Ron Cey
The Penguin ruled the hot corner with power and heart for a decade of Dodger glory.
Ron Cey, affectionately dubbed 'The Penguin' for his distinctive gait, anchored the hot corner with an iron bat during the Dodgers' most competitive decade. Between 1974 and 1982, Cey delivered the consistent power and clutch hitting required to turn perennial contenders into champions.
- Role
- Third Baseman
- Affiliation
- Los Angeles Dodgers (1971–1982)
- Key Achievement
- World Series Champion (1981)
- Award
- NLCS MVP (1974, 1977, 1978)
- Status
- Retired
- Jersey Number
- 32
Lore & Background
The defining moment of Cey's career arrived in the 1981 World Series. In a split-season format caused by a players' strike, the Dodgers faced the New York Yankees in a rematch of previous decades. Cey delivered a legendary performance, hitting three home runs and driving in seven runs across the series, earning him the World Series MVP award to cap his record-breaking clutch postseason run. His consistent heroics provided the stability needed to secure the franchise's sixth World Series title, validating years of near-misses and cementing his place in the pantheon of Dodgers legends.
In Their Own Story
The air at Dodger Stadium was thick with the tension of October 1981. The crowd roared as Ron Cey stepped into the batter's box, the weight of a city's hope resting on his broad shoulders. He adjusted his cap, the 'Penguin' waddle replaced by a focused stillness. With a crack of the bat that echoed through the concrete canyons, he sent another ball soaring into the smoggy night sky. As he rounded third base, eyes locked on home plate, the roar swelled into a deafening chant. He wasn't just running; he was carrying the spirit of a decade of heartbreak and hope, finally crossing the line to claim what was theirs.
Reader's Guide
Ron Cey spent his prime years with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1971 to 1982, serving as the anchor at third base during one of the franchise's most competitive eras. His playing style was characterized by exceptional power from the left side and a high baseball IQ that allowed him to hit for average when it mattered most. Unlike many sluggers who chased home runs indiscriminately, Cey was known for his ability to deliver in critical moments, earning him three National League Championship Series MVP awards—a record at the time.
His greatest achievements include leading the Dodgers to five National League pennants and securing the 1981 World Series title. While his 1981 postseason heroics are historic, Cey's legacy is defined by his durability and leadership. For over a decade, he provided stability at the hot corner, forming a formidable infield with Steve Garvey and Davey Lopes known as the 'Big Three.' Even after leaving for the Chicago Cubs in 1983, he remained synonymous with the Dodger blue of the 70s and early 80s. His number 32 is retired by the franchise, honoring a player who gave his all to bring a championship back to Los Angeles.
Did You Know?
- Ron Cey holds the record for most National League Championship Series MVP awards with three (1974, 1977, 1978).
- He was part of the 'Big Three' infield alongside Steve Garvey and Davey Lopes that dominated the late 1970s.
- Cey hit three home runs in the 1981 World Series against the New York Yankees, a feat matched by very few players in history.
- Despite his nickname 'The Penguin,' he was known for being one of the quickest and most agile third basemen of his era.