Dodgertown Dates: 1984

The “Captain,” Harold “Pee Wee Reese” is elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.  Said Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda of Reese, “There simply isn’t a shortstop who has lived whose contributions meant more.” John Strege, Orange County Register, March 5, 1984

A fan at Holman Stadium saw a tall, distinguished man wearing a Dodger cap sitting in the stadium press box and asked him, “Whatever became of Sandy Koufax?”  The man replied to the question by saying “He went to the laundry today.  He’ll be here (at the game Wednesday),” said Sandy Koufax. John Strege, Orange County Register, March 12, 1984

St. Patrick’s Day is always special in Dodgertown, but this year the day featured two notables:  Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn threw the first ball and superstar entertainer Danny Kaye was in the stands to watch the game.  That night, Kuhn and Kaye were honored guests at the annual St. Patrick’s Day party in Dodgertown. 3

He is a rookie pitcher expected to be in the bullpen, but the Dodgers are very high on right hand pitcher Orel Hershiser.  Vice President Al Campanis said of Hershiser, “Someday this guy is going to be outstanding.  He’s got brass and poise, he comes at the hitters, and now he has confidence.  Eventually, I think he can become a starter on this ballclub.”  Scouting Director Ben Wade added his comment of Hershiser, “He’s pretty much a complete pitcher.”  Hershiser would become a starter in the Dodger rotation and later be named the 1988 Cy Young Award winner in the National League and the 1988 World Series Most Valuable Player. Gorden Edes, Los Angeles Times, March 18, 1984

Don Drysdale is in Dodgertown for the dedication of Don Drysdale Drive in Dodgertown.  The Dodgers continued the club’s current tradition of naming a street after a Dodger player is elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Gorden Edes, Los Angeles Times, March 23, 1984  When he was handed the street sign with his name on it, Drysdale said, “I’ll probably drop it.” Vero Beach Press Journal, March 23, 1984

In a feature on Dodger catcher Mike Scioscia, Mike’s father Fred Scioscia, tells a story of his prediction when Mike was born.  Fred Scioscia said, “When I saw him (Mike, at his birth) I said, ‘There’s my $100,000 bonus baby.’  Of course, I said it in half jest.” Gordon Edes, Los Angeles Times, March 27, 1984 Mike Scioscia was the Dodgers’ 1st round choice in the June, 1976 Free Agent Draft and made his major league debut in 1980.  He was the catcher on the 1981 and 1988 World Championship teams and would become the Dodgers’ all-time leader in games played as a catcher.  After his playing career ended, he became manager of the Los Angeles Angels for their only World Championship in 2002.

The Dodgers win a typically wild game in Spring Training, 13-12, over the Baltimore Orioles in 11 innings.  There were so many baseballs used in the game that a special trip had to be made to the clubhouse to increase the supply to finish the game. John Strege, Orange County Register, March 28, 1984

A feature in the Miami Herald speaks of the special bond between the city of Vero Beach and Dodgertown as the Dodgers begin their 37th season in Vero Beach.  Vero Beach City Manager said of the Dodgers’ holding their Spring Training in Dodgertown, “They’re the greatest thing that ever happened to us.  It’s been a love affair, to say the least.  Some cities and their sports teams have problems.  Not us.”  J.B. Norton, executive vice president of the Vero Beach-Indian River County Chamber of Commerce said of the relationship, “There’s no way I can tell you how much they’re worth (to us) but it’s literally millions of dollars.” Francis X. Donnelly, Miami Herald, April 1, 1984

The Vero Beach Dodgers have two Australians on their team this season.  Infielder Craig Shipley was signed to a free agent contract to play alongside fellow Aussie Adrian Meagher.  Shipley played shortstop for the Alabama Crimson Tide, who finished second in the 1983 College World Series. The Sporting News, June 18, 1984  Shipley would make his major league debut with the Dodgers on June 22, 1986 to become the first native Australian to play in the major leagues.  In his first major league at bat, he drove in a run on a ground ball out. BaseballReference.com

Dodger President Peter O’Malley has invited the Samsung Lions of the Korean Professional League to conduct their 1985 Spring Training at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida.  O’Malley said, “Baseball is rapidly growing throughout the world and this exchange between our two countries will help enhance the development of the game in Korea.” Ten years later, Chan Ho Park would be the first South Korean-born player to sign a contract with a major league team and make his major league debut with the Dodgers. Daily News, November 28, 1984