“The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America”

The Los Angeles Dodgers were the only sports organization to receive recognition on three occasions as one of the “The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America.” The first time they were named in the book of the same name was in 1984, and were included on the list of 100 in 1993 and again in 1997. The Dodgers were one of only 18 companies to be named in all three editions.

In the 1984 book, authors Robert Levering, Milton Moskowitz and Michael Katz write, “Most people in baseball agree that Dodgertown, in Vero Beach, Florida, is the best spring-training facility in the game. It symbolizes what Dodger employees cite as a principal reason they like the club: ‘The Dodgers are a first-class organization.’…Other clubs have absentee owners or new owners every few years. But the Dodgers have been owned by the O’Malley family since 1950; Walter O’Malley brought the club west from Brooklyn. His son Peter, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton business school, started full-time work with the team in 1962 as director of Dodgertown. He began running the club in 1970…Even the part-time employees – the ushers, ticket sellers, and security guards – speak of being part of the Dodger family.” Robert Levering, Milton Moskowitz and Michael Katz, “The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America”, October 1984, Seventh Printing, Addison-Wesley, pgs. 185-189.  

The authors continue by explaining “how the Dodgers gave a job to former Dodger catcher Roy Campanella after he was paralyzed by an auto accident” and “Another not-so-well-known example occurred several years ago after Dodger pitcher Don Newcombe had pawned his 1955 World Series ring at a shop in downtown Los Angeles. Newcombe was an alcoholic at the time. When Peter O’Malley heard about the ring, he went to the pawnshop himself and redeemed it. He then went to Newcombe’s house and handed the former pitcher the ring, saying it was a present for his son when the boy turned 18. O’Malley later gave Newcombe a job as director of community relations.” Ibid.     

In 1993, The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America book not only included the Dodgers as the only sports organization, but they were one of nine companies listed in “Most Beautiful Corporate Headquarters,” which was at Dodger Stadium. Authors Levering and Moskowitz stated that the Dodger organization “treats employees like all-stars.” Robert Levering, Milton Moskowitz, “The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America”, 1993 edition, Doubleday Business For the 1997 honor released January 12, 1998, Fortune magazine which continued the rankings, in which the Dodgers were once again the only sports organization included, wrote, “Los Angeles Office employees revel in the classy atmosphere at this professional baseball club under the leadership of owner Peter O’Malley. Perks include four tickets to every game, free ice cream whenever the Dodgers are in first place and increase their lead. Big question: Will this culture survive Rupert Murdoch’s impending acquisition?” “The 100 Best Companies to work for in America”, Fortune magazine, January 12, 1998  

Author Levering commented, “Being in the sports industry, we’re very impressed with the Dodgers and the way they maintained such a great relationship with all of their employees for so many years. They are both winners on and off the field.” Ibid.  

Dodger President Peter O’Malley said, “This recognition means a lot to me. It is a great honor and a tribute to the dedicated people who work in the organization from Campo Las Palmas in the Dominican Republic to Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida to Dodger Stadium.” Los Angeles Dodgers press release, December 19, 1997