The 97 season was disappointing. The Dodgers failed to make the playoffs after finishing two games behind the San Francisco Giants. The Blue Crew finished with an 88-74 record. Here are the news, notes, and other articles I compiled during the 1997 season.

Dodgers Midseason Report Card - my opinion of the season at the All-Star break.


97 News and Notes

Season ends in disappointment Now that the Dodgers season is over, Dodger fans have only the offseason to look forward to. Thanks to the total collapse of the pitching staff (especially Todd Worrell), the Dodgers will be going home early this year. Hopefully something will be done to remedy the bullpen problem. Worrell's days seemed to be numbered in LA, along with skipper Bill Russell's. A lot of the blame has been set on his shoulders, and unfortunately, much of it is probably warrented. His decisionmaking concerning the bullpen and the use of players, especially the young ones, have been pointed out as reasons for the collapse. What is going to be done? Only time will tell... Piazza for MVP Although it is most likely that Larry Walker will win the MVP, Mike Piazza deserves serious consideration. Unfortunately, like Brett Butler said, "Larry Walker is a good player having a Hall of Fame year. Mike Piazza is a Hall of Fame player having a good year." Piazza established many new personal records, including highs in batting average (.362), homeruns (40), and RBIs (124). He also established a new standard for NL catchers with 201 hits. 30s Abound This season was one filled with thirties for the Dodgers. Mike Piazza, Eric Karros, Todd Zeile, and Raul Mondesi became the second Dodgers quartet to hit 30 homeruns in a season. Only the Dodgers (twice) and Colorado (three straight) have ever accomplished this feat in the NL. Raul Mondesi also became the first Dodger ever to join the 30-30 club. He finished the season with 30 homeruns and 32 stolen bases.

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Sorry, I accidently erased all previous news clips from the 97 season...

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