NOW YOU KNOW

Starting a season fast doesn’t always translate into a World Series title. Since 1960, 14 teams, including the Dodgers this season, have started a season 12-2 or better, but only three went on to win the World Series. Six of those teams didn’t even make the playoffs. The Dodgers finished with the worst record of any team since 1960 that started at least 12-2:

*Labor dispute led to cancellation of playoffs and World Series.

*--* Year Team Start Final Rec. Place in Playoffs Division 2005 DODGERS 12-2 71-91 Fourth in None NL West 2003 San Francisco 13-1 100-61 First in Lost NLDS, 3-1 Giants NL West *1994 Atlanta Braves 13-1 68-46 Second in N/A NL East 1992 Pittsburgh 12-2 96-66 First in Lost NLCS, 4-3 Pirates NL East 1990 Cincinnati 12-2 91-71 First in Won World Reds NL West Series, 4-0 1989 Texas Rangers 12-2 83-79 Fourth in None AL West 1987 Milwaukee 13-1 91-71 Third in None Brewers AL East 1984 Detroit Tigers 13-1 104-58 First in Won World AL East Series, 4-1 1982 Atlanta Braves 13-1 89-73 First in Lost in NLCS, NL West 3-0 **1981 Oakland 13-1 64-45 Won AL West Lost in ALCS, Athletics 3-0 1980 Cincinnati 12-2 89-73 Third in None Reds NL West 1971 San Francisco 12-2 90-72 First in Lost in NLCS, Giants NL West 3-1 1966 Baltimore 12-2 97-63 First in AL Won World Orioles Series, 4-0 1966 Cleveland 13-1 81-81 Fifth in AL None Indians

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** Strike-shortened season, record is overall. Oakland finished first in the first half with a 37-23 record, and was 27-22 in the second half to finish second.

NOTE: The 1981 Dodgers started 11-2 and won the World Series. The 1977 Dodgers started 12-3 and lost in the World Series.

Researched by Jim Barrero