Why Dodgers Fans Love: Justin Turner

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a great core of players, and a talented roster. That’s why Dodgers Nation has decided to run a ‘Why We Love’ series, featuring some of your favorite Dodgers players. We lead off the series with our first installment, Justin Turner. 

Justin Turner is an easy player to love. I know the Dodgers have the obvious superstars like Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager, and Kenley Jansen. These players were dominant since their debut – and were highly touted in league circles since their days in the minor leagues.

However – Turner didn’t follow this path – even if he’s renowned as a superstar in the game today. He was drafted a New York Yankee in the 29th round of the 2005 draft. Obviously, most players selected in the 29th round are destined for baseball obscurity.

Yet, there’s Justin Turner. Turner grinded like a madman to improve his craft in short stints as a Baltimore Oriole to begin his career. He was steady as a New York Met, but still hardly on anyone’s baseball radar. Taking a look at his baseball reference page up until 2013 shows nothing remarkable.

And then – Justin Turner became a Dodger. Since then, he’s hit .303 with an .880 OPS and has been graded as a plus-defender at third base. The California boy never forgot his roots or work ethic; and perhaps that is what makes him the most lovable of all Dodgers.

Why We Love Justin Turner

• He’s a humanitarian and good person, and uses twitter to make young fans’ dreams come true.
• He makes frequent visits to hospitals to bring hope to those who are ill. Like here. And here as well. Just Google ‘Justin Turner hospital visit’ and you will be amazed at the number of different things that pop up. You never hear about these things enough.
• The 2017 NLCS walk-off home run against the Cubs. It came on the anniversary of Kirk Gibson’s World Series homer. Coincidence? We think not. That home run set the tone for the entire series. Turner was not going to let a Justin Turner team fall short of reaching the grandest stage.
• Turner always plays the game with a smile and has fun.
• No moment seems too big for him.
• He had the opportunity to leave the Dodgers before the 2017 season. Instead of taking the highest dollar he could elsewhere, he signed a fair contract to remain a Dodger.
• Turner is a player who understands the importance of getting on base, and he’s cut down on his strikeouts. His 59 walks to 56 strikeouts in 2017 is evidence of mastery; and gets little mention.
• He hits three-hole commonly in a star-studded lineup, but has the humility of a player who hits eighth.
• A high-school hitting coach (Doug Latta) worked with him five days a week to fix his swing.
• He embodies everything that being a Dodger should be: Turner never shows anyone up, and never makes a negative headline or points fingers.
• We almost forgot, and how could we forget? The beard.

Why You Love Justin Turner

Because he gave us that walkoff against the Cubs in the NLCS. ???

— ?L? (@morasee) May 19, 2018

He's the heart and soul! He clearly enjoys every facet of the game. He's professional about his play but also makes it look so fun. He treats fans well, he shows beautiful respect for military. He's such a great player, but not ego driven. Always celebrating his teammates! ?

— Laura Perry (@LauraGlorybelle) May 19, 2018

Because he’s a hard worker, team player, a winner and a SoCal dude!

— Jeff Davis (@jdsocal) May 19, 2018

I love @redturn2 because he brings passion to the team!!! #RedDream

— Dear 2023, be better… (@DodgersVida22) May 19, 2018

Because he's the heart and soul of this team, finally found a 3rd baseman after Adrian beltre.

— Yony (@Toneloke93) May 20, 2018

Because he plays his heart out and is such a humble guy and no matter how big of a star he is he still does a lot for the fans and the community

— Juanito Ramos (@juanziggyramos) May 19, 2018

JT represents drive, discipline, leadership and consistency on and off the field. He is #TheMan!! When he isn't playing it's just not the same..??

— ??? 2021 same thing.. (@123KOWSKI) May 19, 2018

https://twitter.com/1MamaRama/status/997730924707037184

He’s a team player and seems to really care about our community and his fellow humans !!!!!??????

— tc223?? (@tc22356) May 19, 2018

When other teams turned their back on him, Dodgers gave him an opportunity and he flourished. He doesn't take no for an answer!

— jamon ayala (@jacobobrowno) May 19, 2018

Because he constantly looks the way we would if were suddenly playing major league baseball for the Dodgers. He always looks like he’s having a blast.

— Greg likes post.news (check bio) (@bigblaster22) May 19, 2018

I loved that one – couldn’t put it better.

Something subtle , At every home game when the dodgers honor a military member , they pass the dugout and Justin Turner is always there to give them a ball and a handshake , always thought that was cool

— Edgar Ozymandias (@Keepitez23) May 19, 2018

Your Turn to Tell Us Why You Love ‘RedTurn’

If there’s anything our followers or we left out, now is your chance. Baseball can be frustrating – and then you remember that you have a guy like Turner on your roster to watch every night. More time should be spent on appreciating players like him for the people they are, and what they do for the community. Win or lose, the Los Angeles Dodgers are so fortunate to have Justin Turner. Leave your reason for why you love Turner in the comments.