This Day in Walter O’Malley History: January 22

Young Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully meets at the Dodger offices with Walter O’Malley. Scully had finished his second season in the broadcast booth with mentors Red Barber and Connie Desmond.

Walter O’Malley sends a congratulatory letter to Stanley R. “Bucky” Harris, who was named General Manager of the Boston Red Sox. Harris was the player-manager for the 1924 World Champion Washington Senators and the manager for the 1947 World Champion New York Yankees. “I know you will do a great job for the Red Sox and Mr. (Thomas A.) Yawkey,” wrote O’Malley. After serving 40 years as a player, manager and executive, Harris was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975.

Walter O’Malley writes United States Ambassador to Japan Honorable Edwin O. Reischauer regarding the invitation of sports columnist Sotaro Suzuki and his wife Toku to attend Spring Training for one month. “I am taking the liberty of enclosing an executed copy of that invitation which will serve to acquaint you with the purpose and detail of the invitation, and also will advise you that all expense involved is the obligation of Los Angeles Dodgers.” In 1968, author Suzuki was inducted into the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame for his significant contributions in international relations and the growth of the game in Japan.”