the almost daily dodger - jose lima

twenty years ago today, it was most definitely "lima time" at dodger stadium, as jose lima shut out the cardinals in game 3 of the 2004 nlds to stave off elimination for the dodgers. here's his 2004 topps traded & rookies gold parallel card

2004 was lima's only year with the dodgers, and he made it count. he had his best year since leaving the astros in 2001 and helped the dodgers return to the postseason for the first time since 1996. unfortunately, lima's five-hit gem was the only postseason highlight for the blue as they lost game four to the cardinals the next day. his shutout also marked the only dodger postseason victory between game 5 of the 1988 world series and game 1 of the 2008 nlds. in between those dodger victories, the club was 1-12 in the postseason.

sadly, lima passed away in 2010 at the age of 37. he won't be forgotten by dodger fans, especially today, as it is "lima time" in our collective memories.