If you’ve ever stood in the middle of the Dodger Stadium top deck store, surrounded by a sea of blue jerseys and foam fingers, you know the feeling. The sheer amount of merchandise is overwhelming. You came for a hat, but suddenly you’re staring at a wall of small, glass cylinders. Honestly, the LA Dodgers shot glass is probably the most underrated piece of fan gear out there. It’s small. It’s cheap. It fits in a pocket. Yet, for some reason, people collect these things like they’re 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle cards.
Maybe it’s the nostalgia. Or maybe it’s just the fact that after a stressful bottom of the ninth against the Giants, you need a stiff drink. Whatever the case, there is a weirdly specific art to finding the right one. Not all glass is created equal, and if you’re buying one that chips after three washes, you’ve wasted your ten bucks.
The Evolution of Blue Crew Glassware
Think about how much the Dodgers logo has changed. Well, it hasn't—not really. That script "Dodgers" is iconic. But the way it’s applied to a LA Dodgers shot glass has evolved significantly over the decades. Back in the day, you mostly saw simple screen-printed logos on thin, clear glass. They were functional, sure, but they felt a bit flimsy.
Now? We’ve got options. You can find "bottom-heavy" glasses that feel like a weapon in your hand. There are frosted versions that look like they just came out of a freezer in Chavez Ravine. Some even have 3D "sculpted" logos. If you go to a place like the official MLB Shop or Fanatics, you’ll see the "Classic Script" style, but the real gems are the ones celebrating specific milestones. The 2020 World Series glasses are still floating around, and they’ve become legitimate collector's items for fans who want to remember the "bubble" championship.
Why Material Matters More Than You Think
A lot of people grab the first glass they see. Big mistake. You've got to look at the weight. A standard shot is usually 1.5 to 2 ounces, but the physical glass should have some heft. If it feels like a light bulb, it’s going to shatter the first time you clink it against a table for a "Cheers."
Look for "thick base" designs. These are less likely to tip over when the game gets intense and someone jumps off the couch. Also, check the decal. If it’s just a sticker, run away. You want kiln-fired graphics. That’s the stuff that actually survives a dishwasher, though most hardcore collectors will tell you to hand-wash everything anyway to keep that Dodger blue from fading into a sad, pale teal.
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The "Swoosh" and the Official Licensing Game
Here is something kinda annoying: the price difference between "official" and "bootleg." You’ll see guys selling stuff on the sidewalk outside the stadium for five dollars. It looks fine at first. Then you get home and realize the "D" in Dodgers looks a little... off. Or the blue is just a shade too purple.
Official LA Dodgers shot glass merchandise carries the MLB hologram. Does that make the tequila taste better? Probably not. But it does mean the color is "Dodger Blue" (specifically Hex #005A9C, for the nerds out there). Authentic gear also ensures that the proportions of the "interlocking LA" are correct. It’s about the pride of the brand. When you're buying a gift, the recipient knows the difference.
Styles That Actually Look Good on a Shelf
- The Satin Etched Look: These are classy. Instead of bright blue paint, the logo is etched into frosted glass. It’s subtle. It says, "I love baseball, but I also have a mortgage and a nice cabinet."
- The Square Base: A modern twist. It feels more like a mini whiskey tumbler. These are great because they don't roll away if they get knocked over.
- The Souvenir "Full Wrap": These usually feature a panoramic view of Dodger Stadium or the Los Angeles skyline. They’re busy, but they’re great for remembering a specific trip to the ballpark.
Where to Hunt for the Rare Stuff
If you want the standard logo, just go to any Dick’s Sporting Goods or even a local Target in SoCal. They’re everywhere. But if you want something that makes people go, "Where did you get that?" you have to dig a little deeper.
eBay is the Wild West for this. You can find vintage 1980s glasses from the Kirk Gibson era. Sometimes you’ll find stadium giveaways that were only handed out to the first 10,000 fans at a Tuesday night game against the Rockies. Those are the ones with character. They usually have a sponsor logo on the back—maybe an old local radio station or a defunct beer brand—which just adds to the kitsch factor.
Honestly, the best places are the tiny sports memorabilia shops in spots like Burbank or Pasadena. Those owners usually have crates of "old stock" they’re willing to part with for a few bucks. It's a hunt. It's supposed to be fun.
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A Note on the "Shooter" vs. the "Shot"
Don't get them confused. A standard shot glass is short and squat. A "shooter" is tall and thin. If you’re buying a LA Dodgers shot glass for a collection, stick to the standard shape. Shooters are hard to display because they fall over like dominoes. Plus, they’re harder to clean. Nobody wants a tall glass with dried lime juice stuck at the bottom.
Avoid These Common Collector Mistakes
Don't buy the "set" unless you actually need four. Often, the multi-packs use cheaper glass to keep the price point down. If you’re a serious fan, buy one high-quality, heavy-duty glass.
Also, watch out for "gold rim" versions. They look fancy. They look like something Tommy Lasorda would have used. But that gold leaf is notorious for flaking off. Within six months, your "luxury" glass looks like it’s been through a rock tumbler. Stick to the classic blue and white. It’s timeless for a reason.
Another thing: check the "Made In" stamp. A lot of the high-end glassware used in professional bars is made in the USA or Italy. Most souvenir stuff comes from overseas, which is fine, but just be aware that the lead content in very old, vintage glassware (pre-1970s) can be a bit sketchy. If it’s a vintage piece, maybe just keep it on the shelf for display rather than actually drinking out of it.
Making it a Tradition
Some people have a rule. They only buy a new LA Dodgers shot glass if they actually attend a game that year. It’s a way to track the seasons. You look at your shelf and see the 2017 glass, the 2018 glass, and so on. It becomes a timeline of your life as a fan.
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It’s a cheap hobby. Unlike collecting jerseys which can cost $300 a pop, you can build a world-class shot glass collection for the price of a single steak dinner. It’s accessible. It’s fun. And it’s a great conversation starter when you have friends over to watch the playoffs.
The Best Way to Clean and Maintain Your Glass
- Skip the Heat: Modern dishwashers have a "Sanitize" cycle that gets incredibly hot. This is the enemy of printed logos. The heat causes the glass to expand and the ink to crack.
- Mild Soap Only: Avoid anything with "lemon power" or heavy abrasives. It’ll scrub the Dodgers right off the glass.
- Air Dry: Use a soft microfiber cloth if you must, but air drying prevents those tiny scratches that make the glass look cloudy over time.
Final Steps for the Serious Fan
If you're looking to start or expand your collection, start by auditing what you already have. Check for chips or fading. If you're buying new, prioritize the "Heavy Base" 2oz varieties—they feel better in the hand and look more professional on a bar cart.
Next, head over to the official MLB Shop to see the current season's designs, but don't pull the trigger until you've checked secondary markets like Etsy for "custom" or "handmade" versions that might offer a more unique aesthetic. For the truly dedicated, a trip to the Dodgers Clubhouse stores around LA (like the ones in Santa Monica or Universal CityWalk) often yields "store-exclusive" designs you won't find online. Grab a glass, pour a drink, and get ready for the first pitch.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify the Decal: Before buying, rub your thumb firmly over the logo. If it feels "raised" and thick, it’s likely kiln-fired and durable. If it feels like a thin film, it's a cheap print.
- Check the Volume: Ensure you are buying a 1.5oz or 2oz glass. "Mini" glasses are often sold as novelties but are too small for actual use.
- Organize Your Display: If collecting, use a tiered acrylic riser. It allows you to see the logos on the back row without having to move the front ones.
- Shop Seasonally: Prices often drop right after the post-season ends. This is the best time to snag "Division Champion" or "World Series" specific glassware at a discount.