A rivalry dating back 50, maybe 60 years, is one that most fans would be interested in following. One that dates back to the late 19th century on the other hand….Irreplaceable. This is a story of two teams. Two teams that overcame constant adversity, world war I & II, and a racial barrier that tore a whole nation apart. Meeting head-to-head for a total of 2,158 times, and a 3000 mile relocation from a cold and gloomy east coast to the much sunnier and warmer west, this rivalry is definitely one that cracks all top 10 lists.
After competing in New York and Brooklyn for over 50 years, Giants’ and Dodgers’ owners decided to relocate the clubs in California in 1957. After financial woes, Walter O’Malley decided that he would take his Dodgers to beautiful southern California, Los Angeles to be precise. Giants owner Horace Stoneham however, was leaning towards a much colder venue in that of Minnesota. After receiving a phone call from O’Malley, Stoneham agreed to move his club to Cali as well, and continue the rivalry that fans had enjoyed so much. His final destination? San Francisco.
When these two franchises meet for battle, there is undeniably something special in the air. These two teams have seen each other from across the diamond more than any two other teams ever to play professional baseball, with the Giants slightly leading the all-time series 1,079 to 1,066. Even though the Giants lead in this department, the Dodgers enjoy a 6 to5 World Series Championship edge. Although engaging all these times, these two teams have never had the privilege of grueling it out in post season play.
Some fans take these this rivalry as a life or death situation. During a September 19th, 2003 scuffle in the Dodger Stadium parking lot, Giants fan Marc Antenorcruz was shot and killed by Dodgers’ loyalist Pete Marron. If these two teams were to meet in the playoffs, it’ shard to say what might happen.
This rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants is unquestionably one that holds rich and storied traditions. One that has seen the likes of 100 total Hall of Famers and counting. Players so special that 20 have their numbers retired by their clubs. This battle of California pride shows no signs of slowing down, and for all baseball fans alike, brace yourself for another 100 years of the Giants vs. the Dodgers.
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