. But the Dodgers did not repeat as league champions. The Giants won the pennant and the World Series beating the favored Indians in a sweep. The Dodgers had a new manager, unknown Walter Alston who was handpicked by Buzzie Bavasi to replace Charlie Dressen who cut his own throat by demanding a multi-year deal. Alston would sign 23 one-year contracts and stay with the Dodgers as manager through 1976 when he retired.
In 1955, Podres regressed a little. His record was 9-10, but he pitched more innings than ever before and struck out over 100 for the first time in the majors. His ERA dipped a little to 3.95. But his biggest impact came in the 1955 World Series. Alston gave Podres the ball in game 3 with the Dodgers down 2-0. They won in Ebbets Field 8-3. They won the next 2 games there to go up 3-2. They lost game 6 in Yankee Stadium, and Alston gave Podres the start in game 7. Mantle was sitting out due to knee issues, but he pinch hit in the 7th and popped out. Podres later said that Campy called the greatest game ever. He would put his glove down and Podres would hit the spot. With Amoro’s game-saving catch on Berra’s drive to left, Podres shut out the Yankees 2-0 and the Dodgers won their first World Series.
Podres was named series MVP and won a Corvette from the Sporting News. In 1956, Podres finally was inducted into the service and spent the year in the Navy. Mostly playing baseball at his two duty stations. In October of 1956, he was discharged for a medical condition that made him unfit for service. He had some problems with arthritis in his back.
Back in Brooklyn for the 57 seasons, he went 12-9 with a 2.66 ERA. It was Brooklyn’s last year as the home of the Dodgers and Podres and the rest of the team got ready for the move west. Podres threw the first shut out in the Coliseum, a 3 hit gem against the Reds. He finished with a 13-15 mark. He defied the odds and won 11 of those games at the Coliseum and only 2 on the road. He later said he pitched more carefully in LA because of the short left field dimensions. It was a nightmare for lefty’s.
He improved in 1959, going 14-9 with an ERA just above 4. Podres got another win in the World Series as the Dodgers beat the White Sox, 4 games to 2. Another ring for his finger. In 1960 Podres won 14 and lost 12. Dodgers were out of the race early. Podres improved in 1961 winning 18 games and losing 5. But again, LA did not win the pennant. It was by the numbers, his best season.
1962 and Johnny went 15-13 to help the Dodgers tie the Giants for the lead in the NL. Podres started the All Star game and also pitched the first game in their new home, Dodger Stadium. He lost the game 6-3 to the Reds. In 1963 he again contributed to a pennant-winning team going 14-12 and beating the Yankees in game 2 of the Dodgers sweep at Yankee Stadium.
In 1964, an injury to his elbow kept him out most of the year. He had surgery in the off-season and came back to win 7 and lose 6 in 1965. He did not pitch in the series win over the Twins. Claude Osteen, who had been acquired in a trade with the Senators was now the 3rd man behind Koufax and Drysdale.
In May of 1966, he was sold to Detroit for 20,000 dollars. That was the waiver price. Bavasi had given him a choice, Boston or Detroit, and Podres chose the Tigers because Charlie Dressen was the manager. He went 4-5 with them in 66 and 3-1 in 1967. He was a swingman there. The Tigers released him after the season. He tried to get on the Mets with former teammate Gil Hodges managing the team, but Hodges wanted younger players.
He made a comeback attempt with the Padres in 1969. He went 5-6 in 17 games and that was it. His record as a Dodger is 136-104 with a career ERA of 3.66. He had a very good curveball and probably the best change-up in the NL. He won 148 games and lost 116 in his 15 years in the majors.
After his playing career, he became a pitching coach for the Padres, Red Sox, Twins, and Phillies and did that for over 20 years. He was 4-1 in World Series play, 3 of those wins in crucial games against the mighty Yankees. He also was not that bad of a hitter and hit .190 with 2 HRs in his career.
One of his students as a pitching coach was Curt Shilling. Podres and his wife retired to his home in Moriah where he raised his two sons. He did not marry until 1966. His hometown is about 160 miles from Cooperstown where there is a statue of Podres throwing a ball 60 feet 6 inches away from a statue of Roy Campanella commemorating the Dodger’s first World Series win.
Podres passed away on January 13th, 2008 at age 75. He was battling a leg infection along with kidney and heart issues. Kershaw wears his # 22 now. But when he first came up, he was wearing # 45. He did not change numbers until they moved to Los Angeles in 1928.
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Discussion (99)
Disagree, not disagreeable
It’s a good thing the Dodgers won yesterday, or otherwise, a party would have been formed to lynch Cody Bellinger.
He gets to live another day.
… and by the way, on the final lineout Cody did cut down his swing (with 2 strikes), however, you see what you believe, Jason.
One hit after the first inning. This offense is just so frustrating. They all just seem to go down for naps at the same time!
They won. Most important thing. Bellinger scorched that last ball he hit. He also attempted a bunt. Still concerning is the lack of consistency in the offense. The pitchers they are facing the rest of the way are better than Mikolas is.
Max is my man in a one game playoff!
Still concerned with the anemic Dodgers’ offense after they jumped out to a five run lead. This type of thing is coming all too common.
Sadly my favorite Dodger “punching bag “- meant for sarcasm) is now .165 AVG, .240 OBP, .304 slugging, .49 OPS+, 84 strikeouts in 270 AB’s. Sit him down and play anyone who might provide a competitive AB. It’s nearly laughable if not shameful to see him trotted out each day to see the same thing time and time again.
CT3 hasn’t necessarily been red hot, but at least he can turn and run into a long ball once in awhile. Cody is nothing but a K or a weak oppo pop up it seems.
Great write up on Johnny Podres, Bear. I don’t know if the players received rings back then or not, but now that you mentioned Podres being on 4 Dodgers championship teams, I was wondering what other Dodgers were on 4 Dodgers championship teams? I would guess Koufax and Drysdale, maybe Gilliam? I would appreciate your response.
I have full confidence in both Buehler and Scherzer if it comes down to a wildcard game. A lot is going to depend on the circumstances in the days prior.
September 6, 2021
Gonsolin (shoulder) could be activated from the 10-day injured list to start or work as primary pitcher Thursday against the Cardinals or Friday against the Padres, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.
September 6, 2021
Kershaw (forearm) could rejoin the major-league rotation this weekend, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Max did what Urias and Buehler didn’t do after an extra inning, 11 pitcher bullpen game on Friday night.
The entire pen (minus whoever pitches the 9th) owes Scherzer a nice bottle of Don Julio.
That was an Ace-like performance for many reasons, especially since we have TBD pitching tomorrow and Wednesday!
I’m gonna answer Doc’s question on who starts the WC Gsme.
Max. 100%
Sorry Scherzer has been….bye the way very rare see one pitcher gets 8th
Wow what a performance by MS. 7 innings, 12 K’s and one unearned run. He threw 92 pitches & 67 were strikes a 72.8%. Lets wrap him up for 2-3 years.
Scherzer not only have been very good but goes deep in games too.
Scherzer is much better than I thought. Since becoming a Dodger he has been making a strong case why he deserves to be in the CY conversation. This dude is a stud!
Seager is a better hitter than Muncy. The Dodgers should flip Muncy and Seager.
Dodgers are clearly the most hated by umpires.
That title goes to the YANKEES!
Them saying Dodgers are the most hated team in baseball isn’t mentioning the flipside that Dodgers are the most loved team in baseball backed up by Dodgers fans are everywhere and are seen at all road games more than any other team and fill their own stadium, which is bigger than any other. More players want to play for the organization than any other. So if envy is hatred I agree Dodgers are most hated. But beware, we got fans everywhere.
Taylor is the Best hitting playera jaja and dodgers is the Best hitting team ever… jajaja…..Nice Star ….very Nice to see Lot a bats alive…..Even Cody hit to the left…nice
I hope they are not wearing those stupid ass pajamas today. The real Dodger uniform is a beautiful uniform.
* A-Rod speaks nonsense a lot. Maybe his PED use effected his brain. First, he suggested they walk Bellinger intentionally top 2 to pitch to Striker. Why would you walk Bellinger? Getting Belli and Striker doesn’t turn over the lineup.
* Then he called for the contact play with 1 out. You know how I feel about the contact play. Wrong both times. Then he was asked who would have an advantage in a one game playoff. He said the Giants because of their depth. Huh?
* A-Rod said that while the Dodgers were striking out the Giants were bunting their way on. He said the Giants have 15 bunts and the Dodgers only 3 all year. I’m not sure those numbers are correct but his point is well take. I’ve just stop talking about it.
* I’m glad I quit coaching up Bellinger’s swing. I’ve given up. If I was waiting for him to stop dropping his head a foot while the pitch is on the way and to cut down on that violent swing, I’d be looking for a cyanide capsule in my rubber room.
* Doc, seriously looks like he’s aged 10 years this season. What was he supposed to be doing differently yesterday? CT3 is an out. Pollocks out. He has no platoon or replacement for Belli. We have 3 starting pitchers. He’s writing the right names down but they need to play better.
* Doc’s dugout in-game interview in the 4th was also a joke. He was asked if he’d thought about what he would do if it came to a wild card game? What kind of question is that? What’s the anticipated answer to that question? There are still 25 games left and we’re one game back. This isn’t over just yet.
* You could dissect this game like a sophomore Biology project but it’s real simple.We scored 4 runs against 9 pitchers, 7 of which I’d never heard of. 2 runs through 8 innings on 4 hits. Our Ace 2.0 gave up six runs on 7 hits in 3 innings.
End of story
A lot of people assume a lot of nonsense like Belli can’t hit a fastball. I have a strong feeling that most of the people that come up with this stuff aren’t watching the games and instead are just looking at box scores and making assumptions.
It may surprise some of you that Cody has indeed hit several fastballs pretty hard during the last 4 series. Here’s the hard hit balls he has in the last 4 series, courtesy of baseball savant…
Date Exit Velo PitchMPH Pitch Type
9/5 95.3 98.9 4SFB
9/4 95.3 79.9 Slider
8/31 97.2 87.0 Slider
8/31 95.5 81.9 CB
8/29 105.1 96.2 4SFB
8/28 98.0 96.9 4SFB
8/28 94.7 95.0 4SFB
8/25 95.6 84.1 Slider
8/25 101.4 93.9 4SFB
During this timeframe he hit an additional 10 balls with an exit velocity over 90 Mph. So, while the results aren’t there, they aren’t as bad as most of you are making them out to be.
As you can see, he’s not only hitting fastballs hard, but he’s also hitting sliders pretty hard was well. But, most of his hard hit balls have come against 4 seam fastballs, which is exactly the opposite of what most of you are saying. 3 of the five came against 96 MPH+ which is elite fastball velocity, and one of the other came against lefty Blake Snell when he threw 7 scoreless against us.
See for yourself…
Open on baseballsavant.mlb.comhttps://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/cody-bellinger-641355?stats=gamelogs-r-hitting-statcast&season=2021Souza has been added to the taxi squad. I think he’s decent enough defensively that we could add both him and Beaty and drop McKinney and someone else.
This is a link of Cody Bellinger, the high school prospect.
Maybe some of you technical experts like Badger, Phil and others who have coached or played a lot can look at this and see what differences there are from his high school days to now. I seem to remember that he wasn’t considered a power hitter in high school, just the kind of hitting approach we all seem to want from him these days.
It looks to me as though he used to spread his legs more than he does now, but I’d be interested in feedback from you experts. Then maybe we should send this to Cody.
First little bit is fielding and then it jumps to hitting video.
I haven’t heard anyone complaining about Pollock, but I’m sure somebody must have. When September rolled around I was all for giving Bellinger some time off and going with an outfield of Pollock, Taylor and Betts. I don’t care for McKinney and Beaty doesn’t impress much either but if the starters are hitting he’s a’ight. Well, the others aren’t hitting. If they don’t start before the end of the month this team will fade into the sunset. Our pitching is good enough to keep us close. But Muncy, Turner, Betts, Taylor and Smith have to hit. I trust they will.
I heard a stat mentioned yesterday that caught my attention. The giants pitching staff is a league leader in inducing ground balls. In today’s game that is a stat you want to be able to brag about. They also lead the league, or did anyway, in BB/9 and were second in first pitch strike/ahead in count. Farhan took his genius and put it to work right away up there. All those guys can throw sinkers for strikes.
Will Duffy and Clayton help the finish? I’ll be honest, I have my doubts.
An old school saying that still rings true – you gotta hit with them to play with them. We have to start hitting again.