5 Amazing Facts You Didn't Know About the Dodgers

When thinking about the illustrious history of Major League Baseball, you can't help but discuss the Dodgers. From their initial stint in Brooklyn, to their move across the country to Los Angeles, the Dodgers are one of the most recognized professional sports teams in the world. Even though the team has a rabid fanbase, we bet even they didn't know about these five unknown facts about their favorite baseball organization.

5. First Team to Put Numbers on Front of Uniforms

You probably heard the saying, "the name on the front of the uniform is more important than the one on the back" from the old guard of sports fans. But back in 1951, the Dodgers went against the norms by putting player numbers on the front of the jersey to make them truly stand out. It was simply unheard of back in the day. But now, nearly every MLB team has numbers underneath their logos on their home and away uniforms. You can all thank the Dodgers for starting the trend.

4. Took Part in First Televised MLB Game

This generation of baseball fans are spoiled, as they have the ability to watch every baseball game from the comfort of their couch. Back in the old days, fans had to physically attend the game or listen to it on the radio. But in 1939, Major League Baseball aired its first ever game, which was a doubleheader between the Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Red Barber called the first game, which aired on NBC across 400 television sets. There were only two cameras inside the stadium. One was stationed at the third base line, while the second was perched high above home plate to get a view of the entire field. This game was the start of a technological revolution in baseball.

3. Participated in First Color TV World Series Broadcast

The 1955 World Series was one of the most anticipated matchups in MLB history. The New York Yankees faced off against the Brooklyn Dodgers for the World Series for the fifth time. But 1955 was special in more than one way. Not only were the Dodgers part of the first televised MLB game (as mentioned earlier), but also the first World Series game to be televised in color! Come on, that's pretty cool to think about. The Dodgers went on to defeat the Yankees in seven games to win their first-ever championship.

2. Most World Series Losses

As recent history has shown us, the Dodgers haven't had the best of luck once they make the World Series. That was evidenced in their 2017 matchup with the Houston Astros and their five-game series against the Boston Red Sox in 2018. Considering the Dodgers are one of the original teams in Major League Baseball, you best believe they participated in plenty of World Series. The Dodgers have hoisted the Commissioner's Trophy six times (most recently in 1988), but lost 13 of their 19 World Series' appearances, tied with the New York Yankees for the most in MLB history. But what separates the two teams is that the Yankees have the most World Series titles with 27. So, the Dodgers are technically the biggest losers. Those are the rules.

1. Babe Ruth: First Base Coach?

When you think of Babe Ruth, you instantly picture him in a Yankees uniform. This is a guy who won four World Series titles, the 1923 AL MVP Award, and set the home run record with 714 before it was broken by Hank Aaron. But did you know that Ruth was a first base coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers? That's right, Ruth was signed by the Dodgers in 1938 to stand at the other hot corner. But contrary to the job description, Ruth never relayed signs to the batter! He was hired to be himself, while the team raked in the huge ticket sales. You simply can't un-see the image of Ruth donning a Dodgers uniform. Our minds are still blown at this recollection.