Walt Alston is starting an unprecedented thirteenth consecutive season with the Dodgers this year. Considering the short tenure of the average manager in the major leagues, this is truly a remarkable accomplishment. Since Walter has taken over the reins of the club, the Dodgers have captured five National League pennant flags. The club has compiled an .800 percentage in World Series competition, defeating their National League adversaries in 1955, 1959, 1963 and 1965. The Dodgers have landed in the second division just twice since 1954 and bounced back sharply both times. In 1958 they finished seventh, but were the league champions the following year. In 1964, L.A. finished in 6th position, and once again Walt's crew won the pennant in the succeeding season.