11. Steve Garvey

  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: December 22, 1948 in Tampa, FL USA
  • Weight: 192 lbs.
  • Height: 5'10"
  • Bats: R
  • Throws: R
  • Debut: September 01, 1969
  • Final Game: May 23, 1987
 
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Steve Garvey first made the Los Angeles roster in 1969, a first-round draft pick with a tireless work ethic and Popeye-like forearms that seemed designed for the Southern California spotlight. While he initially spent a few years searching for his defensive home, he eventually anchored first base for over a decade.

After shifting positions on the diamond, he secured the starting role at first base in 1973, transforming it into a stronghold. Garvey maintained frequent contact at the plate, batting .304 during his first full season as a starter. His standout year came in 1974, when he achieved 200 hits and 111 RBIs, leading the Dodgers to the National League Pennant and earning the NL MVP Award. This impressive season initiated a streak of eight consecutive All-Star selections as a Dodger, during which he was a consistent presence in the middle of the lineup. He also proved to be a clutch performer in the postseason, ending his career with a .338 batting average in October across 55 games.

Between 1974 and 1980, he recorded six 200-hit seasons, twice leading the National League in hits. While he was known as a premier contact hitter, he also provided a high-caliber offensive engine with five seasons of at least 20 home runs, including a career-high 33 long balls in 1977. He was a technical master in the field, winning four consecutive Gold Gloves and setting a National League record for consecutive games played (1,207).

The postseason was his domain, especially during the 1978 NLCS, where he earned MVP honors despite a World Series loss to the Yankees. He achieved team success in 1981 with a World Series title, but left Los Angeles after 1982. As a free agent, he wanted a five-year deal, but the Dodgers hesitated at his age, leading him to sign a five-year, $6.6 million deal with the Padres, ending his prominent LA sports career.

He was formally recognized in 2019 as one of the inaugural Legends of Dodger Baseball.  As a member of the Dodgers, Garvey compiled 1,968 hits and 211 home runs.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: First Base
  • Acquired: Selected in the 1st Round, 13th Overall in the Amateur Draft 6/7/68.
  • Departed:

    Signed as a Free Agent with the San Diego Padres 12/21/82.

  • Games Played: 1,727
  • Notable Statistics:

    852 Runs Scored
    1,958 Hits
    333 Doubles
    35 Triples
    211 Home Runs
    992 RBI
    77 Stolen Bases
    .301/.337/.459 Slash Line
    36.7 bWAR

    45 Playoff Games
    29 Runs Scored
    63 Hits
    5 Doubles
    3 Triples
    10 Home Runs
    22 RBI
    0 Stolen Bases
    .346/.370/.571 Slash Line

  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    World Series Champion (1981)
    MVP (1974)
    All-Star (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 & 1981)
    Gold Glove (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1977)
    NLCS MVP (1978)
    Roberto Clemente Award (1981)
    All-Star Game MVP (1978)
    Most Hits (1978 & 1980)
    Most Putouts (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 & 1978)
    Most Putouts by a First Baseman (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 & 1978)
    Highest Range Factor per Game by a First Baseman (1974 & 1977)
    Highest Fielding Percentage by a First Baseman (1975, 1976, 1977 & 1981)

  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten MVP Finishes:
    1st in 1974, 6th in 1976, 6th in 1977 & 2nd in 1978

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