The Dodgers: Brooklyn vs. Los Angeles

In Today's New York Times, Murray Chass writes an article about whether Los Angeles has the right to celebrate the Brooklyn Dodgers 1955 title. I like Murray Chass, but this is a bit much. They are, after all, still the Dodgers. They have been the Dodgers for a long time. It is entirely appropriate that they celebrate this.

First off, there has always been an issue with sports teams that move. There are 4 baseball teams playing currently that have moved and kept their identities. The Dodgers and Giants moved out of New York to the West Coast in 1958. The Braves left Boston in the early 50s for Milwaukee and then left in the Mid-60s for Atlanta. The Athletics moved from Philadelphia in the 50s to Kansas City, and then a few years later moved to Oakland. These teams have all done well to keep track of their roots. The A's still wear the White Elephant logo that they wore in Philly. On the Atlanta Braves Website you can track their history from 1876 to present. 1876!!! At Turner Field you will see statues of famous Braves, like Warren Spahn that never played in Atlanta. You will also see a statue of Ty Cobb. Cobb never played for the Braves in any city, but he is from Georgia.

At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, you will see tributes to the members of the Philadelphia A's. Even though it is the Phillies stadium.

The Dodgers and Giants moved out of Brooklyn and Queens respectively in 1958. The cities were left devastated. In 1961, the expansion Mets came to Queens. And to honor the fans of those two previous teams, they took Dodger Blue and Giant Orange as their team colors. (that’s about enough to make me puke by the way)

I have long been aware of the "tragedy" that was the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn. I also am keenly aware of the fact that 1955 World Series is one of the most famous in history. Because it was the first time in 6 tries, in 10 year span that the Dodgers beat the Yankees. Wait! 6 years out of 10, both World Series teams were in New York? Boy, that's exciting. No wonder pro football started becoming popular about this time.(see my Small-Market Nonsense Post) The point is that I do understand the significance of the Dodgers to the City of Brooklyn, as well as the importance of that series. But the Dodgers still exist. They moved 3000 miles away, and created a new legacy. It IS their right, and more importantly, their responsibility to honor that team. The Dodgers will wear throwback Brooklyn Jerseys this coming Sunday and I think its great. At least somebody will be celebrating it. I don't see the Mets doing it.

-Tom