-- by Josh Suchon
A new chapter in the Dodgers-Giants rivalry starts Monday night at Dodger Stadium when the teams play for the first time in 2012. The
transfer of power from thrifty Frank McCourt to the deep-pocketed Guggenheim
Baseball ownership group ensures a new chapter in this historic rivalry.
Which chapter is it?
In my opinion, it’s the 11th chapter since the teams moved from
New York to California. I’ll provide my unique perspective as somebody who covered
the Giants for The Oakland Tribune from
2000-2003, then was the reporter for the Dodgers Radio Network and co-host of
Post Game Dodger Talk from 2008-2011.
Since I’m only 38 years old, I won’t try to fake the early
chapters with long poetic essays. After all, I wasn’t alive. But the more
recent chapters, when I enjoyed a front-row seat, will get longer treatments.
We’ll start today with Chapters 1-4, then continue the next few days.
Chapter One – Getting
settled in California (1958-1962)
The move from New York to California brought the rivalry across
the country. The hatred amongst the players remained, and the new fans bought
into it immediately.
These were transition years. The Dodgers played the first
four seasons at the LA Coliseum, before moving into Dodger Stadium. The Giants
played their first two years at Seals Stadium, before the debut of Candlestick
Park.
Each team enjoyed some success. The Dodgers won a World Series
in 1959. The Giants beat the Dodgers in an epic three-game playoff to win the
1962 pennant, only to lose to the Yankees in game seven of the World Series.
