Walter O'Malley had an idea. In the late 1950's he thought he'd move his Dodgers from Brooklyn to the West Coast, and commence the advent of California Baseball. Mr. O'Malley's decision has proven to be monumental as there is a total of 5 Major League teams hailing in The Golden State.
After being in San Diego just under 10 years, the Padres appeared to be headed for Washington D.C.. In the early 1970's, Ray Kroc bought the team and got the attendance over a million annually. Citizens of San Diego give thanks to the late Fast Food Man !
More current times show Arte Moreno in Anaheim wanting to enhance the fan experience. Angel Stadium has several lit up score and promotional boards for fans to get in the game. Angel fans continue to be pleased as the team's popularity just keeps going up like the Rally Monkey's vertical leap.
In the dictionary next to the entry 'economy' should be a mug shot of Billy Beane. What this guy has done for the A's has been nothing short of remarkable. Oakland doesn't have the luxury of making up for their mishaps by spending so there is no room for mistakes and gambles. Every season they are in contention to win the AL West crown and 2006 is no exception.
The Dodgers have always seemed to have strong leadership and values and that formula has led to 5 World Championships in Los Angeles. San Francisco is the other team that came over from New York and they've given their fans loads of individually talented players that have landed in the Hall of Fame. SBC Park is also considered one of the more scenic of the other 29.
So as baseball purists we should all reflect on how our game has prospered from the move out West, and begin construction on a new Walter O'Malley statue at Dodger Stadium. What a genius.
4.25.2006
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