One of the most popular and recognizable players of the 1970s, Steve Garvey, first played in the Majors in 1969, but it was not until 1973 that he became Los Angeles's regular First Baseman. After that year, he was the anchor of one of the top infielders in Baseball and, for many, the face of the franchise.
Garvey had his breakout and best season in 1974. Garvey won his only MVP that year and began a streak of eight All-Star Games and four Gold Gloves. Establishing himself as one of the top contact hitters, Garvey batted at least .300 seven times and was a two-time NL leader in Hits (1978 & 1980).
Garvey did not get enough credit for his power. He had five 20-plus Home Runs years, with one season exceeding 30. Belting 211 Home Runs with Los Angeles, Garvey would also drive in 992 batters. The Dodgers appeared in the 1977 and 1978 World Series, losing efforts to the Yankees, but Garvey was a crucial part of their success, with Garvey winning the 1978 NLCS MVP with a second-place finish in MVP voting.
Garvey would return to the World Series in 1981, this time with the Dodgers winning it all and giving him his first and only Title. The end for Garvey in Los Angeles
With the Dodgers, Garvey batted .301 with 1,968 Hits. In 2019, Garvey was among four former players honored with plaques as Legends of Dodgers Baseball.
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