Johnny Podres
Had Johnny Podres won just one game for the Dodgers, he would have been a Brooklyn hero. That one game was Game Seven of the 1955 World Series, when he blanked the Yankees and gave the Dodgers their first World Championship. The 22-year old became an instant sensation in Flatbush, and after the team moved to Los Angeles, he continued to win, earning as many as 14 victories in five straight seasons. But despite the lefties 148 career wins, it was the triumph in Game Seven in '55 that earned Podres everlasting fame.
| Career Batting Stats |
| G |
AB |
H |
R |
HR |
RBI |
SB |
AVG |
SLG |
OBP |
OPS |
OPS+ |
| 462 |
762 |
145 |
61 |
2 |
50 |
1 |
.190 |
.226 |
.224 |
.449 |
63.8 |
|
Quotes From Johnny Podres
"I think dad was jumpier than I was. I remember when I got on the Dodgers roster, my father couldn't eat all day because he was so excited when he heard the news." — Johnny Podres on the excitement of Game Seven of the 1955 World Series
Best Season: 1961
He was 18-5 with just 51 walks in more than 180 innings pitched. In 1957 he was masterful - posting a 2.66 ERA with six shutouts in the Dodgers final season in Brooklyn. But he garnered only 12 wins that season.
Factoids
Growing up in upstate New York, Johnny Podres was a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, and his father, a miner, encouraged Johnny to play ball as much as possible.
On September 30, 1955, Johnny Podres defeated the Yankees in Game Three of the World Series on his birthday.
Where He Played
Starting pitcher
Born
John Joseph Podres was born on September 30, 1932, in Witherbee, NY.
Died
January 13, 2008, Glen Falls, NY
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Major League Debut
4 17,
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1953
Al Kaline
Ernie Banks
Junior Gilliam
Roy Face
Don Larsen
Johnny Podres
Bob Buhl
Bobo Holloman
Bill Bruton
Similar Players
Bruce Hurst
Related Players
Sandy Alomar, Don Zimmer (one of his best friends), Don Newcombe, Karl Spooner, Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Roy Campanella
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1975 |
BBWAA |
3 |
.8% |
1976 |
BBWAA |
2 |
.5% |
1977 |
BBWAA |
3 |
.8% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1953 World Series
1955 World Series
1959 World Series
1963 World Series
The Pitches He Threw
Podres had a good fastball; in the minor leagues, Max Macon taught him the curveball; his changeup became one of his most effective pitches, and it gave the Yankees headaches in Game Seven.
Post-Season Notes
Podres was 4-1 with a 2.11 ERA in six World Series starts, all for the Dodgers. He won Game Two in both the 1959 and 1963 World Series, beating the Yanks again in the latter season.
Awards and Honors
1955 ML WS MVP
Notes
Was signed by Brooklyn scout Alex Isabelle for $6,000 and a new glove.
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
In June of 1954, Podres had his appendix removed.
All-Star Selections
1958 NL
1960 NL
1962 NL
Best Strength as a Player
Control
Largest Weakness as a Player
His size, which is why the Philadelphia Phillies didn't sign him after a tryout at Shibe Park when he was in high school. But Podres overcame his small stature, later filled out, and enjoyed a long career.
Learn More about Johnny Podres
Search Amazon.com for Books about Johnny Podres ⇒
Search for Johnny Podres at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒