Los Angeles Dodgers…A Winning Team
The Los Angeles Dodgers originally got their start in 1883 as the Brooklyn Atlantics. After a series of name changes, they finally become the Dodgers in 1913.
Because their old stadium was run down, the owner of the Dodgers began plans to build a new stadium in the 1950s but was prevented from doing so by local politicians. In 1958, after battling with the leaders of the city, the owner, Walter O’Malley, decided to move the team.
There were token attempts at keeping the Dodgers in Brooklyn but the city would not give O’Malley the terms he was set upon for his new stadium, while the officials in Los Angeles seemed more than ready to do so. In 1958 the Brooklyn Dodgers became the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In Los Angeles, the Dodgers were allowed to build the stadium desired under the terms desired. O’Malley got what he wanted and retained full ownership of the stadium and all of its revenue. He had also convinced the Giants to move to the west coast, helping to keep the Dodgers/Saints rivalry alive and well.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won more pennants than any other team in baseball history. To their credit they have twenty-one National League Pennants, eleven West Division Titles, two wild Card Berths and six World Series Titles.
One of baseball’s most famous players, Jackie Robinson was a member of the Dodgers while still in New York. Robinson was the first African-American to play professional baseball outside of the Negro Leagues since the 1880s. The decision by the Dodgers to hire Robinson was instrumental in desegregating baseball and played a large role in the whole civil rights movement.
Robinson was a great player and instrumental in many winning seasons for the team. Today, he is the first African American member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. He also has a rookie of the year award named in his honor and after his death was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal for his role in helping to end segregation in America.
The home of the Los Angeles Dodgers has been Dodger Stadium since 1962. One of the only all baseball fields of the time, it is one of only two stadiums from that era that remains an all baseball venue today. With an all grass surface and seating for 56,000 fans, the stadium was entirely privately financed.
The Dodgers Dream Foundation was created by the team to serve the youth in the Greater Los Angeles Area, especially the underprivileged. Through activities, charities, and community initiative they encourage excellence and achievements in education, health, and fitness. They also fight cancer through annual Think Cure weekends that raise money for cancer research. Even the players’ wives are active, participating in community events and publishing their own children’s book.
The Los Angeles Dodgers show their faith and support for their community every day whether it is on the field or off. They provide great entertainment for their fans and plenty of support for their fellow citizens. This is one team anyone could be proud to call themselves a fan of.
