Johnny Podres

Johnny Podres is immortalized in Dodgers history for delivering the performance that finally broke Brooklyn’s long World Series drought. In 1955, at just 23 years old, Podres pitched a complete game shutout against the mighty New York Yankees in Game 7 of the Fall Classic, clinching the franchise’s first and only World Series title in Brooklyn. For his heroics, he was named the inaugural World Series Most Valuable Player. A left-handed pitcher with remarkable poise, Podres went on to post a solid 148,116 career record and win three more titles after the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles.

Later in his career and into retirement, Podres became a respected pitching coach, helping develop future greats across multiple organizations. During his career, Johnny Podres’ calm under pressure and ability to deliver when it mattered most made him a symbol of quiet excellence. His contributions helped legitimize the Dodgers as not just a team of stars, but a team of equals.