Johnny Podres Biography

A pitcher for the Dodgers who led the team to their first World Series championship title in October 1955. On a team with baseball greats including Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges and Duke Snider, and a pitching staff of Don Newcombe and Carl Erskine, Podres did not stand out. In 1955 he had been injured twice and during a season when the Dodgers won the pennant by more than 13 games, his pitching record was 9-10. Until the 1955 season, the Dodgers had won seven pennants and lost seven World Series. In game seven against the Yankees, however, Podres shut out the competition in the ninth inning, securing victory and giving the Dodgers their first World Series win. He was named most valuable player of the World Series. Podres played for the Dodgers until 1966, pitched four World Series, and was named All-Star three times. At the end of his career he pitched 148-116 in 15 major league seasons having played for the Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres as well. After retiring he was a pitching coach for the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins.