The Brooklyn Dodgers history traces the origins and evolution of one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic teams. Established in the late 19th century, the franchise became famous for breaking barriers, winning championships, and developing legendary players. The legacy of Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball includes historic moments, influential stars, and a lasting impact on the growth of professional baseball in America.
Established
1889
City
Brooklyn – Los Angeles
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1889 – 1999 / National League
Team History
1958 – Present / Los Angeles Dodgers
1932 – 1957 / Brooklyn Dodgers
1914 – 1931 / Brooklyn Robins
1911 – 1912 / Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers
1899 – 1910, 1913 / Brooklyn Superbas
Nickname
Dodgers—The Brooklyn Dodgers are one of the most iconic teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). They have a long and storied past that dates back to 1884 when they were known as the Grays and later as the Bridegrooms. But it wasn’t until 1932 that they adopted their famous nickname: The Brooklyn Dodgers.
Brooklyn Dodgers Origin
So, how did this beloved team get its unique name? It all began with an incident involving a famous sports writer from New York City named Ernest J. Lanigan, who was covering a game between two rival teams, The Superbas and Robins, which both hailed from Brooklyn at the time. During his coverage of this particular game, he noticed something interesting about these two teams – their players seemed to dodge each other's hits! He jokingly referred to them as “dodgers” in his article, which caught on quickly among fans and eventually became part of baseball culture for years afterward.
From then on, any team hailing from Brooklyn was often referred to by locals or even nationally known journalists as “the Dodgers." Eventually, this nickname stuck with our beloved franchise we know today simply because many felt that no nickname could better represent such an iconic group than one derived directly from its home city—"Brooklyn Dodgers."
Championship
World Series 1
2025, 2024, 2020, 1988, 1981, 1965, 1963, 1959, 1955
Stadium
1962 – Present / Dodger Stadium
1958 – 1961 / Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
*Brooklyn*
1913 – 1957 / Ebbets Field
1898 – 1912 / Washington Park II
1899 – 1897 / Eastern Park
Owner
2012 – Present / Guggenheim Baseball Partners
2005 – 2012 / Frank McCourt
1998 – 2005 / News Corporation
1970 – 1997 / Peter O’Malley
1950 – 1970 / Walter O’Malley
1945 – 1950 / Branch Rickey, Walter O’Malley, Andrew J. Schmitz
1925 – 1945 / Stephen McKeever, Brooklyn Trust Company
1912 – 1925 / Charles Ebbets, Ed McKeever, Stephen McKeever
1907 – 1912 / Charles Ebbets, Henry Medicus
1905 – 1906 / Charles Ebbets, Ferdinand Abell, Henry Medicus, Ned Hanlon
1899 – 1904 / Charles Ebbets, Ferdinand Abell, Harry Von der Horst, Ned Hanlon
- 1895
- 1947
- 1955
-
Brooklyn Team Nickname
The team name, Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers, was coined in 1895. The nickname was still new enough in September 1895 that a newspaper could report that “‘Trolley Dodgers’ is the new name which eastern baseball cranks [fans] have given the Brooklyn club.” In 1895, Brooklyn played at Eastern Park, bounded by Eastern Parkway (now Pitkin Avenue), Powell Street, Sutter Avenue, Van ... -
Breaking the Color Barrier
For most of the first half of the 20th century, no Major League Baseball team employed a black player. A parallel system of Negro Leagues developed, but most of the Negro League players were denied a chance to prove their skill before a national audience. Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play Major League baseball in the 20th Century ... -
World Series Winner 1955
The 1955 World Series matched the Brooklyn Dodgers against the New York Yankees, with the Dodgers winning the Series in seven games to capture their first championship in franchise history. It would be the only Series the Dodgers won in Brooklyn the team relocated to Los Angeles after the 1957 season.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Brooklyn Dodgers History
The Brooklyn Dodgers history traces the evolution of one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic franchises. Originally founded in 1883 by real estate magnate Charles Ebbets as part of the American Association, the team joined the National League in 1886. Known for decades as a cornerstone of professional baseball, the Dodgers became a symbol of passion, innovation, and competitiveness in Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball, leaving a lasting legacy that fans still celebrate today.
Initially called the Brooklyn Robins, the team quickly established itself among MLB’s elite. Their first National League pennant came just four seasons after joining the league in 1890, followed by another championship in 1899 under manager Ned Hanlon. During this era, the team featured future Hall-of-Famers such as Joe Kelley and Wee Willie Keeler, who helped solidify the Dodgers’ reputation as a competitive powerhouse.
In 1916, Wilbert Robinson took over managerial duties, leading the team to success before being replaced by Casey Stengel in 1917. Stars like Zack Wheat, who hit .335, and Dazzy Vance, who won 28 games in a single season, emerged during this period. These achievements marked a golden era for Brooklyn fans, who flocked to Ebbets Field from 1913 to 1957. The sudden death of beloved owner Charles Ebbets in 1925 left a void but cemented his legacy, honored today through initiatives like “Ebbets Field Forever,” preserving the historic sites of Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball.
Dodgers Achievements
The Brooklyn Dodgers history's most famous era came in the 1950s, highlighted by breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 when Jackie Robinson debuted with the team. This historic achievement not only transformed the sport but also left an enduring impact on American society. During their time at Ebbets Field, the Dodgers won seven National League pennants and captured their first World Series in 1955, a moment celebrated as one of the franchise’s crowning achievements.
After relocating to Los Angeles in 1958 and becoming the Los Angeles Dodgers, the legacy of Brooklyn Dodgers history remained strong among fans. Memories of Ebbets Field, legendary players, and historic games still resonate, preserving the spirit of “Dem Bums” for generations. The team’s contributions to MLB, including multiple pennants, World Series titles, and breaking barriers, define the lasting importance of Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball.
Today, the Brooklyn Dodgers history continues to inspire fans worldwide. From the early days of championships and iconic players to Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking debut, the Dodgers’ achievements and legacy endure. The franchise’s impact on baseball, culture, and community ensures that the Brooklyn era will always be remembered as a defining chapter in Major League Baseball history.
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The Rise and Fall of the Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball Team
This video chronicles the rise and fall of the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team. It highlights their significance beyond sports, including their role in breaking racial barriers with players like Jackie Robinson. The video discusses the emotional impact of the team's relocation to Los Angeles in 1957, leaving Brooklyn fans devastated. Despite their departure, the legacy of the Dodgers endures, symbolizing the power of sports to unite communities and inspire change.
Retired Number
1 / Pee Wee Reese
2 / Tommy Lasorda
4 / Duke Snider
19 / Jim Gilliam
20 / Don Sutton
24 / Walter Alston
32 / Sandy Koufax
39 / Roy Campanella
42 / Jackie Robinson
53 / Don Drysdale
*Blue is this team’s history
