This Day in Walter O’Malley History:
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Following the Dodgers’ victory over the Milwaukee Braves, 10-2, at County Stadium, Walter O’Malley joins the clubhouse celebration as the Dodgers win the National League Pennant on the earliest date in N.L. history.
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John Cashmore, President of the Borough of Brooklyn, sends this telegram to Walter O’Malley: “Dear Walter, Reports here indicate Los Angeles representative has conferred with you this morning. My earnest suggestion is that you withhold final commitment with them. I am striving to arrive at solution of the problem here. As you know report is pending on legality of making land available for Dodger Stadium. It is expected momentarily. As I told you I am doing everything possible to see that the best interest of the city, the taxpayers and Brooklyn Dodgers — and especially the property owners in the area involved are safeguarded. Over and above this, Walter, all of us have a responsibility to the millions of Dodger fans who have supported the Dodgers and want to see them remain in Brooklyn. Moreover, all of us are agreed that as a symbol to youth and to the world of sports, the Dodgers and Brooklyn are an immortal combination. Baseball will not be baseball without the Dodgers in Brooklyn. And I don’t think I would be able to ever face a youngster in Brooklyn or anywhere, if I didn’t do everything I could within reason to keep the Dodgers in Brooklyn. Please hold everything — and tell the Los Angeles to go find itself another baseball team. Sincerely, John Cashmore, President Borough of Brooklyn, Borough Hall, Brooklyn.”
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A large contingent of construction and city government personnel meet to discuss the grading of the hilly Chavez Ravine area for the purpose of preparation to build Dodger Stadium. Jack Yount of Vinnell Corporation, the construction firm that would build Dodger Stadium, was joined by personnel from the City of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Engineering, Street Design Division, Survey Division, Utilities and Administrative Division, Contract Administration and Bureau of Standards. Yount announced that grading equipment was moving onto the site and work could begin immediately. Groundbreaking ceremonies for Dodger Stadium were held on September 17, 1959.
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Responding to the Tom Harmon’s invitation to become an associate member of the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association, Walter O’Malley accepts. “It is my sincere hope that when things simmer down a bit I will be able to make an occasional luncheon at Scandia’s,” writes O’Malley. As a halfback, Harmon won the Heisman Trophy playing for the University of Michigan, before he became a top sportscaster.
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Walter O’Malley sends a congratulatory telegram to Hon. Robert Wagner, who was re-elected for a second term as New York Mayor. “Congratulations Bob, it was a most decisive victory.” Wagner served as New York’s 102nd Mayor from 1954-65.
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Dodger Vice President, Public Relations and Promotions Arthur E. “Red” Patterson writes a letter to Rose Navarro, Chair of the Los Angeles Beautiful Community Awards Committee to state, “We are delighted to learn that we are to receive one of the 1967 Community Awards for the beautifying of Dodger Stadium and its environs, of which we are all very proud. Because Mr. O’Malley will be out of the country October 17th, we will have his daughter, Mrs. Roland Seidler accept same in his name.”
