For a record 12th time in World Series history, the Dodgers and Yankees will battle it out for MLB supremacy. From Jackie Robinson’s daring steal of home in 1955 to Reggie Jackson’s 3-homer game in 1977, these matchups have given the sport a lifetime of October memories.
With superstars Aaron Judge,Mookie Betts, Giancarlo and Jazz Chisholm preparing to add their resumes to this legacy, we take a look back at the last time these teams met in the Fall Classic. To say the circumstances were different back in 1981 would be a huge understatement.
Player’s Strike Affected 1981 MLB Season
The players’ strike, which ran from June 12 to August 8, caused the season to be split into two halves. The first-place teams from each half in each division (or a wild card team if the same club won both halves, although this did not occur in any division), met in the best-of-five Division Series.
This division series was a one-time occasion. They did not implement the Division Series permanently until 1994. The four survivors would then move on to the two best-of-five League Championship Series.
The expanded playoffs led to Game 1 of the World Series being pushed back to October 20, the latest starting date for a Fall Classic up to that time. In the National League, the Dodgers led the NL West prior to the strike.
The Houston Astros, however, won the second-half division title. The Dodgers then defeated the Astros, three games to two, in the NLDS before beating the Montreal Expos, three games to two, in the NLCS.
In the AL, the Yankees, who led the East in the season’s first half, took on the Milwaukee Brewers, winners of the second half division title, in the ALDS. New York was victorious three games to two, then swept the Oakland A’s (with ex-New York skipper Billy Martin) in the ALCS.
Yankees vs. Dodgers Was A Regular Thing In 70s and Early 80s
When New York and Los Angeles got ready to battle, it was the third time in five seasons that the blue blood franchise were meeting in the Fall Classic. The Bronx Bombers had prevailed in the previous two meetings (1977 and 1978), both in six games.
The 1978 clash was the capper to one of New York’s most tumultuous seasons in Yankee history. The team overcame a 14-game deficit to their rivals in Boston and forced a one-game playoff for the division crown.
Behind homers by Reggie Jackson and Bucky “Bleeping” Dent, New York won 5-4 to advance to their third straight ALCS with the Kansas City Royals. The Yankees prevailed in four games setting up the rematch with the Dodgers.
Keeping with the comeback theme, New York would lose Games 1 and 2 in L.A. However, the Yankees would win four straight to take the series and win their 22nd World Series Championship completing “the greatest comeback ever” so said owner George Steinbrenner.
Blackest Yankees Team Ever?
By the time these two teams got together again in 1981, there were still a few players left over from the previous matchup. However, the makeup of each roster had gone through some tweaking. Especially the Yankees.
Dave Winfield holds jersey during press conference with Willie Randolph (L) and Reggie Jackson (R) when he joined the Yankees in 1981. (Photo by Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
While Jackson and All-Star second baseman Willie Randolph were still major contributors, several other MLBbros helped lead the Bronx Bombers to another playoff run. Veterans like 1B/DH Bob Watson, infielder Larry Milbourne, and outfielder Jerry Mumphrey were stalwarts during the regular season and postseason.
Two other contributors – pitcher Rudy May and outfielder Oscar Gamble – were back in pinstripes for the second time as well. However, the biggest change had come during the off-season when they signed former Padres All-Star outfielder Dave Winfield.
The team added Winfield’s huge contract ($21 million over 10 years) to an already strong lineup. The future Hall of Famer led the team with 68 RBIs during the strike-shortened season, but he would have his struggles in the Fall Classic.
Despite having Jackson out of the lineup (hamstring), New York would win Games 1 and 2 in the Bronx. After the Dodgers took Game 3 behind Fernando Valenzuela (RIP), Jackson returned in Game 4.
He went 3-for-3 including his 10th and final homer in World Series play, but it wasn’t enough as L.A. tied the series at 2-2 with an 8-7 win. The Dodgers also prevailed in Game 5 (2-1) to send the series back to New York up 3-2.
Randolph opened the scoring in Game 6 with a solo homer in the third inning. However, after the Dodgers tied it an inning later, they added three runs in the fifth and four more in the sixth to put the game out of reach.
A throwing error by Winfield in the sixth led to the L.A. uprising. His throw typified his struggles in this, his first World Series. At the plate, he went 1-for-22 with one RBI. The Dodgers exacted revenge from 1978 by winning their first crown since 1965 and their first against New York since 1963.
LA Dodgers’ MLBbros On 1981 World Series Team
L.A. had their share of MLBbros on the 1981 roster as well. Longtime stalwarts like second baseman Davey Lopes as well as outfielders Dusty Baker and Reggie Smith. The roster also included utility players Ken Landreaux and Derrel Thomas as well as a young fireballer in the bullpen by the name of Dave Stewart.
After combining for ten division titles and eight World Series appearances between 1974 and 1981, the 1981 World Series marked the end of an era for both teams as they soon were without key contributors.
Reggie Jackson would leave the Bronx and sign with the then California Angels and help lead them to a Western Division crown. Smith and Lopes left L.A. through trades and free agency as well.
It’s been 44 long years since these two flagship MLB franchises met for all the marbles. They’ll meet again in the Fall Classic starting Friday night in Los Angeles.
Sometimes the obvious isn’t evident, but one thing that’s certain is switch-hitting phenom JC Gamble is a unique baseball player and one of the most talented athletes at his age in the country.
Gamble’s talents at shortstop and second base were on full display against some of the best high school baseball players and future MLB draft picks, during the MLB Breakthrough Series, held this past summer at Dodgertown in Vero Beach Florida
Established in 2008 by both the MLB and USA Baseball, the Breakthrough Series is a pipeline for Black players to showcase their talents to collegiate coaches and MLB scouts and help diversify the game. Gamble has been a top performer in this program since the age of 12.
According to USA Baseball, the program helps develop players on and off the field through seminars, mentorship, gameplay, scout evaluations, video coverage and the highest level of instruction.Another key thing about this series is that all costs are covered by USA Baseball. With baseball becoming more of a pay-to-play sport, this program tries to help change that narrative.
“For those young players to get that type of instruction, to have the ability to ask questions…it just gives them a leg up on the competition and that’s what we’re trying to do: give these kids the opportunity to succeed and be the best player they can be…and be the best person they can be,” said Tony Reagins, MLB’s Chief Baseball Development Officer, about the series back in 2022.
MLB Breakthrough Series
JC Gamble was one of over 50 players (2024-25 graduates) invited to showcase his elite talent and learn from former MLB players during the four-day program from June 8-11, hosting the best Black baseball talent throughout the country, as MLB continues to dedicate resources to locating and developing future MLBbros.
In addition to the future stars of tomorrow, the second-generation ball players in attendance ran deep. From Jayden Fielder, son of MLBbro legend Prince Fielder and grandson of slugger Cecil Fielder, to Adrian Beltre Jr., the son of future Hall of Fame third baseman Adrian Beltre, to Noah Sheffield, son of MLBbro Gary Sheffield. Jayden Stroman, the brother of Chicago Cubs ace Marcus has also attended the program as well as most of the African-American players drafted in the first round of the MLB Draft over the past five years.
Gamble, a 5-foot-8, 166-pound gifted baller with plus speed (6.7 60-yard dash) and quick hands (94 exit velocity according to his Best of the US Showcase numbers in August) has been doing exceptional things on the baseball field since the age of 5, a few years after his Dad introduced him to the game and started cultivating him for his journey.
It’s his versatility that immediately stands out, with his million-dollar smile being a nice added sweetener to his package.
Gamble can play any of the eight non-pitching positions on the field. He’s also a legit switch-hitter. There are many players who claim to be switch-hitters, but Gamble actually stays true to his ability to attack pitchers from both sides of the plate with equal success. Those tools combined with a mature eye makes him a player who is on base with regularity, one way or another.
Gamble, a former student at Bo Porter Baseball Academy in Rosharon, Texas and ranked as a Top 10 Future MLB Prospect at the program while there, has played all over the country and even spent a few weeks in the Dominican Republic at age 13, exploring the country’s baseball culture, while being chaperoned by Power 5 college coaches.
Porter, a former MLB manager for the Houston Astros, former front office exec and current MLB Network analyst, has worn many hats in his career and is a respected evaluator of talent. In addition to a scholarship to his academy in 2022, Porter has offered guidance to Gamble throughout his journey.
“As Director of Player Development for the MLBPA, I evaluated J.C. to be a notch above his counterparts. I could see that there was something compelling about this student-athlete something that went beyond his baseball skills. He was “coachable,” but more importantly, he was “teachable.” In fact, as I worked with J.C. that week, I became more intrigued once I discovered that he was an honor roll student as well. J. C. is a great example of a kid who listened, learned and applied lesson. J.C. and I have developed a mentor to mentee relationship, and I believe he’s one of the most amiable young men I know. I would describe him as a leader who is respectful, inclusive, open to learning, grateful for opportunities, and transparent in his lifestyle. I would fully endorse and support any college, university or organization that add a student-athlete the caliber of J.C. Gamble to their program because I know the value he will bring to that college, university or organization.”
His Dad says it was important to get JC that experience to see how his game measures against kids from other parts of the world, also as an important phase in JC’s maturation process. While some people label baseball boring, particularly in urban pockets of the country, when Gamble is on the field, “Mr. Electricity” would be a better description.
Gamble is currently ranked in the Top 10 players at his position in New York State and Top 500 in the country (and rising) according to Perfect Game.
There are other players who are ranked higher and come with more hype, but watching this kid make a diving play at shortstop or an over the shoulder catch and then throw to double up an unsuspecting runner, it’s clear if he continues to develop, he has a chance to play the sport at the highest level.
Great Baseball Mind: The Future Is Bright
A career as a front office executive position is also very attainable for Gamble once he decides to hang up his cleats, as he’s been an astute student of the game since his days in kindergarten, where he would often discuss statistics and baseball history with his Dad JR, who has covered the MLB as a reporter since 1996.
JC has a clutch gene and profound grasp of the game’s nuances that is evident.
Part of being an elite athlete and successful person in life is being able to adjust to challenging circumstances. JC has proved that. A stress reaction injury slowed his progress just as he prepared for his first Spring season at Bo Porter Academy and he was forced to return home for physical therapy, while missing his junior Spring season at school.
While at the academy, Gamble played the middle infield with precision, intelligence and a rare athleticism. His ability to track balls in the hole is probably on par with any infielder in the country, as is his quickness to the ball.
Resilience In The Face Of Challenges
Upon returning to New York City, JC found out that the school board would not respect his reclass to 2025. Gamble says their reasoning is that he’s too academically advanced with his credits and under NY rules, your clock is ticking once you enter high school, so while his age isn’t a problem, he has too many credits to be acknowledged as a junior.
So, whereas Gamble should be enjoying his junior season and preparing for senior recruitment, he was forced to jump to his senior year after missing his Spring junior season nursing his first injury, which definitely threw a wrench in things. That’s after dealing with the stress of a COVID pandemic that confined him to remote learning and a quarantine that severely limited his baseball activities as a freshman. In addition to having to take the SAT a year earlier than expected, Gamble’s recruiting process just got cut in half as well.
Groomed For Success
The 2024 graduate is just entering his senior season in high school and according to several scouts, including Brewers scout Chip Lawrence, his journey to the Big Leagues “may take a bit longer” because he doesn’t possess an imposing physical frame, as he’s still developing at 17, but his baseball IQ, natural athleticism, speed, gap-to-gap power, bat skills and defensive ability is quite a package.
Gamble has been a product of MLB’s development program since the age of 12, attending the exclusive, invite-only Hank Aaron Invitational four times, and with the help of coaches of have done it on the Major League level, he’s improved and matured every season.
JC Gamble at Hank Aaron Invitational after winning Gold Glove at age 12 in Vero Beach, Florida. (Photo: Candice Shaw)
Del Matthews, MLB Vice President of Baseball Development, has known JC since middle school and speaks glowingly of him in this passage from a recommendation letter that Matthews wrote.
“JC is an intelligent, thoughtful, principled and determined young man. I have observed him grow not only in stature, but also more importantly in character and as a leader. JC does not hesitate to express his opinion amongst his peers and will stand up for what he believes is the right thing to do.
While JC loves to participate in multiple sports, I have had the pleasure to evaluate his skills on the baseball field. He is quite the student of the game demonstrating an infectious love and passion on the field and through detailed conversations with coaches and staff. JC possess a high level of energy that is contagious and engaging to teammates. He loves to hustle and takes a great deal of pride in his approach at various positions he’s capable of playing. He’s developed the ability to switch hit and as he continues to gain strength, will no doubt make an outstanding collegiate student-athlete.”
So it’s clear that Gamble has attributes that translate to being a general on the field. What your teammates say about you is also very important when assessing a player’s potential impact.
“JC has always been one of the best players and the funniest players in the dugout,” said Gamble’s former high school and travel ball teammate Jayden Blalack, a highly-touted recruit out of Texas. “He’s always smiling regardless of the score, but most of all he’s calm, kind and always encouraging his teammates.”
Gamble clearly stood out at the 2023 Breakthrough Series, as he’s begun drawing interest from D-1 colleges and MLB scouts. He’s still uncommitted, which is actually a blessing for schools still looking to add potential starters to their recruiting class.
In addition to his baseball prowess, he’s very tough and dynamic on the football field with elite “to ball” skills having scored 11 TD and recording five interceptions in 2021 for Newfield High School in Selden, Long Island, to go with being an honor student holding a 3.7 GPA.
If you haven’t seen JC Gamble in action, make it your business to check out this rising star and find out why his name is buzzing in renown baseball circles and why his unique style of play and combination of speed, swag, defensive wizardry and bro bombing has put him on the map.
Gamble has been described as “a combination of Rickey Henderson, Jimmy Rollins and Ozzie Smith.”
With a flair for the dramatic, the most exciting thing about this rising prospect is that he’s probably only 70-75 percent of what he will be once he graduates high school and receives the constant professional training and the “hype” that other select players from the south and west and abroad are receiving daily.
Baseball can be a very cookie cutter sport with very rigid ways of approaching the game. It’s always a joy watching the even-keeled Gamble do his thing because you never know what you will get from him in terms of electric plays – and from watching him, it’s clear his future is bright and that he’s only touched the tip of the iceberg.
JC Gamble is an example of the kind of hidden gems that MLB has devoted their resources to finding via its diversity programs. He’s a poster child for everything baseball is and should be. He represents the underdogs with elite talent who have earned all of their praise and accolades by putting in work and taking no days off.
He’s still seriously slept on by many in the baseball community and is eager to show what he can do as he moves up the ladder and competes with the best of the best.
JC Gamble (L) and MLB legend Ken Griffey Jr (R) at Hank Aaron Invitational in 2021. (Photo: MLB Develops)
The college that ends up signing this kid probably has a player with All-American potential in the fold. No cap. At the very least, they have a talented and passionate “baseball player” and scholar in their program.
Nick Hamilton talks to LA Dodgers star MLBbroMookie Betts about everything, from his mission to bring more Black players, fans and youngsters into the culture of baseball to pioneering a revival of soul in the game, while giving “everybody an opportunity to be successful” in anything they do.
When we speak of the many underrated and forgotten MLBbros whose talents have graced the diamond and contributed to making MLB the worldwide attraction it is today, San Diego Padres legend Nate Colbert, who passed away at the age of 76, is one of those under celebrated success stories that contributed to baseball shedding its dubious reputation as a racially exclusive sport.
Who Is MLBbro Nate Colbert?
Colbert was a first baseman and leftfielder who made three All-Star teams in a career that spanned a decade (1966-1976). The 6-foot-2, 205-pound wood-wielder with a smile that could light up San Diego Stadium, enjoyed most of his success with the Padres. From 1969-73 he was one of the most feared power hitters in the game before succumbing to injuries and retiring in 1976, playing in just 99 games the last two seasons of his career.
The team shared a picture of Colbert on Thursday night, saying “The Padres are deeply saddened by the passing of Padres Hall of Famer Nate Colbert.”
The Padres are deeply saddened by the passing of Padres Hall of Famer Nate Colbert. pic.twitter.com/MSjyS6gofz
Colbert broke into the big leagues in 1966 with the Houston Astros, returned to the Astros in 1968, then was drafted by San Diego in the expansion draft.
Colbert’s breakout season came in 1969, when he smashed 24 homers for the expansion franchise. He took off from there, blasting 38 homers in 1970, 27 in 1971, another 38 bro bombs in 1972 and then 22 more in 1973. The MLBbro slugger made three consecutive All-Star games in a golden era for Black baseball players that lasted into the 80s.
Nate Colbert Hits 5 Home Runs In Double Header
Colbert’s signature MLB moment is when he hit five home runs during a 1972 doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, a feat that he shares with the great Stan Musial and hasn’t been accomplished since. He finished this season with his only 100-RBI campaign (111) and finished 8th in the MVP voting.
Stan Musial and Nate Colbert are the only two players in Major League Baseball history to hit five home runs on one day, both accomplishing the feat during a doubleheader.
Colbert, who grew up in St. Louis, was in attendance for Musial's five-homer day pic.twitter.com/RdYAzqgjjl
Colbert was traded from the Padres to the Detroit Tigers following the 1974 season and he later played for the Montreal Expos and Oakland Athletics.
While Colbert’s name might not ring bells throughout MLB, his s 163 home runs with San Diego remains a franchise record, something that team chairman Peter Seidler mentioned in his tribute to Colbert, which the team posted to Twitter.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Padres Hall of Famer Nate Colbert. Our hearts go out to his wife Kasey, and the entire Colbert Family at this very difficult time. An original member of the Padres in 1969, Nate was a trailblazer in the San Diego sports community. He was a three-time National League All-Star in brown and gold and became the Padres all-time home run king (163), a record that still stands today. Nate was devoted to his community off the field as well, dedicating his time to disadvantaged youth through his ministry. He was a magnetic person who will be dearly missed.”
MLB Family Remembers Padres Legend Nate Colbert
Others throughout the baseball universe have paid tribute to Colbert, as well.
Nate Colbert last played for the Padres in 1974 and died as the club’s all-time HR leader. What a legend.
Night Owl Cards also paid tribute, tweeting a pair of his cards and saying, “Farewell, Nate Colbert, one of the greatest smiles on baseball cards. #RIP,”
“RIP Nate Colbert. San Diego Padres LEGEND,” Devine Sports Gospel tweeted.
Baseball fans remember great baseball moments. There are some players who for one reason or another — injury, unfavorable historical reference, underrated careers, association with bad teams — don’t get the shine that they deserve. For a five-year span, MLBbro Nate Colbert did enough to warrant himself the distinction of being a San Diego Padres legend. These are the players and the legacies that we preserve here at MLBbro.com.
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