The 23-year-old Podres became a Brooklyn legend in 1955 when he pitched the Dodgers to their first-ever World Championship. Only 9-10 during the regular season, he beat the Yankees 8-3 in Game Three and shut them out 2-0 in Game Seven, giving Brooklyn its only title after five consecutive Series losses to their Bronx rivals. After spending 1956 in the Navy, Podres was a consistent winner on a strong Dodger staff from 1957 to 1963. He used a good fastball, a curve, and an outstanding changeup. In 1957 he led the NL in both ERA (2.66) and shutouts (6). In 1961 he won a career-high 18 games and led the NL in winning percentage (.783), and on July 2, 1962, he pitched his finest game, retiring the first 20 Phillies before Ted Savage singled, and striking out eight batters in a row.
