The 1980 Los Angeles Dodgers finished the season in second place in the National League West, one game behind the Houston Astros.
The two teams faced off in a 1-game playoff on October 6, 1980 at Dodger Stadium, which the Astros won 7–1 behind a complete-game victory by pitcher Joe Niekro.
With the Dodgers joining the pay television trend, several games began to be broadcast on regional subscription channel ON TV, which aired on KBSC-TV in the greater Los Angeles area.
For games aired on ON TV, the broadcast team was composed of Geoff Witcher and former Dodger Al Downing.
However, long-time Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully remained as the announcer for games aired on free-to-air television (KTTV).