Biography

Xie Lang

Xie Lang was a high-ranking official from the All-China Sports Federation who was invited to Dodger Stadium by Dodger President Peter O’Malley in 1980. From July 24-August 5, Lang and four other representatives – Liu Juechou of the All-China Sports Federation, Wang Rui, head coach of the China National Baseball team, Zhu Zhigang, coach of the China National baseball team and Zhang, coach of the China National baseball team – of the People’s Republic of China visited with Peter and other baseball leaders.

August 3, 1980, world-renowned entertainer Danny Kaye (left) in his gourmet kitchen at home as he prepares dinner for All-China Sports Federation leaders from the People’s Republic of China including Xie Lang (center), as well as Dodger President Peter O’Malley. Kaye, who was a well-known chef of Chinese cuisine, met the group at Dodger Stadium and invited them to his home.

November 6, 1985, Groundbreaking ceremonies for Dodger Baseball Field, privately built by Peter O’Malley at Tianjin Institute of Physical and Cultural Education in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China. (L-R): Unidentified; Jia-Qi Chen, President, Tianjin Institute; Unidentified; Xie Lang, All-China Sports Federation; Annette O’Malley, wife of Peter O’Malley; Dodger President Peter O’Malley; Cai Jizhou, Vice President, Chinese Baseball Federation; and a staff member from the China Baseball Association.

Lang was quoted in the Los Angeles Times on August 7, 1980, “We were told baseball was your national pastime but we didn’t know what that meant until we saw the participation of the fans. They really become involved in what is taking place on the field. Dodger Stadium is very impressive and very beautiful – lots of seats and beautiful color schemes.” Entertainer Danny Kaye invited his friend Peter and the contingent from China to his home for dinner, a meal he would personally prepare in his gourmet kitchen. Kaye was renowned as a chef and enjoyed cooking Chinese food.