10 most disappointing Dodgers teams that came up short

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NEW YORK – OCTOBER 2ND, 1941. Catcher Mickey Owen of the Brooklyn Dodgers has just tagged out Joe Gordon of the New York Yankees, who was trying to score in the second inning of game two of the World Series in Yankees Stadium on October 2nd, 1941. (Photo by Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics, Getty Images) /

Dodgers disappointment No. 5: 1941 season

Record: 100-54

Playoff Result: Lost WS 4-1

The 1941 Dodgers saw a breakthrough for the team. The Dodgers reached the postseason for the first time since 1920, reaching the World Series against the Yankees. Both New York teams meeting marked the first “Subway Series” between Brooklyn and New York.

Both teams would win a game each in the first two games of the Series. Unfortunately, the Series was marked by Dodgers’ Mickey Owen’s dropped third strike from pitcher Hugh Casey. The play eventually led to a four-run Yankees rally in the top of the ninth, one win away from another championship.

So close to losing Game 4, the Yankees closed out the Series in the next game. Both the Dodgers and Yankees would meet seven times from 1941 to 1956. The Dodger’s only victory came in 1955.

This Dodgers team is regarded as “The Greatest Teams That Never Was” due to the talent in the lineup. Dolph Camilli, who hit 34 home runs and had 120 RBI, won the National League MVP. 22-year old rookie Pete Reiser led the league in batting average (.343), slugging percentage (.558), and runs scored (117). Other teammates included Hall of Famers Billy Herman, Joe Medwick, and outfielder Dixie Walker.

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