What Is 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers season

Overview

The 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers season marked one of the most successful and memorable campaigns in franchise history. Under manager Dave Roberts, the team posted a remarkable 104–58 record, the best in the National League and a new franchise high for wins in a single season.

Despite their dominant regular season, the Dodgers ultimately fell in the World Series to the Houston Astros in seven games, a series later marred by revelations of a sign-stealing scandal by the Astros. The season was notable for its offensive firepower, resilient postseason performances, and breakout stars like Cody Bellinger.

• 104 wins set a new franchise record, surpassing the previous high of 102 wins achieved in 1962 and 1965, and led the Majors in 2017.
• The team’s home ballpark, Dodger Stadium, saw a record 304 home runs allowed to visiting teams, setting an MLB record due to favorable weather and park dimensions.
• Outfielder Chris Taylor had a breakout season, slashing .288/.354/.502 with 21 home runs and 19 stolen bases, becoming a key contributor in the lineup.
• Starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw posted a 18–4 record with a 2.31 ERA, earning his third Cy Young Award and solidifying his status as one of the game’s elite pitchers.
• The Dodgers won the National League West division by 21 games over the Arizona Diamondbacks, showcasing their dominance in the regular season.

Postseason Journey

The Dodgers’ 2017 postseason run was defined by dramatic comebacks, clutch hitting, and deep pitching performances, culminating in their first World Series appearance since 1988.

• NLDS vs. Arizona Diamondbacks: The Dodgers swept the Diamondbacks in three games, outscoring them 22–11, with strong performances from Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen.
• NLCS vs. Chicago Cubs: In a rematch of the 2016 NLCS, Los Angeles defeated the defending World Series champions in five games, highlighted by a 13–3 Game 4 blowout.
• Game 5 of the NLCS featured a 4 home run performance by the Dodgers, including a crucial two-run shot by Enrique Hernández off Jake Arrieta.
• World Series vs. Houston Astros: The series went the full seven games, with the Dodgers winning Games 3, 4, and 5 to take a 3–2 lead before losing the final two games.
• Game 7 ended in a 5–1 loss at Dodger Stadium, with the Astros capitalizing on early mistakes and strong relief pitching to clinch the title.
• The Dodgers became the first team in MLB history to win eight consecutive elimination games in a single postseason, surviving multiple do-or-die matchups.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2017 Dodgers to recent NL champions reveals their exceptional regular-season dominance and postseason resilience.

The 2017 Dodgers had the second-most wins among recent champions and led the league in home runs. Despite falling short, their performance laid the foundation for their eventual 2020 title.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season remains significant not only for its on-field achievements but also for its emotional and historical context. It marked the team’s return to the World Series after a 29-year drought and showcased a young, dynamic roster capable of competing at the highest level.

• The season elevated Dave Roberts as a strategic manager, particularly for his use of bullpen management and pinch-hitting tactics in high-leverage situations.
• Cody Bellinger emerged as a star, hitting 39 home runs and winning NL Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Dodger to do so since 1979.
• The team’s 104 wins demonstrated sustained excellence over a full season, a benchmark rarely achieved in modern baseball.
• Despite losing the World Series, the team’s resilience in winning eight straight elimination games became a celebrated part of franchise lore.
• The season was later overshadowed by the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, which cast doubt on the legitimacy of Houston’s title and intensified fan sentiment in Los Angeles.
• The 2017 campaign set the stage for future success, directly influencing the team’s 2020 World Series championship and continued contention into the 2020s.

Ultimately, the 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers season stands as a testament to sustained excellence, dramatic postseason theater, and the bittersweet nature of coming close to glory.