The 1989 Dodgers
- 1989 Record:
- 77-83, 4th place in N.L. Western Division
- Postseason:
- None
- Manager:
- Tommy Lasorda
- All-Stars:
- Tommy Lasorda, Mgr.; Orel Hershiser, P; Jay Howell, P; Willie Randolph, 2B; Mike Scioscia, C
- Home Attendance:
- 2,944,653
Season Recap:
While the Dodgers tried to continue the glow from the 1988 World Championship season in 1989, they were only able to post a 77-83 record and a fourth place finish, 14 games behind the division-winning San Francisco Giants. But, 1989 was memorable for Dodger Manager Tommy Lasorda who managed his 2,000 major league game on August 2 against the Giants, a 7-4 Dodger win. Right-hand pitcher Orel Hershiser, returning as MVP of the 1988 World Series, posted a 15-15 record and 2.31 ERA, while fellow right-hander Tim Belcher was 15-12 with a 2.82 ERA and a major league-leading 8 shutouts. Dodger legend Fernando Valenzuela bounced back from shoulder problems the previous season to pick up 10 victories. Overall, the Dodger pitching staff, which included closer Jay Howell’s 28 saves, had the majors’ lowest ERA at 2.95. Dodger batters recorded the second highest total of doubles in a season in Los Angeles history with 241, led by Jeff Hamilton’s 35 and Eddie Murray’s 29. Murray was the club leader in home runs (20) and RBI (88). The Dodgers played the two longest games in L.A. Dodger history, as on June 3, they lost to the Houston Astros 5-4 at the Astrodome in 22 innings in a game that lasted 7 hours, 14 minutes. That day, Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully worked the NBC-TV Game of the Week, a 10-inning game in St. Louis. He then flew to Houston arriving during the National Anthem and worked 22 innings. The following day, the Dodgers played a 13-inning game in Houston, losing 7-6. So, Scully worked 32 innings in one day in two cities–and 45 innings in two days! On August 23 at Montreal, the Dodgers tied the innings record of 22 once again and defeated the Expos, 1-0, on catcher Rick Dempsey’s home run. Dodger broadcaster Ross Porter announced all 22 innings solo on radio that night, a major league record for longevity. Dodger defense was solid, turning a National League-high 153 double plays. Due to assorted injuries to key starters, the Dodgers used 110 different lineups. They received assistance from the player development system, as pitcher Ramon Martinez won 6 games in 15 starts with 2 shutouts, while John Wetteland won 5 games with a 3.77 ERA.
Below are the Dodger Front Office department heads and personnel who worked for Peter O’Malley.
- Board of Directors
- Peter O’Malley, President; Harry M. Bardt; Roland Seidler Jr., Vice President, Treasurer; Terry O’Malley Seidler, Secretary
- President:
- Peter O’Malley
- Executive Vice President, Player Personnel:
- Fred Claire
- Vice President, Communications:
- Tommy Hawkins
- Vice President, Finance:
- Bob Graziano
- Vice President, Marketing:
- Merritt Willey
- Vice President, Treasurer:
- Roland Seidler, Jr.
- Assistant Secretary and General Counsel:
- Sam Fernandez
- Assistant to the President:
- Ike Ikuhara
- Controller and Assistant Treasurer:
- Ken Hasemann
- Director, Community Relations:
- Don Newcombe
- Community Relations:
- Roy Campanella
- Director, Data Processing:
- Mike Mularky
- Director, Human Resources and Administration:
- Irene Tanji
- Director, Marketing and Promotions:
- Barry Stockhamer
- Assistant Director, Marketing and Promotions:
- Paul Kalil
- Director, Minor League Operations:
- Charlie Blaney
- Director, Publications and Broadcasting Coordinator:
- Brent Shyer
- Director, Publicity:
- Mike Williams
- Assistant Director, Publicity:
- Jay Lucas
- Director, Scouting:
- Ben Wade
- Assistant Director, Scouting:
- Terry Reynolds
- Director, Stadium Operations:
- Bob Smith
- Director, Ticket Department and Stadium Club:
- Walter Nash
- Managing Director, Dodgertown:
- Craig Callan
- Traveling Secretary:
- Billy DeLury
- Team Doctors:
- Dr. Frank W. Jobe; Dr. Michael F. Mellman