My Trip to Dodgertown

[Todd Anderson]

Everyone has those special moments that they wish wouldn't end. Last Thursday, March 13th, I gained entrance to Dodgertown, being allowed total access to virtually every nook and cranny of this historic facility. To say that I had looked forward to this trip with great anticipation is putting it mildly. My dad had retired from ball in '55, and I never got to experience that special period from the 40s to the 50s when I believe the sport was at its zenith. For 53 years, I've been relegated to watching the fun from far away, always wondering what it would be like to get an up close look. There always seemed to be that line drawn where mere mortals were not allowed to step across. As a result, I felt detached from the sport my father loved to play, and fully expected to see things through binoculars for the rest of my life.

Then out of the blue, surprise connections suddenly propelled me to the front of the line. To my amazement, a mystery sponsor had former Dodger owner Peter O'Malley and Craig Callan, vice-president in charge of spring training at Dodgertown, granting me privileges that view are afforded. I was invited to pack my bags and report to Vero Beach before the magic ended. My heartfelt thanks to that sponsor, and all the staff at Dodgertown, for seeing to it that I was adopted into the Dodger family in a royal way. My parents, if they were still here, would have been profusely grateful for the chance I got to get an up-close look at what the rest of family enjoyed for over 17 years.

Enough rambling, right? I'll post a few pics to get things started, then will follow up with much more after I've had some rest. This thread won't feature the most complete pictorial view of Dodgertown ever created. It'll just be my whirlwind visit where I honestly tried my darndest to remember to take photos and not just stand around with my jaws wide open. Baseball history oozes from this place like sap from a maple tree in Maine. I tried to capture the feel of the place, both for myself and those who would look at these pictures. I truly hope you enjoy them.

Below: the entrance, including some neat gates, me and my lifelong pal Neal Ball outside the main office in our Dodger regalia. (Our thanks to our wives for allowing us to regress to childhood for a while!) More to come...stay tuned!

- Todd (Anderson)
Proud son of #14

[Todd Anderson]

The main building housing the staff, doors to the spring training offices. Note the reflection of the bus in the glass. That's the St. Louis Cardinals team bus that was poised to take the team back to Jupiter, Florida after their game against the Dodgers that would be played later that same day.

I'm shown standing next to secretary Karen Roberts who greeted us on our arrival. A wonderful gal! I took a closer look at the photo behind her desk. It shows Walter O'Malley and Dodger team members accepting the key to the city from Vero Beach officials back in 1948.

[Todd Anderson]

Just outside the main offices, we were shown a neat area that was used only by the major league players. The area furthest away, behind the net, is called Campy's Corner. That's where pitchers are instructed on how to handle bunt situations. Past this you can see players vehicles.

The area closest to you shows practice pitching mounds. many of these specialized areas were named after the greats like Koufax, Drysdale, Newcombe, etc.

The big truck parked next to the vintage Mustang belonged to the Dodgers. It was parked and ready to load/carry the team's equipment for their next game in Melbourne, Florida against the Washington Nationals, after the game against the Cardinals.

Behind me were indoor batting cages for the major leaguers. Man, I really had this urge to grab a bat and get busy! ;c)

[Todd Anderson]

Here's Neal (left) and me with Nancy Gollnick, assistant to Dodgertown VP Craig Callan. Nancy was soooo gracious and really enjoyed showing us around the facility. She then slapped some passes on our shirts that allowed us to go anywhere we wanted, AND then handed us two tickets for the 1:05 pm ballgame, right behind home plate! We were like kids in a candy house! With all the emotions surrounding this hoopla, and it also being the 30-year anniversary of my dad's death, I was moved to tears. I hated losing it like that, but there was nothing I could do to stop the faucet from coming on. These folks all treated me like some lost lost relative at a family reunion. Whatta family! Once I finally regained my composure (whew), we were off to start rummaging around. Thanks, Nancy, for being such a wonderful host!

Nancy pointed us toward a building that housed all kinds of conference rooms. Each room was named after folks like Gil Hodges, Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, etc. Below, the front door to this building stands open. Then, we peered down a loooong hallway chock full of some wonderful photos! I'll post many of those pics when I resume tomorrow. Brace yourself! Until then....Todd

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Thanks for the pics. Too bad that the gate is wearing the name LA Dodgers. But the rest of the pics is nice.

[penncentralpete]

Todd: Absolutely cool! Thank you for posting these wonderful pictures.

[metfan13]

Great stuff Todd.

How fortunate for you, and for the oldtime Brooklyn fans here, that you got to visit and take pictures of Dodgertown before it's gone.

[Todd Anderson]

Alrighty, then! Where was I? Oh, yeah. Let's stroll through the conference center at Vero Beach and check out the incredible photos that adorn the walls. We'll go through the back door and work our way forward (that's how it was shown to me).

I took these pics at a slight angle so as not to have any "flash" show up if it was used.

Below: the '55 club; Pee Wee Reese finishing a run-down (sorry for the poor shot on this puppy); a hilarious view that I had to get close enough for you to see it better. It shows a host of Phillies players trying their best to catch Robinson in a rundown. Wonder how many more they needed? haha; a great shot of Campanella; and the incredible Gil Hodges. Brooklyn acquired Gil when they released my pop to the Texas League. Gil took over wearing #14 from then on!
More to come!

[Todd Anderson]

Hmmm. Lemme try posting those pics again. Here goes:

(Man, were Hodges hands BIG or what?)

[Todd Anderson]

Whatta photo! However, this one was HUGE—at least 5-6 ft across. So I had to angle the camera in a weird way, due to the narrow hallway I stood in, to capture most of it. The pic shows an opposing pitcher delivering the ball to Eddie Stanky, during a game at Ebbets Field (note someone spelled it incorrectly). The photo asks the question, "Can you find the ball?"

I got to thinking that maybe most visitors here may not be able to locate the ball, since it's greatly reduced, etc. (Shoot, I stood right in FRONT of this for a few minutes before I finally gave up and Nancy Gollnick had to show me!) So, I added an "arrow" pointing to the dark gray circle with a shadow under it (ta-dah!). It was amazing how high the pitch appeared compared to where Stanky stood. Was it a sinker that was thrown? A curve? Who knows. This photo may have been around before, but I had never seen it. I would LOVE to have a copy of it on my wall! The scale of the ballpark makes the photo mesmerizing. Sure wish the ball club would make posters of it.

By the way, each photo you're viewing had to have a protective piece of plastic put over it, because guests invariably wanted to "touch" the players, etc. Some, like this one, had minor blemishes from the years of fingers wishing to get a little closer to their heroes. Who can blame them?

[Todd Anderson]

Another shot of Reese; Duke Snyder lets one fly; Gil Hodges sliding into homeplate with Phillies catcher Andy Seminick trying to apply the tag, while (I think) Bob Ramazzotti watches (slap me around if I'm wrong); aerial shot of Holman Stadium at Dodgertown. Note the old military barracks where players lived. You'll also spot the lake that O'Malley had constructed beside the players golf course. Nancy Gollnick explained to me that he wanted it shaped like a heart, so that when he flew over the facility and looked down, it would remind him where his heart was. (No comment) The golf course, which you will see in other aerial photos later, was erected so that the black players could take part. Outside the gates, folks like Robinson and Campy were not allowed to play on public courses. The new spring training offices that you saw earlier in this thread were not erected at this point. Eventually they would be constructed directly behind right field.

[Todd Anderson]

Bert Shotton plays chauffeur to a parade of incredible talent; infielders that defy gravity; Campanella holds the umbrella while the rest of the crew assesses the Florida weather; I know Eddie Stanky is on the right. (Someone else help name the other three fishermen! Thanks!)

[Shotgun Shuba]

Well, I know that is Cookie to the left, I think it's Jake Pitler next to him and I would guess Gene Hermanski but I am 20% on that one. DD will know instantly.

[Todd Anderson]

1955 squad; Brooklym Bum character takes a swing during spring training (would be interesting to hear about this guy); You gotta love the types of gloves these guys had to work with back then; the first batting machine at Dodgertown-the Foster Pitching Arm. Not sure who the coach might be standing next to the "arm."

[Todd Anderson]

After you have made your way down the HALL OF FAME full of photos, you enter the dining room foyer. The old [orange] seats you see there came from the LA stadium. We turned to the right and noticed a sign with meal times. We asked if we could peek inside—Nancy said to go in! We told her we'd love it if we could be permitted to buy our lunch, but Nancy said the meal would be on them! Incredible! Once we started looking around, we were immediately drawn to the great mural that I'm told a Dodgertown employee painted. The food service is headed by Cher Reimer, and the dining room captain is Mary, shown pictured with Neal and me. Both ladies were sooo gracious and treated us like royalty! They were getting things ready for lunch, spreading the white tablecloths and placing the Dodger-blue napkins. They even had place cards for some pretty special names!

[Todd Anderson]

We left the dining room and moved outside to look around some more before we ate (we were really way too stoked to eat anyway!). As we walked outside, the grounds were so beautiful. I snapped some shots as I walked along the front entrance to the conference building. Loved the lamp posts! We walked across the street and checked out the "villas" that replaced the old barracks that the players used to have to reside in. Things had improved since those days! I'm told that Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda has a residence here—even has an office inside it. Then, we noticed a sign for another conference area named after Roy Campanella.

[Todd Anderson]

We then headed to the minor league practice areas where there was lots of action going on.

The first shot shows pitchers running some drills on covering first. The pitcher is getting ready to break for first while a coach provides instruction. Other shots show various practice fields, with players doing things like running sprints. One shot shows players taking a break before calling it quits, listening to a coach speak. While they wait, a line of folks await their chance at snagging autographs of the new talent.

[Todd Anderson]

Top pic of Dodgertown is an older view that hangs in the Conference Center. It shows the newer villas that replaced the barracks (they're located just above the two bottom ball fields), but does not have the new main office constructed behind the main stadium's right field.

I spotted the bottom photo of on an easel in Craig Callan's office. It shows what the complex looks like today. Holman Stadium has added seating and the main offices are directly to the left.

[Todd Anderson]

Below: Returning through the conference center and past the dinning room foyer, we passed the Executive Building.

We were then back outside, breezing past the minor league batting cages. Note the sign over the entrance? We noticed that in areas such as the weight rooms and batting cages, players had to always be accompanied/watched by a trainer. Reason: I was told that when you have as much invested in something as the Dodgers do their players, they can't take chance on injuries that could occur without proper supervision. Guess they must be serious. Check it out: They had a smaller sign over the entrance, with a larger version directly above it, which said the SAME THING! haha

Next door were minor league locker rooms. And everywhere we walked, the streets proudly proclaimed who they were named after.

[Todd Anderson]

Top to bottom: Signs like this appeared behind the scenes throughout Dodgertown . They show the diversity of today's players. Three different languages ask if tickets for guests have been left at the front office!

Another street sign!

Hey, the umpires are headed to today's game. Guess we should head that way as well.

We passed through the area the divides the minor side from the majors.

Ticket windows had been busy all morning. The Dodgers would play the Cardinals.

[metfan13]

This is easily one of the best threads on this board. A paid tour guide couldn't lead us through Dodgertown any better.

[Todd Anderson]

Sign outside Holman Stadium sure paints a proud history!

Cardinal players signing autographs.

A look out to the scoreboard. A remarkable day! I left Missouri where it was in the 30s and seriously wet and getting ready to get much wetter. Here at Vero Beach that day: Mid 70s , no humidity, a gentle breeze. At this point, I kept thinking that any minute someone was gonna say that it was all a mistake and I would have to leave! Guess it seemed way too good to be true.

We climbed the outside stairs of the main offices and ascended to the balcony which afforded us a tremendous view of the field!

Tony La Russa and company. More to come...stay tuned!

[Todd Anderson]

I gotta take a short break. If it weren't for things like utilities and mortgage payments, I'd hang here all day. Need to take a work break (yuk).

Sure glad you all are enjoying these shots. It's my small gift to the worlds greatest fans. You all deserve it and so much more. Wish we ALL could have linked arms and spent the entire day together there. Man, I can't imagine the stories I'd get to hear. Hoo, boy! I simply MUST get to Brooklyn to meet some of you!

Back soon with MUCH more, including another thread...with photos from my visit with DOdger outfielder Gene Hermanski (#22). Gene is the last living member of the 1947 lineup! I spent an afternoon with Gene and his lovely wife, PLUS Don and Sylvia Hatten—Don is the son of Dodger pitcher Joe Hatten! But that's not all! Joe's brother joined us, as did Billy Phifer and his bride—Billy was the Brooklyn batboy from 1950-53 and part of Brooklyn's HOF!. I tell ya, this trip was HEAVEN for this stump-jumper from Missouri!

[KCGHOST]

Just a wonderful set of photos.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Great pics. Really.

[Todd Anderson]

Top to bottom:
Getting closer to game time. Cards slowly exit to allow the Dodger players practice time. I checked to see if Red Schoendienst might be with the club, but he wasn't. (He had been a teammate with my dad in '53.) Pujols and Molina weren't around wither. Perhaps they were in China? Dunno.

I got to spend time next to catcher Russell Martin as he warmed up the pitcher. What a treat to be this close. I could almost imagine my dad doing the same thing in 1946. My brothers used to see this stuff all the time. Here I finally was behind the scenes getting taste of it all. Very tough to pen the right words. Later, during the game, I would get to watch this guy launch a homer that headed toward Tallahassee.

I was amazed my piddly digital camera caught the ball in flight! You can see the main spring training offices in the background. The upper portion of the building, sporting the red,white and blue banners, is the balcony area. Underneath that, about half way down the length of the building, was the Dodger pros locker room.

[Todd Anderson]

Some more photos of Dodgers catchers warming up the pitchers. I'm probably the only one on the planet who didn't know this, but I was surprised when the pitchers deliberately threw probably 15-20 BAD pitches to Martin (you can see how torn up the ground is behind the plate on the left). Reason: so he could practice blocking the ball and keeping it from gettin' away! Makes sense! After he completed that drill, he and other catchers slid over to the right,...to an "unspoiled" plate area to catch additional pitches. hahaha Too much.

PLAY BALL! What a glorious day! I can see how spoiled Floridans have become to having this venue around all these years. I can't help bu think they will miss it terribly. I spoke with some fans who have been coming to these games for 40 years or more. What great memories they shared!

A picture of our seats (as Bob Uecker would say) ""Right there on the front rooooooow!!!" To be honest, it was the second row, but who cares! (grin) The Dodgers had provided us with tremendous seats right behind the catcher. Whatta hoot! My dad surely must have been smiling down on all this.

Following are other photos I took a few innings later, just to capture the feel of the park from different angles.

[Todd Anderson]

Photo looking toward left field. I think the crowds were about 60% Cardinal fans. They have a huge following in Florida.

Tommy Lasorda takes over the manager spot for Joe Torre, since Joe was in China. Tommy is shown providing some signs to a player. The crowd really enjoyed his presence. To his right is Bob Schaefer, who was a bench coach with the Royals in 1991 when I lived in the KC area. I got to speak to him later that day—nice guy. Larry Bowa (I think) is to Tommy's left. I used to watch Bowa play with the Phillies when I was stationed in Phillies in '76 and '77. Back then I could get into Veterans stadium for 50 cents with my military ID! Then again, that just got me a seat in the top of the stadium (ha).

Also pictured here are three plaques that I stumbled upon, up by the concession area (mustard and ketchup dispensers were directly underneath them). I found them really interesting.

Gotta run for now. Will post more on Sunday! Y'all have a blessed Easter!
Todd

[Ralph Zig Tyko]

It is beyond me how the Dodgers can even consider, let alone actualize, a move from this living testament to their history. What a tragedy...

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I have to say it again. Great pics. You are giving us a great view of the whole complex. It is a great historical document that should be cherished.

Kudos!

[penncentralpete]

Whatta photo! However, this one was HUGE—at least 5-6 ft across. So I had to angle the camera in a weird way, due to the narrow hallway I stood in, to capture most of it. The pic shows an opposing pitcher delivering the ball to Eddie Stanky, during a game at Ebbets Field (note someone spelled it incorrectly). The photo asks the question, "Can you find the ball?"

I got to thinking that maybe most visitors here may not be able to locate the ball, since it's greatly reduced, etc. (Shoot, I stood right in FRONT of this for a few minutes before I finally gave up and Nancy Gollnick had to show me!) So, I added an "arrow" pointing to the dark gray circle with a shadow under it (ta-dah!). It was amazing how high the pitch appeared compared to where Stanky stood. Was it a sinker that was thrown? A curve? Who knows. This photo may have been around before, but I had never seen it. I would LOVE to have a copy of it on my wall! The scale of the ballpark makes the photo mesmerizing. Sure wish the ball club would make posters of it.

By the way, each photo you're viewing had to have a protective piece of plastic put over it, because guests invariably wanted to "touch" the players, etc. Some, like this one, had minor blemishes from the years of fingers wishing to get a little closer to their heroes. Who can blame them?
The Left Coast Team spelled Ebbets WRONG...............oh my!! Check out the picture in post #10 (Miksis at bat).

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

The Left Coast Team spelled Ebbets WRONG...............oh my!! Check out the picture in post #10 (Miksis at bat).

Doesn't that prove our point that they do not really care about their past?

[willisraverchk77]

I think the crowds were about 60% Cardinal fans. They have a huge following in Florida.

...and Yankee games there are 70% yankee fans...and red sox games are 70% red sox fans... and mets games are 70% mets fans... and people are wondering why they're moving to arizona.

great pics btw! you did really good!

[willisraverchk77]

The Left Coast Team spelled Ebbets WRONG...............oh my!! Check out the picture in post #10 (Miksis at bat).

wrong - that picture as well as the caption is vintage from the brooklyn era.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

...and Yankee games there are 70% yankee fans...and red sox games are 70% red sox fans... and mets games are 70% mets fans... and people are wondering why they're moving to arizona.

great pics btw! you did really good!

I think that everybody on this board understands why the Dodgers are moving to Az. It is no rocket science, isn't it?

But for these fans it is sad to see that the last tie with Brooklyn is cut as well.

[stejay]

If I could, I would have loved to go to Ebbets Field.

[EdTarbusz]

1955 squad; Brooklym Bum character takes a swing during spring training (would be interesting to hear about this guy); You gotta love the types of gloves these guys had to work with back then; the first batting machine at Dodgertown-the Foster Pitching Arm. Not sure who the coach might be standing next to the "arm."

The Brooklyn Bum looks like Emmett Kelly.

[stejay]

The Brooklyn Bum looks like Emmett Kelly.

Oh my gosh, yes!:rofl::thumbsup::applaud:

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

If I could, I would have loved to go to Ebbets Field.

If we could turn back time, I would like to visit Ebbetts Field (as the LA Dodgers are writing it :yawn:) too, together with the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Crosley Field and Shibe Park.

[stejay]

I would like Crosley Field, Polo Grounds, Three Rivers Stadium, Comiskey Park and the LA Wrigley.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I would like Crosley Field, Polo Grounds, Three Rivers Stadium, Comiskey Park and the LA Wrigley.

I forgot Comiskey Park.

Wasn't Three Rivers a cookie cutter?

[stejay]

An image of Three Rivers Stadium...
http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/past/threeuse.jpg
Also, I would love to see Comiskey Park
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Old_comiskey_park.jpg

[willisraverchk77]

If we could turn back time, I would like to visit Ebbetts Field (as the LA Dodgers are writing it :yawn:)

hahaha. dude,the BROOKLYN dodgers misspelled that photo caption--it's from the 50s. :rofl:

[Aa3rt]

Todd,

I really appreciated not only the photos but the heartfelt narrative as well. Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience with all of us at BBF!

[Todd Anderson]

Below:

Here's another shot of Holman Stadium—the large area behind home is the press box. Vin Scully and others were located in there.

After the game, I was able to chat with Tony LaRussa for quite a while before he got on the team bus. Great guy. (You may wonder why I had so many shots of the Cardinals and not so many close-ups of the Dodger players. Hey, the Dodger players walked all around me. I coulda reached out and knock their caps off. But Nancy had told me earlier in the day that she would get me in the pros locker room after the game, to meet the Dodger players, so I figured I'd wait until THEN to stat snapping their pics. Well, for some reason, it just didn't happen (rats). Things got in the way, time-wise, I guess. Hey, that's OK. I had already had a treat of a day. Besides, many of them hustled out as quickly as they could.

Conference room located upstairs in the main office where Lasorda and other managers meet in almost daily during spring training.

Inside the Spring Training office, I spotted this neat photo heralding the '55 squad.

[Todd Anderson]

This painting hung in Craig Callan's office. I knew it wouldn't do the painting credit, but I took a picture of it anyway. At the top, the artist (John Groth) penned the following:

To Walter O'Malley
John Groth, Dodgertown, Florida, 1955

I think this painting graced Sports Illustrated at some point. It captured many action scenes that obviously went on within the facility. What a gorgeous painting. Wish there were prints of it for sale. Note that he captured the barracks that were present at the time. Also, in the right center portion, you see catchers receiving pitches. But note the gizmos in front of each catcher—poles with ropes strung between them—showing the strike zone! Pretty ingenious. Don't think I'd ever heard of that before. Bottom left: a player signs autographs for lots of kids that are lined up. Directly to their left, a couple of girls strike up a conversation with two players. Beautiful composition. I loved the coloring as well.

[dodger dynamo]

Thanks Todd old buddy, great pictures, great story. I've been away a while and I came back at just the right time. I know the logistics of vero beach to where the team plays is the reason they say their leaving, but for 50 yrs. It hasn't been that big of a problem. To leave vero beach is another mistake. I just shake my head, it's really stupid, yea, I said it. It's just crazy to sever that base ball link with the past. battlin bake, the dodger dynamo

[Todd Anderson]

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, we had lunch in the Dodger dining room. After thanking the chow supervisors and waitresses, to our amazement they invited us BACK for supper! (Hoo, boy!) However, the main office reminded us that the chow hall was a place where players/coaches enjoyed some peace, and that we shouldn't assume that we could go around asking for autographs and such. We agreed wholeheartedly, just being grateful to once again be allowed so close.

After the game, we got cleaned up and returned for supper. After the meal (which was great) we sat quietly drinking coffee, enjoying the view of all the players and watching their interaction. Most appeared to be minor leaguers, almost like they had just stepped out of the youth choir at my church (either that, or I'm gittin' old)! We then noticed the starting Dodger pitcher that had endured a tough day, giving up a homer that put the Cards in the league for good. He was at a table close to us, chatting with a minor leaguer who asked him, "How'd you do?"
"Not so hot. Gave up three runs in two minutes."
"What happened?"
"Well,....my sinker...it wasn't sinkin'." (hahahaha Classic! Doncha love that?)

Then, as we sat there, in walked Maury Wills! We sat wide-eyed, not saying a thing. next thing I know the waitress grabs him before he gets in line to get some food and tells him about us. He immediately comes over, smiling, and shakes hands with us! I stuttered and stammered like a moron, and told him we didn't intend to interrupt his supper. "It's no interruption. Tell me why you're here." After telling him [briefly] I showed him some stuff of my dad's, including the autograph book that contained sigs from Campanella, Robinson, Snyder, Hodges and the rest. He then came up on a blank page and said, "Can I sign here?" Jeepers! I replied, "Absolutely!" So that's how I landed the sig of this future Hall-of-famer! Like a pinhead, I didn't ask for his photo. I guess I felt like I was imposing too much. Oh, well...

We sat back and watched Tommy Lasorda with a group of guys, sitting at a corner table. They ate and chatted about baseball matters. We sat for long time and decided it was probably time to call it a night. Suddenly that whole table got up and headed our way to leave the dining room. Tommy had been looking at us off and on, and headed over to us! "Hey there, fellas! Who are you guys?" So I handed him my photo book which was already opened and asked if he knew these players. I pointed to the photo that contained my dad with players like Eddie Stanky and Dixie Walker. He stopped and started thumbing through the pages. After telling him who I was, he surprised me by stating, "Didn't you get my letter? I got your great letter about your father and wrote you back. Didn't you get it?"
"No, sir, I'm afraid I didn't. I'm sure sorry."
"Well, let's take a moment and talk about your dad. But first I need to find the men's room."
So off he went. I stood in the dining room foyer waiting, with my jaw on the ground, not knowing what to think! He then came out of the men's room and turned away from me and headed in the opposite direction down the hall. His assistant walked toward me and I figured I'd hear him him tell me that Tommy was tired, etc. and that he had called it an night. I asked, "So, he's leaving, right?"
"NO! He wants you to come down to the lounge so he can check out the photos. Go on down there!"
Well, lemme tell you, I grabbed my stuff, pronto. Neal and I made a beeline down to the Dodger Lounge and there Tommy stood. "Come on in! Let's go over by the bar and look at those photos."
We surrounded a table for four, that had a dim light shining down on the table top. Tommy opened the book, with the first pages showing minor league team pics of my dad while he was in places like Joplin, MO., Hagerstown, MD, Havana, Caracas, Panama, etc. Slowly he ran his finger over the faces of each player. He knew many of them. He seemed to grow emotional, noting the passage of time. Most of these men from the 30s and 40s were gone, leaving only their images on these pictures. While I was giddy with excitement being this close to such an iconic figure, I sat reverently and watched him roll back the clock. Memories were in abundance. He talked about each man and knew them intimately.
"Would there be any way I could get copies of some of these?"
"Absolutely, Tommy. I'd be happy to do that for you."
"That'd be great. These pictures are fantastic. Really fantastic. I love this stuff."
I got the idea that he hadn't seen photos of many of these players for a long time. Shoot, perhaps he didn't have many photos himself, I dunno. He was in hog heaven. I was glad they provided him so much to talk about.
Then, other coaches grew curious at what we were looking at. As they all gathered around, Tommy bellowed, "Let me tell you about Andy Anderson. (As he spoke about my dad, I must have looked like a deer in the headlights, so help me) A strong catcher. Great guy. But tough as they come. I remember one time we [the Dodgers] were playing an exhibition game against Toronto. Your dad was the catcher that day. Well, a bunch of our guys were making fun of your dad and the way he held his neck. (NOTE: my dad cocked his head to the side, due to an old injury. Reason: he did it to"fuse" the images together. It was a weird malady he lived with all his life. His head was always held to the side, so he could see distance.) They were yelling "turkey neck" at him and other stuff. Teasing him like crazy. All of a sudden, in the middle of the game, he gets up, takes off his mask and walks over to our dugout! He points and yells at us...that if anybody has the guts to come out and call him a name to his FACE, to come right on out. WHOA! Man, everyone one of us sat on our hands. NOBODY moved a muscle. That guy was one TOUGH cookie!"
Well, I rolled with laughter. We sat there, listening to stories and guffawing about my dad for nearly an hour. "Your dad was a good man. Everyone knew Andy. He always hustled on every play." I thanked him through watery eyes for allowing me to know more about my dad as a ballplayer.
Then, he stood up to bid us goodnight. I showed him the same autograph book that I had showed Wills. I asked if he would mind signing it. He just yelled out, "Somebody grab me a PEN!" Then I asked if I could get a photo with him. "Sure. You better believe it!" So there I am, sunburned face and all, standing with Tommy Lasorda. Probably no big deal to some folks. And I really could care less if it IS a big deal to anyone. It was a big deal to me, because after thirty years...for just a few minutes...I had my dad back. And it felt great.

Before I let the Dodger Lounge I took a photo of the 1955 collage that celebrated their World Series victory. They had other photos of all the other World Series wins, but I was so tired and emotionally drained, that I never thought to take more pics. I floated out the door, shaking my head over what I had just gotten to enjoy.

[Todd Anderson]

If I sound like a 10 year-old kid at the ballpark, then I’m doing a pretty good job of telling the story, ‘cuz that’s exactly how I felt! As I strolled that evening from the conference center back across the minor league area, past all the practice fields and Holman Stadium, and back to my car, I looked at the main office which was lit up like a postcard. I felt that I had been given a very special day. It was fun feeling like part of the Dodger family.

From what I've red, you've enjoyed seeing the photos. I'm sure glad. You may even see more photos posted soon. That same weekend, Don Hatten (son of Dodger pitcher Joe Hatten) and his lovely wife, Sylvia, were also afforded the same royal treatment. So they may be posting their own photos of Vero Beach.

Since I stumbled on to this site, I've read many opinions regarding the Dodgers. I'm not hear to insult anyone's opinion—they are entitled to 'em. However, I can't help but think that the Dodger organization may regret leaving this historic spread. As you try to comprehend the history of this place, you wonder if ANYthing is respected anymore. Does money really control everything? Could we one day see the Hall of Fame moved from Cooperstown to some other city, if someone offers them enough incentives to do so? Maybe it'll be like stadiums and they'll rename it the "Pizza Hut Hall of Fame." At what point do we cherish what he have instead of putting it on the auction block? Many ridicule sentimental views, calling them outdated, etc. But it's like my dad used to say, "The obituary column doesn't mean anything unless it contains someone you know." So to some, moving the Dodgers is no big deal. But to Brooklyn "family members," I can see how it would. Those folks have stayed invested in their team, if only in memory.

Oh, well. A man once told me, I'm just like you,...only different." In other words, he was as strong in is beliefs as I was mine. Guess we're all like that. I just wish that everyone could be afforded the same view I was of Dodgertown. Maybe they'd understand a little more why it's sad to see it go.

Best wishess,
Todd (Anderson)
Proud son of #14

[penncentralpete]

wrong - that picture as well as the caption is vintage from the brooklyn era.

Because the PHOTOGRAPH was taken in the 1950's doesn't mean the framing of said picture was completed in the 1950's. And you can bet it wasn't..........no one connected with the Dodgers in the '50's would (could) spell Ebbets incorrectly.

[willisraverchk77]

Because the PHOTOGRAPH was taken in the 1950's doesn't mean the framing of said picture was completed in the 1950's. And you can bet it wasn't..........no one connected with the Dodgers in the '50's would (could) spell Ebbets incorrectly.

sorry, but you're wrong.

[DODGER DEB]

sorry, but you're wrong.

Let's try to stick to the topic of this thread....Todd's visit to DODGERTOWN....in a positive way.

While I know your comments on the incorrect spelling of OUR Ebbets Field resulted from a photo in this thread, there is no need to dwell on it and fill this thread with anything other than enjoying Todd's visit and how graciously he is sharing his great photos and commentary with US.

All loyal and true BROOKLYN DODGER FANS know the correct spelling of OUR Ebbets Field. Let's just leave it at that!

Your cooperation is appreciated.

c.

[Todd Anderson]

I stumbled upon our ticket stubs from March 14th, AND a Dodger mini-schedule that was prevalent throughout the park. Thought someone might enjoy looking at 'em. The tickets were interesting. I'm used to somebody tearing off a portion, then handing me back a stub. In this case, they just "scanned" them and handed 'em back!

Guess this all comes under the heading "keepsake" now...

[dodger dynamo]

The one thing I have to say is that Dodgertown doesn't "have" to go, anywhere, they Just want it to. There was another time like this many years ago, we knew it was coming. If they had moved the team and dodgertown back then at least we were younger and the bitter pill could have been swallowed all at once. now 50 years later we're getting the after taste. In a way it really hurts too. Sports teams have no loyalty to any place or to us. Whatever the reality always was, or is, 51 years ago we believed they did. Now the people in vero beach know it too. Thanks Todd, your story and pictures are great. battlin bake, the dodger dynamo

[strummer]

I just got back from being out of the country and these photos really welcome me home and back to Dodgerstuff.
The photos are great. I was at Fantasy camp some years ago and took pics, but never the amount nor the quality of Todd's. THESE ARE GREAT PHOTOS AND REMARKS.
THANKYOU SO MUCH!!!

[Todd Anderson]

So GLAD you enjoyed my posts, Strummer. I really looked forward to sharing them with y'all.

I would LOVE to take in a Fantasy camp. You oughta post pics from your time there! Would love to see them.

Hey, you can check out the Dodgertown website (http://www.ladabc.com/about.php) to see if the camp price is still comparable to what you had to pay. If they continue it in Arizona, something tells me the price may make camp even MORE of a fantasy for guys like me! Hoo, boy!

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

So GLAD you enjoyed my posts, Strummer. I really looked forward to sharing them with y'all.

I would LOVE to take in a Fantasy camp. You oughta post pics from your time there! Would love to see them.

Hey, you can check out the Dodgertown website (http://www.ladabc.com/about.php) to see if the camp price is still comparable to what you had to pay. If they continue it in Arizona, something tells me the price may make camp even MORE of a fantasy for guys like me! Hoo, boy!

$ 4,600.00? Man, that's an aweful lot of money. That is not for the average baseball fan. :eek:

[Todd Anderson]

At one point in my visit, they could tell I was having way too much fun. So some in the Spring Training office suggested I should consider attending their Fantasy Camp. (There's even some I learned that do it EVERY YEAR!) I joked back that I just couldn't convince myself to pay, for a couple of weeks, what my dad got from the Dodgers for catching an entire season! hahahaha

Still, it would be a hoot. It'd be even more of a hoot if it were possible to have a fantasy camp with all the Dodger faithful I've connected with. Shoot, between practice and staying up late sharing memories, no one would be able to sleep! ;c)

[Todd Anderson]

I've mentioned in previous posts that I was fortunate to connect with Don and Sylvia Hatten (shown below) during my trip to Florida. You'll recall Don's dad, JOE, pitched for the Dodgers. Anyway, like me, the Hatten's were treated to a close up look at Dodgertown. These two are lots of fun. Wished they lived closer to Missouri!

Upon returning from their Dodgertown trip and Hermanski visit, Sylvia underwent "spinal fusion" surgery. Don tells me her L4, L5 and F1 vertebra were to be fused together into one long piece (ouch). However, docs had to revise their surgery strategy when they discovered that two of the vertebra were shot. Good news: Sylvia came through like a pro and is now on the disabled list. However, there is considerable pain to endure for some time, whcih means she'll be limping around the bases. We wish her all the best and can assure her that she will be in our prayers and hope she makes it back to the starting lineup. If not this season, the certainly for 2009! ;c) Lucky for her she has Don to take good care of her.

Don mentioned that many of their trip photos looked just like the ones I took. However, I assured him that those visiting this thread would still enjoy seeing their take. It may be a while, but I'll wager that if you check back, you'll see/read some great material from the Hattens.

ALL OF US AT BBF SAY "GET WELL, SYLVIA!" - Todd

[Todd Anderson]

UPDATE: I'm told by Don Hatten that his wife, Sylvia is slated to leave the hospital today, where she has been for some time after undergoing back surgery (ouch!). They will head home to Redding, CA. I'm told she is on painkillers but off the IV's and eating solid food again. Glad to hear that, Don! We'll continue praying her recovery and look forward to hearing updates after she is up and at 'em!. Hang in there, Sylvia! - Todd

[Stat One Author]

I had the chance to attend spring training in Vero Beach this year, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's a shame the Dodgers won't be there anymore. I understand the reasons behind moving to AZ, but the Grapefruit League just won't be the same without them.:homeplate:

[SYLVIA HATTEN]

UPDATE: I'm told by Don Hatten that his wife, Sylvia is slated to leave the hospital today, where she has been for some time after undergoing back surgery (ouch!). They will head home to Redding, CA. I'm told she is on painkillers but off the IV's and eating solid food again. Glad to hear that, Don! We'll continue praying her recovery and look forward to hearing updates after she is up and at 'em!. Hang in there, Sylvia! - Todd

My apologies for not posting sooner. Thank you, Todd, and everyone for all of your well wishes. I am feeling much better after my spinal fusion. My doctor says this is a 6-12 month recovery and I must be patient! I recently started physical therapy and I'm even sitting in a chair as I type this! I have been keeping on top of BBF news via my cell phone. The past few months have been very interesting to say the least!

Dodgertown was everything that Todd described. Having had the opportunity to access almost all areas of Dodgertown was a true bonus and we do not take it for granted. Don and I are very, very grateful to our hosts for our time there.

I'm going to start a new thread. Todd and I took many of the same photos, but there may be some new ones of interest to Brooklyn fans.

Thank you for helping me get "back" into the game. (pun intended)

Sylvia

[penncentralpete]

My apologies for not posting sooner. Thank you, Todd, and everyone for all of your well wishes. I am feeling much better after my spinal fusion. My doctor says this is a 6-12 month recovery and I must be patient! I recently started physical therapy and I'm even sitting in a chair as I type this! I have been keeping on top of BBF news via my cell phone. The past few months have been very interesting to say the least!

Dodgertown was everything that Todd described. Having had the opportunity to access almost all areas of Dodgertown was a true bonus and we do not take it for granted. Don and I are very, very grateful to our hosts for our time there.

I'm going to start a new thread. Todd and I took many of the same photos, but there may be some new ones of interest to Brooklyn fans.

Thank you for helping me get "back" into the game. (pun intended)

Sylvia

Hello Sylvia: Very happy to hear you're feeling better. Follow your doctor's orders and take it one step at a time. God speed.

[metrotheme]

Did your dad play in the 1952 Caribbean Series for Venezuela? Did he ever talk about playing winter ball?

[Todd Anderson]

My dad played winter ball in places like Caracas, Venezuela,...Havana, Cuba,...Panama. Not sure if he played in the series you referred to. Sure sorry. I'll ask my older brother. I know he had to attend school in those foreign countries, so he'll know a bunch. Many thanks for asking, Metro!

Todd

[Meadowlark]

Could we one day see the Hall of Fame moved from Cooperstown to some other city

The reverence Cooperstown is held in baffles me somewhat as it was founded on largely invented mythology.

Brooklyn has a greater historical claim to be the true home of baseball.