The 1968 Los Angeles Dodgers draft class is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Major League Baseball history, and for good reason. It was a transformative moment for the team, setting the stage for a dynasty that would dominate the sport for over a decade. But what makes this draft class truly remarkable is not just the talent it produced, but the story behind it. It's a tale of vision, hard work, and an unwavering belief in the potential of raw talent, told through the eyes of a man who was there from the beginning: Tommy Lasorda.
Lasorda, the heart and soul of the Dodgers, was a scout from 1960 to 1965 and a Minor League manager from 1966 to 1972. He was a man of larger-than-life personality and an insatiable appetite for success. His influence on the team's drafting philosophy was profound, and his legacy is woven throughout the story of the '68 class.
The draft class itself was a who's who of future stars. It included Bill Buckner, Doyle Alexander, Tom Paciorek, Geoff Zahn, and Bobby Valentine, but perhaps the most significant members were Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, and Ron Cey. These three formed the core of the Dodgers' iconic 1973-81 infield, a group that would go on to win multiple pennants and a World Series title.
What makes this draft class truly special is the impact it had on the team's success. The players combined for over 11,000 hits and 1,100 home runs, both of which are draft records. Six of them were All-Stars, and nine played in 10 or more seasons in the majors. Their collective WAR (wins above replacement) was 234, which is significantly higher than any other draft class in history.
But the story of the '68 class goes beyond the statistics. It's a tale of the people behind the numbers, the scouts who scoured the nation for raw talent, and the front office that believed in their vision. The '68 class was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it's a testament to the power of a well-executed draft.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the story is the role of Tommy Lasorda. He was a key figure in the drafting process, and his influence on the team's philosophy was profound. His ability to identify raw talent and develop it into a star was a skill that set him apart, and it's a skill that has been passed down through generations of Dodgers scouts and managers.
The '68 class also had a significant impact on the Minor League system. The Spokane Indians, a Triple-A Pacific Coast League squad managed by Lasorda, were a remarkable collection of '68 draft class talent. They went on to win the championship series, and many of the players went on to have successful careers in the majors. It's a testament to the power of the Minor League system and the importance of developing raw talent.
In conclusion, the 1968 Los Angeles Dodgers draft class is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Major League Baseball history, and for good reason. It was a transformative moment for the team, setting the stage for a dynasty that would dominate the sport for over a decade. But the story of the '68 class goes beyond the statistics. It's a tale of vision, hard work, and an unwavering belief in the potential of raw talent, told through the eyes of a man who was there from the beginning: Tommy Lasorda. It's a story that continues to inspire and captivate fans of the game, and it's a legacy that will live on for generations to come.
