A New Inductee Joins Our Dodgers Dugout Hall of Fame as Ben Rortvedt Returns

Dodgers Announce First Workout for Pitchers and Catchers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for the upcoming season, with pitchers and catchers scheduled to start their first workout on Friday.

Last month, fans participated in the annual Dodgers Dugout Hall of Fame voting process, submitting a record 29,213 ballots. This impressive turnout underscores the strong engagement of the Dodgers’ fan community, rivaling some electoral contests.

Upon tallying the votes, Clayton Kershaw emerged as a clear favorite, receiving induction into the 2026 Hall of Fame class with an impressive 94.7% of the ballots. His near-unanimous selection reflects his significant impact on the team and his storied career.

The voting process featured two categories: a players’ list, allowing fans to vote for up to ten candidates, and a non-players’ list, where selection was limited to three votes. The following are the notable results from this year’s induction:

Elected

• Clayton Kershaw, 94.7%: A celebrated selection, though some voters surprisingly left him off their ballots.

Just Missed (50%-74.9%)

• Jaime Jarrín, 71.8%: Many believe he deserved first-ballot recognition.
• Peter O’Malley, 63.5%: The last owner actively working to keep fan prices reasonable.
• Steve Garvey, 60.9%: A debate persists over whether he or Gil Hodges is the greatest first baseman in Dodgers history.
• Ron Cey, 58.3%: Frequently underrated in baseball conversations.
• Don Newcombe, 52.9%: His advocacy for players grappling with substance abuse enhances his candidacy beyond his pitching accolades.

Best of the Rest (30%-49.9%)

• Red Barber, 42.1%: A precursor to Vin Scully in the realm of broadcasting.
• Mike Piazza, 41.5%: Raises the question of how history might differ had he not been traded.
• Manny Mota, 39.3%: Renowned as the best pinch-hitter, often remaining on the roster solely for this role.

Everyone Else

In lower voting percentages, several notable figures performed as follows:

• Willie Davis, 28.2%
• Bill Russell, 28%
• Eric Karros, 25%
• Johnny Podres, 24.9%

Others, including former general manager Buzzie Bavasi and pitcher Rick Honeycutt, appeared in the bottom ten, leading to their removal from the ballot for at least two years.

Ben Rortvedt Returns

In roster moves, catcher Ben Rortvedt has made his way back to the Dodgers after being claimed post-removal from Cincinnati’s roster. Rortvedt, who signed a $1.1 million deal with the Dodgers in the offseason, will vie for the backup catcher role against Dalton Rushing. To accommodate his return, left-handed reliever Anthony Banda has been removed from the roster. Banda, who has had a robust two seasons with the team, experienced a decline in performance metrics last year.

Yasiel Puig Found Guilty

Former Dodger Yasiel Puig faces serious legal repercussions after being found guilty of obstruction of justice and making false statements related to a sports gambling investigation. The verdict carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Puig previously had the opportunity to accept a plea deal but chose to reject it, stating his desire to clear his name.

In Case You Missed It

Recent significant stories include Puig’s conviction and the untimely passing of three-time World Series champion Terrance Gore at age 34. Additionally, discussions surrounding the Dodgers’ potential visit to the White House to celebrate their latest championship have generated considerable media interest.

Final Thoughts

In a recent interview, infielder Miguel Rojas reflected on his memorable moments from the World Series. This conversation highlights the deep connections players forge with their experiences on the field.

As the Dodgers prepare for their first workout, the focus will intensify on how the team builds on past successes while addressing new challenges ahead.