Posted By:
Ted ZanidakisOK guys....let's review Koufax's situation with Brooklyn. He was given a substantial contract to sign with the Dodgers
at the mere age of 19. And, due to a dumb clause in his contract, he had to stay with the Dodgers, instead of getting
the proper grooming and experience in the farm system. The kid didn't have a chance while he was in Brooklyn. They
pitched him infrequently during 1955-57. Picture yourselves as a teenager in the "Bigs", in the biggest stage in Major Lge
BB ? He was the new kid on the block and the Dodgers were doing alright with Newcombe, Erskine, Podres and Maglie.
When the Dodgers went west and added Don Drysdale to their staff, Koufax was beginning to live up to his potential,
as he started maturing. Also, my understanding is that Drysdale was an influencing factor on Koufax. And, of course
1961 was Koufax's "breakout" year. From 1961-67 his won-lost record was an amazing 129-47. And, let's not forget
his 4 consecutive years (1962-65) of no-hitters.
Yes, he did it all in the 1960's; but, given the proper farm experience, he could have done it in the 1950's....also.
TED Z