The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees have one of the most storied rivalries in Major League Baseball, although most of their famous matchups came during the Dodgers’ Brooklyn era. However, since the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles in 1958, the two teams have faced each other in the Bronx numerous times, both in World Series and interleague play. These encounters have spanned decades, providing fans with unforgettable moments on baseball’s biggest stages.
World Series Showdowns (Los Angeles Dodgers Era)
Since the Dodgers relocated to Los Angeles, they’ve met the Yankees in the World Series three times, all of which featured games at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees and Dodgers faced off in some of the most thrilling series of the modern era, including the iconic 1963 World Series, where the Dodgers got the better of their Bronx counterparts for the first time in the Los Angeles era.
- 1963 World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers sweep the Yankees 4-0. This was the first World Series title for the Dodgers after their move to LA, and they clinched the series at Yankee Stadium.
- 1977 World Series: Yankees win 4-2. This series is most famous for Reggie Jackson’s three home runs in Game 6 at Yankee Stadium, sealing the championship for New York.
- 1978 World Series: Yankees win 4-2. The Yankees repeated as champions, clinching the title at Dodger Stadium, but memorable games were played in the Bronx.
- 1981 World Series: Dodgers win 4-2. The Dodgers clinched their World Series victory in this matchup, breaking the Yankees’ dominance over them in the Bronx during the 1970s.
These World Series games remain some of the most iconic moments in MLB history, and they solidified the Dodgers and Yankees rivalry in the Los Angeles era.
Regular Season Interleague Matchups
Interleague play was introduced to Major League Baseball in 1997, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees opportunities to meet during the regular season outside of the World Series. These games brought excitement as the cross-country rivals squared off more frequently than in the past.
Here’s a look at some of the key moments and stats from their regular-season matchups in Yankee Stadium:
- First Regular Season Matchup: The Dodgers first visited Yankee Stadium as the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004. This was the first time the two teams played in the Bronx during the regular season, and it was part of a much-anticipated interleague series.
- Frequent Bronx Visits: Since 2004, the Dodgers have played the Yankees at Yankee Stadium multiple times as part of MLB’s interleague rotation, with series typically occurring every few years. Some of the most recent matchups have occurred in 2016 and 2023.
- Memorable Games: In the Dodgers’ recent trips to the Bronx, games have often featured star-studded lineups and iconic moments, with both teams boasting some of the best players in the league.
- 2016 Series: The Dodgers took two out of three games in Yankee Stadium, including a close 2-0 win behind strong pitching.
- 2023 Series: The Dodgers returned to Yankee Stadium in June 2023. This matchup between two of the league’s most successful teams brought added intrigue as both teams were playoff contenders.
Total Matchups in Yankee Stadium (Post-LA Move)
As of 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers have played the Yankees in multiple World Series games at Yankee Stadium and have faced them in regular-season interleague play for several series since 2004. The exact number of matchups continues to grow as interleague play is expanded. The rivalry between these two iconic franchises continues to thrive, even if regular-season matchups are less frequent than traditional division rivalries.
Conclusion
The rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees may not have the same frequency as their historic Brooklyn-era matchups, but it is just as significant when they do meet. Whether it’s in a World Series or during regular-season interleague play, their showdowns at Yankee Stadium continue to capture the attention of baseball fans worldwide. Both franchises represent baseball greatness, and every time they face off in the Bronx, it’s a reminder of the long and storied history they share.
