In the grand tapestry of Major League Baseball, some rivalries burn brighter than others, fueled by decades of intense competition, iconic moments, and a shared history of success. Among these, the clash between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers stands as a testament to the enduring power of National League baseball. With a combined 19 World Series titles and countless thrilling encounters, these two storied franchises have forged a rivalry that transcends geographical boundaries and continues to captivate fans across the nation.
The Genesis of a Classic: From Brooklyn to the Midwest
The roots of the Cardinals-Dodgers rivalry stretch deep into the early 20th century, long before the Dodgers made their dramatic cross-country move to Los Angeles. Initially, the rivalry was a fierce battle within the National League, particularly intense from the 1940s through the 1960s.
During the 1940s, when the Dodgers were still based in Brooklyn, the Cardinals and Dodgers frequently found themselves locked in thrilling pennant races. Leo Durocher, who managed the Dodgers for much of that decade, famously described the Cardinals as “our old rivals.” This era saw the Cardinals win the NL pennant four times, with the Dodgers finishing second twice, and the Dodgers claiming three pennants themselves. A memorable highlight was the 1946 season, which culminated in the first-ever National League playoff tiebreaker, where the Cardinals emerged victorious. The sentiment of the time was perhaps best captured by Hall of Famer Enos Slaughter, who stated, “We loved to hate them and they loved to hate us.”
The rivalry’s evolution also intersects with a pivotal moment in baseball history: the integration of the sport. While the Dodgers, under the visionary leadership of Branch Rickey (who had previously built the Cardinals’ farm system), bravely broke the color barrier with Jackie Robinson in 1947, the Cardinals were slower to integrate. This disparity in approach contributed to a period where the Dodgers, bolstered by an influx of talented Black players, experienced a surge of success in the 1950s, making multiple World Series appearances.
The Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles in 1958 geographically distanced the two teams, but the competitive fire remained. The 1960s saw a renewed intensity, with either the Cardinals or Dodgers representing the National League in every World Series from 1963 to 1968. This period solidified their positions as perennial contenders and amplified the stakes of their regular season matchups.
A History of Playoff Clashes: When the Stakes Are Highest
While regular season games provide ample fodder for a rivalry, it’s in the crucible of the postseason that true legends are forged and animosities burn brightest. The Cardinals and Dodgers have met in the playoffs six times, with the Cardinals holding a 4-2 advantage in series wins. These encounters have produced some of the most memorable moments in both franchises’ histories:
1985 NL Championship Series (Cardinals won 4-2): This series is etched in Cardinals lore for “The Wizard of Oz,” Ozzie Smith’s improbable walk-off home run in Game 5, a moment that sent Busch Stadium into a frenzy. Jack Clark’s go-ahead home run in Game 6 further cemented the Cardinals’ triumph.
2004 NL Division Series (Cardinals won 3-1): The Cardinals continued their postseason success against the Dodgers in this series, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
2009 NL Division Series (Dodgers won 3-0): The Dodgers finally got their playoff revenge, sweeping the Cardinals in a dominant fashion. This series is often remembered more for Matt Holliday’s infamous “baseball in the groin” incident than for its competitive nature.
2013 NL Championship Series (Cardinals won 4-2): Another hard-fought series that saw the Cardinals emerge victorious, showcasing their gritty determination.
2014 NL Division Series (Cardinals won 3-1): In a series featuring a young Clayton Kershaw for the Dodgers, the Cardinals once again proved their mettle, with Matt Adams’ crucial home run in Game 4 being a key moment.
2021 NL Wild Card Game (Dodgers won): The most recent playoff encounter was a single-game elimination, where the Dodgers prevailed in a dramatic winner-take-all contest.
These playoff battles underscore the significance of every regular season game between the two clubs. Each contest is not just a game; it’s a potential preview of a postseason showdown, a chance to gain a psychological edge, and an opportunity to add another chapter to their rich rivalry.
All-Time Records and Recent Series Results
The Cardinals and Dodgers have a long and extensive history of regular season matchups. As of May 2025, the St. Louis Cardinals hold a slight edge in the all-time regular season series, with 1,109 wins to the Dodgers’ 1,084, with 18 ties, giving the Cardinals a .506 winning percentage. This remarkably close overall record further emphasizes the competitive balance that has defined their encounters over the decades.
FAQs
What is the all-time head-to-head record between the Cardinals and Dodgers?
As of the latest data, the Los Angeles Dodgers hold a slight edge over the St. Louis Cardinals in their all-time matchups, with a record of 1,049 wins to the Cardinals’ 1,040 wins.
When is the next Cardinals vs. Dodgers game scheduled?
The next scheduled game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers is on June 7, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
How have the Cardinals and Dodgers performed in their recent matchups?
In their last 10 encounters, the Dodgers have had a slight upper hand, winning 6 out of 10 games.
Who are the standout players in the Cardinals and Dodgers rosters?
For the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani has been a significant contributor, leading in home runs with 17 and maintaining a batting average of .311. Freddie Freeman also boasts an impressive .371 batting average.
On the Cardinals’ side, Brendan Donovan stands out with a .330 batting average, while Lars Nootbaar has contributed 7 home runs.
What is the historical significance of the Cardinals-Dodgers rivalry?
The rivalry between the Cardinals and Dodgers dates back to the early days of Major League Baseball. Over the years, they’ve faced off in numerous critical games, including postseason matchups. Notably, the Cardinals have had the upper hand in postseason series, winning four out of five encounters.
Where can I watch highlights of recent Cardinals vs. Dodgers games?
Highlights of recent games between the Cardinals and Dodgers can be found on MLB’s official YouTube channel. For instance, the game highlights from August 16, 2024, are available here:
To conclude
The Cardinals vs. Dodgers rivalry is a testament to the rich history and competitive spirit of Major League Baseball. With both teams boasting storied pasts and passionate fan bases, each matchup brings its own set of thrills and narratives. As the 2025 season progresses, fans can anticipate more memorable moments and intense battles between these two baseball powerhouses.
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