Ron Cey made his first MLB appearance in Los Angeles in 1971 as a stocky third baseman with a waddling walk, earning him the nickname "Penguin." However, his exceptional power and strategic dependability were serious assets. By 1973, he had established himself as the key figure at third base, forming a crucial part of what became the most resilient infield in baseball history.
Once he took on the starting role, Cey quickly proved his ability to hit balls into the seats repeatedly, a rare skill for a Dodgers team known for pitching and small ball tactics. By 1974, he had established himself as a player with a high potential ceiling, earning his first of six straight All-Star appearances. From 1974 to 1980, he achieved an impressive streak of seven consecutive seasons with at least 20 home runs. He demonstrated a particular talent for performing in clutch moments, especially during the 1977 season when he hit a career-best 30 home runs and drove in 110 RBIs. Although he wasn't flashy like other superstars, his efficiency at the plate and durability, playing at least 150 games in five seasons, made him a core player for a team that reached the World Series three times in five years.
Despite the strike-shortened schedule, Cey remained a professional mainstay, and in the 1981 Fall Classic against the Yankees, he provided the specialized spark needed to secure the title. He batted .350 in the series, earning World Series co-MVP honors and finally securing the ring that had eluded that core for a decade.
Before the 1993 season, the Dodgers traded Cey to the Chicago Cubs in a move designed to get younger and clear a path for Pedro Guerrero’s transition to the infield. With Los Angeles, Cey compiled 1,378 hits, 228 home runs, and a 1981 World Series MVP.
Comments powered by CComment