1981
March 7, 1981
The Sporting News has a feature on Dodgertown and the author compares the Spring Training site to Disneyland. "If you're willing to accept such notables as Don Newcombe, Sandy Koufax, and Ron Fairly in their stead, you probably couldn't tell Dodgertown from Disneyland. Actually, that's not entirely correct. The Los Angeles Dodgers' Spring Training facility is undoubtedly larger."Â 1
March 7, 1981
The Dodgers and the Yomiuri Giants were working out in Dodgertown when in the words of the Los Angeles Times, "a torrential downpour" caused the Dodgers to immediately leave the field. It was noted the Yomiuri Giants then remained practicing for five more minutes before seeking shelter. 2
March 8, 1981
The Yomiuri Giants are spending Spring Training in Dodgertown and the great slugger Sadaharu Oh spoke at a press conference. Oh was asked what Dodger player he admired. "Steve Garvey is my favorite Dodger because of his physical structure," said Oh. "He's not too tall. He's the same height as Japanese players. He (Garvey) plays the game seriously, with a sincere attitude."Â 3
March 8, 1981
Dodger outfielder Reggie Smith showed great concern for his manager Tom Lasorda. Lasorda had apparently made a sharp turn in his golf cart and had fallen to the side. Reggie made a safety belt for Lasorda by tying him to a post on the golf cart and securing the belt with a safety chain and lock. Clubhouseman Nobe Kawano had to be located to unlock the "belt" and free Lasorda. 4
March 22, 1981
A Los Angeles Times article reviews some of the young talent in the Dodger organization this Spring Training. One young pitcher mentioned "Saved 14 games at San Antonio (AA level) in 1980. Dodger pitching instructor Larry Sherry said of him, "This kid could come very fast. He's intelligent, retains well, understands. He has one of the best curveballs in camp." Sherry was correct on all points on the right hand relief pitcher that would later win the 1988 Cy Young Award and help the Dodgers win the 1988 World Series. However, the article mistakenly called him "Rorel" Hershiser. 5
March 31, 1981
Late in Spring Training in Dodgertown, the Dodgers today acquired outfielder Ken Landreaux from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Mickey Hatcher and two minor league players. It would be Landreaux who would catch the final out of the sixth game of the 1981 World Series as the Dodgers defeat the New York Yankees for the World Championship.
For more on the history of the Dodgers Spring Training visit walteromalley.com