Dodgers receive Mayor's Award from Association for Corporate Growth

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Dodgers received the 2014 Mayor's Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth.

Dodger President Stan Kasten accepted the award at a reception at The Walt Disney Concert Hall.

"We are honored to receive the Mayor's Award from ACG," said Dodger President Kasten. "Our investments in the team, stadium improvements and community initiatives support not just the team and our fans, but is a key economic driver in the City of Los Angeles."

"Since arriving in 1958, the Dodgers have been one of our city's greatest treasures and helped to make Los Angeles into a world-class city, said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, I'm proud to recognize the Dodgers' contributions to our city, both on and off the field. And I wish the Dodgers the best of luck in bringing home our city's sixth World Series Championship this year." 

The award celebrates how the Dodgers' move west in 1958 changed the business climate in Southern California. The award notes that the club's move not only expanded the reach of Major League Baseball to the west coast, but that many east coast businessmen and their companies decided to follow the Dodger west, and they are indirectly/directly responsible for helping create Los Angeles as an international business center.  

The 2013 season was quite remarkable year for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Their first full season under new ownership left an indelible mark not only on the team and its expanded fan base, but throughout the City of Los Angeles, as well. The Dodgers started the 2014 year with more than three million tickets sold before opening day and over 75 percent of their games will see crowds of over 40,000. The economic impact for the city of Los Angeles is evident, particularly for the restaurants and bars along Sunset and in Echo Park.