12/21/24
March 29, 2007
Blue Heaven: Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida, will close when this spring training ends. The Dodgers will move to a new, state-of-the-art complex in Glendale, Arizona next year. Take time to watch this piece. It speaks for itself.
You're right. Next spring's it. It's still a great tribute, and someplace worth going to if you've never been. You've got one more shot.
posted by dyams at 11:27 AM on March 29, 2007
What I like best about dodgertown is the players stayed their that meant they stayed with the minorities during the 50' and 60's while the other teams went to hotels
posted by luther70 at 12:21 PM on March 29, 2007
Thanks for the link. He hit the tone exactly right.
posted by olelefthander at 12:37 PM on March 29, 2007
Blue Heaven was neat. I find it sad when ever a Big League team moves to a new Spring home. Many clubs have moved to new homes in Arizona, leaving their Grapefruit League fans devastated. Baseball is our most nostalgic and sentimental game but it is a business.
posted by sickleguy at 01:36 PM on March 29, 2007
I didn't watch the whole video, but there is one interesting coincidence locally. In 1946, the Dodgers had a minor league team here in Nashua, NH, to which they assigned 2 of their outstanding prospects, Don Newcomb and Roy Campanella. The manager of the team was Walter Alston. The stadium in which they played is still in use by the Nashua Pride of the CanAm League (Independent), who, as a memorial to that team, wear uniforms similar to those of the Dodgers, with the Dodger Blue and white color scheme. The coincidence is that the stadium in Nashua is named Holman Stadium, as is the stadium in Vero Beach. They are not named after the same person. Holman in Nashua is also used for youth baseball and high school games. I have had the privilege of umpiring a few games there. Every time I get behind the plate, I feel blessed that I am able to be standing right behind the spot that Campanella occupied, looking out at the mound where Newcomb once stood. I guess that sort of continuity is one of the things that makes baseball unique. By the way, does anyone remember a movie called It happens Every Spring? I remember it was about Dodgertown and the efforts of a fictional rookie to make the team.
posted by Howard_T at 02:12 PM on March 29, 2007
I saw a game at Dodgertown last spring. It's the perfect place to see a spring game -- much better than the other two parks I've visited -- Crackerjack Field at Disney World to see the Braves and Port St. Lucie to see the Mets. I'm glad I have one last chance next year, but it's a crime they're moving.
posted by rcade at 02:48 PM on March 31, 2007
I'm pretty sure the Dodgers aren't moving to Arizona until 2009, even though I see it reported all over the place that this is the last year in Vero Beach. How can they move when the Glendale stadium isn't yet complete?