The Dodgers finally won their first World Series this year; it was the only one they would win in Brooklyn. They blew away the league, winning the pennant by 13 1/2 games. They then defeated their archrivals, the New York Yankees, in the Series, led by a shutout thrown by Johnny Podes in Game Seven, and a game-saving catch in left field by Sandy Amoros.
         During the season, the Dodgers' star catcher, Roy Campanella, was awarded with his third MVP Award, barely edging out teammate Duke Snider.

         I think Campanella was the best player of the above group, despite impressive numbers from Eddie Mathews and Ernie Banks. He had recovered from a disastrous 1954 season in which he hit just .207. But Campy was now 32 years old, and few catchers play well past that age. Though he had a great season, and led the Dodgers to the World Series, I'm not going to give Campy the award this year. He missed 30 games, not too many, but now Willie Mays was in the league. And Willie Mays in perhaps his best year is a tough combination to beat.
         Willie Mays and Richie Ashburn were the best defensive outfielders in the league. During his career, Mays caught more fly balls that any other player in the 20th century; Ashburn ranks fifth in that category. Both players are candidates for the title of Greatest Defensive Outfielder Ever; four times Ashburn recorded 500+ putouts in a season, and he is the only player to do it more than once. Of course, Robin Roberts pitched a lot of innings for the Phillies, and gave up a huge number of fly balls. But by any measure, both Mays and Ashburn have to rank among the greatest defensive players ever.
        This season didn't get off to a great start for Ashburn. Early in the year, his streak of 731 consecutive games came to an end after a collision with teammate Del Ennis, in which Richie suffered a concussion hurt his knee. But when he was back in the lineup, the injuries did not slow him down; he won his first batting title, after twice finishing as a runner-up.
        Hank Aaron had his first big season, at age 21. Hank also made his first of 21 consecutive appearances in the All-Star game. You can see the foundation of the Braves' championship team of two years later; Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Johnny Logan and Del Crandall all played for Milwaukee, and were all outstanding players. Logan probably had his best season this year; he was a good hitter, a four-time All-Star who was also among the better defensive shortstops in the league.
        I think that this was Willie Mays' best season. He combined a high average with tremendous power, and had great speed on both the basepaths and in the outfield. Though he finished only fourth in the actual vote, Mays is my MVP choice this year.