- Published in Top 50 Los Angeles Dodgers
28. Dolph Camilli
Dolph Camilli began his Major League career with the Chicago Cubs, but it was his second team, the Philadelphia Phillies, where he proved that he was an everyday player. The Dodgers took notice and traded for him, feeling that he had another level in him. They were right.
Becoming a Dodger in 1938, Camilli led the NL in Walks that year and did so again in 1939, his first All-Star Game season. Camilli continued to smack Home Runs, belting at least 23 in his first two years in Brooklyn, with the latter two years seeing the First Baseman finish 12th in MVP voting, but the best was still ahead of him.
Camilli won the 1941 MVP when he led the NL in Home Runs (34) and RBIs (120) while going to his second All-Star Game. He had another good season in 1942, but the Dodgers saw that he was aging out, and he was traded to the New York Giants during the 1943 Season. Camilli refused to report to the Giants and would only play one more half-season in the Majors with the Red Sox in 1945.
With the Dodgers, Camilli batted .270 with 139 Home Runs and 809 Hits.