Dodgertown Dates: 1958

For the first time, the Los Angeles Dodgers begin their Spring Training in Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. 

The value of Dodgertown is apparent in the acceleration of young players to the major league roster.  Frank Finch wrote in the Los Angeles Times, “Dodgertown is a veritable baseball factory.  Every year, it seems, one or two youngsters come to camp as rookies and leave as members of the varsity.”  Finch pointed to the emergence of Joe Black in 1952, Jim Gilliam in 1953, Johnny Podres and Roger Craig in 1955, and Don Drysdale and Charlie Neal in 1956. Frank Finch, Los Angeles Times, February 28, 1958

As an incentive for Dodger players during bunting practice, bunting circles around the “Iron Mike” pitching machine were drawn. The goal was to give players a target to aim for when getting down a successful bunt. The squad group with the most bunts in the area was able to end the workout a half hour early. Charlie Park, Los Angeles Mirror, March 1, 1958

Dodgertown umpire Jesse Collyer was known for his ability to use double-talk to explain baseball ground rules. “If the (batted) ball hits a grapefruit on the fly and no seeds fall out, the ball is in play. But, if the seeds fall out, it’s a ground rule double.” Frank Finch, Los Angeles Times, March 4, 1958

Los Angeles Mirror columnist Sid Ziff complained to Dodger Publicity Director Red Patterson that he could not lock the door to his room at Dodgertown from the outside. Ziff explained, “The key won’t come out of the lock.” Patterson told Ziff not to worry. “This is an honest camp,” said Patterson. Sid Ziff, Los Angeles Mirror, March 5, 1958

Three Dodger players suffered minor injuries in an automobile accident.  Duke Snider was driving Johnny Podres and Don Zimmer back to the Dodgertown base when Snider made a wrong turn. The turn led Snider to drive across a railroad track and after going over the first rail, the car dropped and struck the second rail. The car was able to be driven off the track back toward Dodgertown and the three players were treated, Podres for a cut forehead and Snider jammed his knee. Frank Finch, The Los Angeles Times, March 6, 1958

Roy Campanella was not able to attend Spring Training as he recovered from the injuries that ended his playing career. However, he was not forgotten as Walter O’Malley had a sign painted “Campy’s Bull Pen” to designate the area just outside the kitchen where the Hall of Fame catcher enjoyed sitting and conversing with people at the Dodgertown base after dinner most nights. The Sporting News, March 12, 1958

The Los Angeles Dodgers sent a get-well message to Roy Campanella on a tape recorder. Several teammates recorded their voice to be heard by Campanella. Johnny Podres said, “Campy, please hurry and get well.  These catchers down here forget to remind how good I am and you never forgot to keep us all feeling great.” Pee Wee Reese told him, “Since you are not here I’m the oldest guy in camp and I want you back real quick, Dad, to take over this dean’s title.” Joe King, The Sporting News, March 12, 1958

The Los Angeles Dodgers play their first exhibition game of Spring Training at Holman Stadium in Vero Beach and defeat the World Champion Milwaukee Braves 4-3 before a crowd of 3,605. Henry Aaron homered in the fourth inning off starting pitcher Danny McDevitt. Also, the Dodgers’ recent bonus baby player, Frank Howard, reported to camp for his first Spring Training and it was said, “He’s some baby at 225 pounds.” Frank Finch, Los Angeles Times, March 13, 1958

Not everything was perfect at Holman Stadium. A sportswriter noted one of the flags that represented National League teams was spelled “Cincinatti.” Charlie Park, Los Angeles Mirror, March 13, 1958  The correct version is “Cincinnati,” with one more N and one less T.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day event at Dodgertown was not scheduled this season due to the absence of Dodger President Walter O’Malley as he recovered from surgery.  However, the Dodgers did hold a birthday celebration for Los Angeles Examiner sportswriter Bob Hunter and sportswriters from Montreal (Dodgers’ AAA club), New York and Los Angeles were invited. The Sporting News, March 26, 1958

The Dodgers defeated the Spokane Indians, their Triple-A minor league team, in a game played at Holman Stadium. Future Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda pitched 1 1/3 innings for Spokane and allowed one run. Also in the Spokane lineup at shortstop that day was the 1962 National League Most Valuable Player, Maury Wills.

Sandy Koufax had a fan in Los Angeles Examiner sportswriter Bob Hunter. Hunter wrote “Koufax can really hum that pea….He has to be a great one in a couple of years.” Bob Hunter, Los Angeles Examiner, March 18, 1958

Nothing was easy for the Cincinnati Reds on this day. The Reds came by bus on a three-hour trip to Vero Beach for an exhibition game against the Dodgers. Twice they stopped to call Dodgertown to check on the weather and were told the field and skies were playable. Upon their arrival, Florida skies changed their mind and the rain downpour caused the game to be canceled and the Reds to get on the bus for their return to Tampa. Bob Hunter, Los Angeles Examiner, March 20, 1958

Dodger trainers Harold Wendler and Bill Buhler invent a shin guard for infielder Charlie Neal to reduce the chances of bruises or spike wounds from a base runner. The guard covers the front and sides of the leg in the same way a catcher’s shin guards provide protection. Buhler would later invent several protective devices for baseball players, including the catcher’s throat protector, a device that hangs from the catcher’s mask and absorbs energy from a foul tip and avoid potential damage to the neck and head. Dick Young, The Sporting News, April 9, 1958

Terry O’Malley spoke to Los Angeles Times sportswriter of her duties at Dodgertown in Spring Training and the Dodgertown Summer Camp. Terry, a graduate from the College of New Rochelle, described her duties during the summer. “‘I’ve been down there in the capacity of executive secretary. At least, that’s my field title. It really covers much more territory. These are very young boys and some of them get homesick. I help them write letters, teach them to dance and swim, and confer with their parents….I’m the only girl present,  have a dormitory wing to myself, sleep in Pee Wee Reese’s old bed, and once in a while sneak off from office work to swing a bat or go for a swim.  We have a wonderful time.’ At the start of the 1958 season, Terry was working for her father, Walter O’Malley, before his regular secretary was able to re-locate to Los Angeles.” Jeane Hoffman, Los Angeles Times, April 14, 1958