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Committee Chairman

Committee Chairman

Kirk Buchner, "The Committee Chairman", is the owner and operator of the site.  Kirk can be contacted at [email protected] .

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we maintain and update our existing Top 50 lists annually.  We are pleased to present our pre-2026 revision of our top 50 Los Angeles Dodgers.

As for all of our top 50 players in baseball, we look at the following: 

1.  Duration and Impact.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the Major League Baseball.

3.  Advanced Statistics.

4.  Playoff performance.

5. Their respective legacy on the team.

6. How successful the team was when he was there.

7. Respecting the era in which they played.

Criteria 1-4 will make up the lion’s share of the algorithm.  Please note that we have implemented this for the first time.  This has changed the rankings all throughout the board.

Last year, the Dodgers did exactly what many predicted.  They won the 2025 World Series in a thrilling seven-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.  Despite the Dodgers’ lengthy tenure, there were three new entrants and one significant rise.  There was actually a fourth new entrant, who rose due to the new algorithm.

As always, we present our top five, which saw no changes.

1. Clayton Kershaw
2. Sandy Koufax
3. Jackie Robinson
4. Don Drysdale
5. Duke Snider

You can find the entire list here.

Mookie Betts, who came off another good season, jumped to #21 from #31.

Freddie Freeman, who is a former MVP, joins the list at #39.

Debuting on the list is Shohei Ohtani, who may only have been a Dodger for two years, but won MVPs and World Series rings in both of them. He is ranked #47.

Also notable, Kevin Brown returns to the list due to the new algorithm.  He is ranked at #48.

The last new entrant is Max Muncy.  He debuts at #50.

Ramon Martinez, Matt Kemp, Babe Herman, and Andre Ethier fell off the Top 50.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

1995 PRELIMINARY RESULTS:

Thank you to all who participated in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are still determining what that is, we treated the PFHOF as having its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the first 49 years.

For “1995,” a Preliminary Vote with over 100 players whose playing career ended by 1989. We also follow the structure in which players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, voters will be asked to select 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, then choose five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process every week until we catch up to the current year.

Please note that a significant change occurred “years ago,” allowing voters to submit fewer than the allotted spots. 

30 Votes took place.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates they have been removed from future ballots

Player

Year of Eligibility

Vote Total

Steve Largent WR

1

25

Mike Haynes DB

1

20

L.C. Greenwood DE

9

19

Claude Humprhrey DE

9

19

Cliff Branch WR

5

19

Kenny Easley DB

3

19

Charlie Joiner WR

4

18

John Stallworth WR

3

18

Dave Robinson LB

16

17

Jackie Smith TE

12

17

Bob Griese QB

10

17

Bob Kuechenberg G-T-C

7

17

Tommy Nobis LB

14

16

Ray Guy P

4

16

Dick LeBeau DB

18

15

George Kunz T

10

15

Chris Hanburger LB

12

14

Jan Stenerud PK

5

14

Ken Stabler QB

6

13

Otis Taylor WR-FL

15

12

Ken Anderson QB

4

12

Lemar Parrish DB

8

11

Louis Wright DB

4

11

Gino Cappelletti FL-SE-DB-WR-PK

20

10

Ken Riley DB

7

10

Lester Hayes DB

4

10

Russ Francis TE

2

10

Billy “White Shoes” Johnson

2

10

Walt Sweeney G

15

9

Winston Hill T

13

9

Curley Culp DT-NT

9

9

Donnie Shell DB

3

9

Todd Christensen TE

1

9

Dick Schafrath T-G-DE

19

9

Jim Marshall DE

11

9

Ed “Too Tall” Jones DE

1

9

Drew Pearson WR

7

8

Joe Klecko DE

2

8

Harvey Martin DE

7

7

Fred Dean DE

5

7

Mark Gastineau DE

2

7

*Dave Grayson DB

20

6

Cliff Harris S

11

6

Bill Bergey LB

10

6

Chuck Foreman RB

10

6

Floyd Little RB

15

5

Houston Antwine DT

18

5

Isiah Robertson LB

8

5

Harold Carmichael WR

6

5

Harry Carson LB

2

5

Randy Cross G-C

2

5

Larry Grantham LB

18

4

Ed Budde G

14

4

Jerry Smith TE

13

4

Jack Tatum DB

10

4

Harold Jackson WR

7

4

Ed White G

5

4

Erich Barnes DB

19

3

Boyd Dowler FL-SE-LB

19

3

Rich Jackson DE

18

3

Daryle Lamonica QB

16

3

Larry Brown RB

14

3

Ernie McMillan T

14

3

Andy Russell LB

14

3

Dick Anderson DB

13

3

Jim Bakken PK

12

3

Mike Curtis LB-FB

12

3

Lydell Mitchell RB

10

3

Mike Wagner DB

10

3

Doug Wilkerson G

6

3

Lyle Alzado DE

5

3

Matt Blair LB

5

3

Dwight Clark WR

3

3

Nolan Cromwell DB

3

2

John Brodie QB

17

2

Mike Stratton LB

17

2

John Niland G

15

2

Gale Gillingham G-DT

14

2

Lee Roy Jordan LB

14

2

Coy Bacon DE

9

2

Lawrence McCutchen RB

9

2

Bert Jones QB

8

2

Jim Hart QB

6

2

Joe Theismann QB

5

2

Tom Jackson LB

4

2

Mark Moseley PK

4

2

Dave Butz DT

2

2

Wes Chandler WR

2

2

*Howard Mudd G

20

1

Butch Byrd DB

19

1

George Saimes DB

18

1

Jim Nance RB-FB

17

1

Pat Fischer CB

13

1

Roman Gabriel QB

13

1

Ralph Neely T

12

1

Ron McDole DE-DT

12

1

Jake Scott DB

12

1

George Atkinson DB

11

1

Rich Saul C

9

1

Mel Gray WR

8

1

Rick Upchurch WR/R

7

1

Phil Villapiano LB

7

1

Billy Sims RB

6

1

Jeff Van Note C

4

1

Brad Van Pelt LB

4

1

Doug Betters DE

3

1

Dennis Harrah G

3

1

Marvin Powell T

3

1

Rulon Jones DE

2

1

Neil Lomax QB

2

1

Doug Williams QB

1

1

Carroll Dale WR-E

17

0

Bob Jeter DB-WR

17

0

*Bill Stanfill DE

14

0

*Sam Cunningham QB

10

0

Riley Odoms TE

7

0

Gary Johnson DT

5

0

Steve Nelson LB

3

0

*Cris Collinsworth WR

2

0

*Joe Fields C

2

0

*Brian Holloway T-G

2

0

*Rod Martin LB

2

0

*R.C. Thielemann G

1

0

Dave Brown DB

1

0

Hanford Dixon DB

1

0

Jimmie Giles TB

1

0

Mark Haynes DB

1

0

Art Still DE

1

0

This is for the Senior Era

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates that they will be removed from the ballot permanently.

Player

Year

Votes

Pat Harder FB

17

9

Alan Ameche FB

10

9

Roger Brown DT

1

9

Greasy Neale COACH

6

8

Arch Ward CONTRIBUTOR

6

8

Art Powell E

2

8

Les Richter LB-C

8

7

Charles Bidwill OWNER

6

7

Bobby Boyd DB

2

7

Billy Wilson FL-E

10

6

George Preston Marshall OWNER

6

6

Tank Younger FB-LB-HB

12

5

Dan Reeves OWNER

6

5

Charlie Conerly QB

9

4

Cookie Gilchrist FB

3

4

*Paul Christman QB

20

3

*Spec Sanders TB

20

3

Ray Bray G

18

3

Rosey Grier DT-DE

4

3

Max McGee E

3

3

Jack Kemp QB

1

3

Les Bingaman DG-G-C

16

2

Harlon Hill E-DB

8

2

Jim Ray Smith G-T

6

2

Fuzzy Thurston G

3

2

Don Meredith QB

2

2

Bruno Banducci G

16

1

Leon Hart E-FB-DE

13

1

Earl Faison DE

4

1

Goose Gonsoulin DB

3

1

Abner Haynes HB

3

1

Clem Daniels HB-DB

2

1

Jim Katcavage DE

2

1

Babe Parilli QB

1

1

Bill Fischer T-G-DT

17

0

Bill Forester LB-MG-DT

7

0

*Bob Gain DT-DE-MG-T

6

0

*Bob Talamini G

2

0

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates that they will be removed from the ballot permanently.

Name

Year

Votes

SCOUT: Gil Brandt

4

16

SCOUT: Bill Nunn

2

15

OWNER: Ralph Wilson

4

14

EXEC: Jim Finks

6

10

OWNER: Wellington Mara

9

9

OWNER: Art Modell

10

6

OWNER: Bud Adams

14

6

TV COMMENTATOR: Howard Cosell

8

6

COACH: Bum Phillips

8

5

TV EXEC: Roone Arledge

9

4

OWNER: Clint Murchison

14

3

COACH: Bill Arnsbarger

10

3

EXEC: George Halas Jr.

16

2

COACH: Lindy Infante

6

2

COACH: John Robinson

1

2

COACH: Dick Modzelweski

4

1

*COACH: Bill Johnson

2

0

*COACH: Charlie Sumner

2

0

*COACH: Bob Schnelker

2

0

COACH: Jerry Burns

1

0

COACH: Chuck Studly

1

0

COACH: Joe Walton

1

0

Next week, we will announce the Semi-Finalists for the 1995 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project.

The opening months of the 2026 Major League Baseball season have once again demonstrated how quickly narratives can form across the league. Teams that start strong often shape early perceptions, while slow beginnings can shift expectations just as rapidly. 

For sports fans and analysts, these early patterns provide valuable insight into how the season might unfold. 

Betting markets respond in real time, adjusting to performance trends, roster dynamics, and statistical outputs. Understanding how these early developments influence odds offers a clearer view of the relationship between on-field performance and market movement during the evolving 2026 MLB campaign.

Why Early MLB Trends Matter for Betting Odds

Early-season MLB trends play a critical role in shaping how markets interpret team performance and future expectations. With a relatively small sample size, even subtle shifts in form can lead to noticeable adjustments in how teams are evaluated. 

Oddsmakers rely on a combination of historical data and current performance metrics to set initial lines, but early trends often drive the first meaningful recalibrations.

Pitching rotations, offensive efficiency, and defensive consistency all factor into how teams are perceived during the opening weeks. A club that demonstrates strong fundamentals early can quickly gain traction in the market, while inconsistency may lead to more cautious projections. This responsiveness is reflected directly in Baseball betting odds, which evolve as new data becomes available.

For fans, these early movements provide insight into which teams are establishing momentum and which are still searching for identity. As the 2026 season progresses, the foundation laid in these early stages continues to shape how teams are valued across multiple betting markets.

How Starting Pitching Trends Shape Early Betting Lines

Starting pitching remains one of the most influential factors in shaping early-season betting lines across Major League Baseball. In 2026, the performance of starting rotations has directly impacted how games are priced, particularly as teams settle into consistent pitching schedules. Strong outings from top starters can quickly elevate a team’s perceived reliability.

ERA trends, strikeout rates, and innings pitched are among the key indicators analysts closely monitor. When a team’s rotation demonstrates consistency, oddsmakers often adjust lines to reflect a higher level of confidence in that team’s ability to control games. Conversely, instability within a rotation can lead to more unpredictable odds.

MLB narratives point out that depth also plays a significant role. Teams with multiple effective starters are better positioned to maintain performance over extended stretches, which is reflected in more stable pricing. As early-season data accumulates, starting pitching continues to shape how matchups are evaluated and how odds evolve across the league.

Offensive Trends Driving Run Total and Moneyline Markets

Offensive production in the early stages of the 2026 MLB season has been a major driver of both run total and moneyline markets. Teams that demonstrate consistent scoring ability tend to influence expectations around game outcomes, particularly in matchups where pitching performance is evenly matched. Metrics such as home run rates and on-base percentages are central to this analysis.

Lineup depth is another key factor. Teams with balanced batting orders are better able to sustain offensive pressure throughout a game, which can lead to higher projected run totals. When multiple players contribute consistently, it becomes more difficult for opposing pitchers to navigate the lineup effectively.

Early trends also highlight how teams approach different game situations, including situational hitting and late-inning execution. These elements contribute to how markets assess scoring potential and overall competitiveness. As the season develops, offensive consistency remains a central component in shaping both team valuation and game-specific expectations.

How Divisional Trends Are Shifting Pennant Race Odds

Divisional performance early in the 2026 MLB season has begun to influence how pennant race odds are structured. Strong starts within competitive divisions can create separation quickly, prompting adjustments to how teams are viewed within the broader league context. This is particularly evident in divisions where multiple teams are performing at a high level.

When a division produces several winning teams, the internal competition often elevates the perceived strength of those clubs. This can lead to increased attention in pennant race discussions, as consistent performance against strong divisional opponents is seen as a positive indicator. On the other hand, divisions with uneven performance may result in clearer frontrunners.

These early trends shape expectations for postseason positioning, influencing how teams are evaluated beyond individual game results. As divisional standings begin to stabilize, the impact on pennant race odds becomes more pronounced, reflecting both current performance and projected sustainability throughout the season.

Using Early MLB Trends to Guide Your Betting Approach

Interpreting early-season MLB trends requires a balanced understanding of both performance data and context. In 2026, the ability to identify meaningful patterns, such as consistent pitching strength or sustained offensive output, can provide valuable insight into how teams are evolving. These trends help shape expectations across moneyline, run total, and futures markets.

Observing how teams respond to different opponents and game situations offers an additional perspective. For example, performance against strong pitching or in high-leverage scenarios can indicate a team’s adaptability. These insights contribute to a more comprehensive view of how teams may perform over time.

It’s also important to consider how quickly trends are reflected in market adjustments. Early movements often result in immediate reactions, but longer-term patterns tend to provide a clearer picture of team identity. By focusing on sustained performance rather than isolated results, fans can better understand how early-season developments influence broader market behavior.

What Early Trends Reveal About the 2026 MLB Season

As the 2026 MLB season continues to unfold, early trends remain a powerful indicator of how teams are likely to be perceived moving forward. 

From pitching consistency to offensive production and divisional competitiveness, these factors collectively shape expectations across the league. Betting markets respond dynamically, reflecting both immediate performance and projected outcomes.

For sports fans, this evolving landscape offers a deeper understanding of how the season is taking shape. By examining the relationship between early results and market adjustments, it becomes easier to appreciate the factors that influence team valuation throughout the year.

Max Muncy made his way to Los Angeles in 2018 as a minor league signing. His career looked like it might be over after he was released by the Oakland Athletics. But with a clever mechanical adjustment, he transformed into one of the most inspiring success stories in the history of the 213.

Muncy had an incredible debut year, hitting 35 home runs even though he started in Triple-A. He really showed his mastery of the strike zone and finished the season with an impressive .973 OPS. His place in Dodger history was cemented during the 2018 World Series when he became a local hero by hitting a walk-off home run in the 18th inning of Game 3, the longest game in Fall Classic history.

Between 2019 and 2024, he achieved four seasons with at least 35 home runs and was selected as an All-Star twice (2019, 2021), demonstrating that his power was genuine. He played a key role in the 2020 World Series championship, providing a steady presence during the team's run through the bubble. Although he sometimes faced moments of frustration with a lower batting average, his ability to draw walks and his versatility in playing first, second, and third base with professionalism made him a truly valuable asset to the organization.  He again helped the Dodgers win another World Series Championship in 2025, and broke the 200 home run plateau in the season.

Can Muncy help them win another in 2026?