January 23rd, 2023 at 8:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka It seems that among the first things we do when we get up every morning is fire up the computer and check our favorite baseball site(s) to see if the Dodgers have officially announced who their everyday shortstop will be for the upcoming 2023 season (and beyond); whether it be through a trade, signing one of the not-too-many available free-agent shortstops out there, or promoting one of the kids from Down on the Farm.
For many, at least for me as a longtime (old) Dodgers fan, this seemingly daily morning ritual always makes me think of the Dodgers shortstop of my childhood and adolescence – none other than the great Maury Wills.
Although the Washington DC native, who made his Major League debut with the (then) one-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers on June 6, 1959 at the age of 26, posted an impressive career fielding percentage of .963 over his combined 14 Major League seasons (12 with the Dodgers, two with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and one with the Montreal Expos), it was his base-stealing prowess for which he will best – and always – be remembered; that and his tremendous kindness and generosity.
During his 12 seasons as the Dodgers (almost) exclusive shortstop from 1959 to 1966, and again from 1969 to 1972, Wills played 1,497 games at the position. I mean, who does that anymore, right? For good measure, he also appeared in 51 games as the Dodgers third baseman.
On the other side of the ball, Wills had a very impressive slash line of .281 / .331 / .332 / .622 in his 12 seasons as a Dodger. But here again, it was Wills’ base stealing for which he will best be remembered.
During the 1962 season, his fourth with the Dodgers, if you were anywhere near Chavez Ravine, you undoubtedly heard the (loud) chant “Go! Go! Go!” whenever Maury was on base … and he usually did.
During that historic All-Star season (of which Wills had seven), he stole a remarkable 104 bases, a then single-season record for the so-called ‘Live Ball Era’ – a record which stood for 12 years until broken by St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame left fielder Lou Brock‘s 118 stolen bases in 1974 and five additional times since. The current record is 130, set by Oakland A’s Hall of Fame left fielder Rickey Henderson in 1982 – a record which most likely will never be broken.
Sadly, Wills passed on September 19, 2022, just 13 days shy of his 90th birthday.
But for this Dodgers fan, Maurice Morning Wills will always be THE Dodgers shortstop.
Play Ball!
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Posted in 
@Dodgers Absolutely.
My wife’s favorite ball player! She had an opportunity to talk with Maury a few years ago, during a Cactus League game at Camelback Ranch — and he graciously autographed her Dodgers windbreaker.
I am from an “older” school, so I think of Pee Wee Reese as THE Dodgers Shortstop.
That’s fair. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to see Pee Wee play, but am well aware of his Hall of Fame career.
Miguel Rojas will be ready opening day. It was only a bone spur. It has been removed.
He is a gold glove SS. Maybe he will have a career yr with the Dodgers.
Would love nothing more than Rojas to grab the SS position and not let go. I have read that he has been in contact with Miguel Vargas and Diego Cartaya — mentoring younger players will pay big dividends now and in the future for Dodgers
I expect Rojas to have a career year at shortstop! His fielding percentages are close to those of Larry Bowa who was the greatest in the modern era.
Always loved Wills he was the machine that got the lineup going he was exciting as well as great clubhouse guy ( from what I read). He was parts of a great Dodgers run (no pun intended) also the GO GO Guy. He was one of my all time Dodgers. I can only hope we get a steady shortstop for the future.
I agree Maury Wills was my favorite SS, Bill Russell was my short stop when I was in high school and beyond.
I met Bill Russell walking on an obscure bridal trail in Pasadena one days. I just nodded and smiled at him. I might have said something like “Mr Russell.”
in regard to “never be broken”, prepare to see it shattered. larger bases and limited throws to first are going to allow the hallowed records to become a joke.
Good point.
Ditto
First saw Maury in 1965 while at a Dodger game on Navy night with my dad who was in the Navy. Maury stole a base that day and Drysdale was the winning pitcher pitching the Whole 9 innings! Then saw Maury at an old timers game in the 90’s at the Kingdome in Seattle. Great article.