This Day in Walter O’Malley History:

  • Sotaro Suzuki, Japanese sports columnist and advisor to Matsutaro Shoriki, Yomiuri Chairman, meets with Walter O’Malley at the Dodger offices at 215 Montague Street in Brooklyn. Suzuki was instrumental in the arrangements for six major league trips to Japan, including the Dodgers’ visit in October-November, 1956.

  • Along with Capt. Sewell Griggers, Walter O’Malley takes a 50-minute ride in the sheriff’s helicopter over Los Angeles and sees an aerial view of the Chavez Ravine area for the first time. He recognizes that this is the preferred site for a new stadium in L.A. because the convergence of freeways provides access to all areas. However, O’Malley also realizes a huge challenge lies ahead as he correctly estimates the amount of dirt that would have to be moved there at eight million cubic yards. On the same day, O’Malley inspects the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to determine if the football and track and field stadium could be reconfigured for Major League Baseball games.

  • Dodger players are on hand to greet the Israel Hapoel soccer team as it arrives at International Airport, Idlewild, New York. A banner states “SHALOM, Bklyn Dodgers Welcome Israel Champions.” Among the Dodgers shaking hands with arriving members of Israel Hapoel are Sandy Koufax, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Carl Furillo and Don Newcombe. When Israel Hapoel was invited to play in the United States, it did so on the proviso that the team would meet the Dodgers. On May 8, the Dodgers hosted Israel Hapoel to watch a game at Ebbets Field. The Dodgers lost to the Cincinnati Reds, 7-6. On May 12, the Israel team faced the American Soccer League All-Stars at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. One of the game’s featured guests was actress Marilyn Monroe. New York Daily News, May 8, 1957

  • Writing in The Tidings, Charles G. Johnson states, “Chief Meyers, famous old Indian catcher for the N.Y. Giants under John McGraw, made a spiritual retreat at Manresa last weekend. At Sunday’s closing session, Father John Connolly, S.J., asked the Chief if he had any observations. The Chief arose solemnly, rubbed a hand across his wrinkled brow, philosophized: ‘I sure missed a lot of good baseball at the (Los Angeles Memorial) Coliseum this weekend.’ Walter O’Malley would like this old fellow, Giant or not.” Charles G. Johnson, Sports Front, The Tidings, May 2, 1958