This Day in Walter O’Malley History:
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A Brooklyn Dodger fan named Bruce Henderson of Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania sends Walter O’Malley a letter using all of the players’ last names to spell the words “Brooklyn Dodgers National League Champions” of 1953. O’Malley writes back, “Let me thank you for your fine effort in spelling out Brooklyn Dodgers National League Champions. I am passing it on to Frank Graham, our publicity director, in the event he might have a spot where it can be used. You were very thoughtful Bruce to go to so much trouble. Thank you.”
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The New York Post carries an article about Walter O’Malley titled “The Man Doesn’t Miss a Thing.” George Trow writes, “In addition to being an orchid grower, amateur cook, attorney, financier, advertising executive, engineer, and promoter, Walter Francis O’Malley is president of the Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball Club. He owns 50 per cent of the stock in this often bewildering enterprise — and 100 per cent of the headaches. He could also lay claim to the title of No. 1 Dodger Fan — Hilda Chester notwithstanding...He puts in a lot of 16- and 18-hour days but still manages to see his family often. They’re in the box for most games. ‘Before I die we’ve got to beat the Yankees in a World Series. It could be this year.’ He has one achievement, however, that most Dodger fans can’t claim. Almost no grey hairs.” George Trow, New York Post, September 4, 1955
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The Dodgers defeat the Cincinnati Reds, 8-6 in Cincinnati and become the first team in baseball history to draw more than two millions fans at home and on the road.
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Walter O’Malley donates 3,000 tickets to Project Hope, a world-touring hospital ship. Los Angeles District Attorney Evelle J. Younger, who is the chairman of the Project Hope Western Committee, gratefully accepts the tickets from the Dodgers. All tickets sold benefit the charity.
