This Day in Walter O’Malley History:
-
Walter O’Malley issues a press statement regarding the possibility of progress on a new stadium for the Dodgers in Brooklyn at the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues. He comments on aging Ebbets Field, opened in 1913, “It will be sad to see Ebbets Field demolished but anyone familiar with its many limitations will understand that this fine old landmark has to go and soon.”
-
The hilarious and outrageous antics of the beloved Harlem Globetrotters come to Dodger Stadium, as a basketball court is placed on the infield between home and third base. A crowd of 12,405 laugh themselves silly as the world-famous Globetrotters defeat the Atlantic City Seagulls, 46-35. As a bonus, the 1963 World Champion Dodgers play an exhibition basketball game against the World Champion Chicago Bears. It is the only basketball game ever played at Dodger Stadium. Tickets were priced at $4 for Field Box and $3 for Reserved Level. In a contract with the Dodgers signed by Globetrotters owner Abe Saperstein, a “rain date” of February 9 was available.
-
Walter O’Malley writes a letter of congratulations to Ford C. Frick, Baseball Commissioner from 1951-65: “Driving home yesterday from an unsuccessful golf venture I was absolutely thrilled and delighted to catch a news report that you had been voted into the Hall of Fame. Not only do you well deserve it but I do know that you are such a soft and sentimental person that it will give you great pleasure.”
