Hopefully over the next few days I'll be able to post more photos, but for now, we'll start with a Coliseum teaser, a Wrigley pic and vintage shots of Anaheim Stadium. I know, I know! Anaheim Pics? I know those photos might disappoint the Dodger fan in all of us, but, from my perspective, I am fascinated by how much things have changed. Check out the pics below. The outfield area is bare without any seating- no bleachers to be found. The freeway backdrop we have come to expect is not there and the classic "Big A" sign is in its original spot. You can't tell me your not fascinated. Anyway, let's start with the photo parade.
Below is a pic from the 1958 season. This was the Dodgers first year at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
Below is a photo of a stadium long forgotten. It is of Wrigley Field that was once located on the corners of Avalon Boulevard and 41st Street in South Los Angeles. The old PCL team Los Angeles Angels (and Hollywood Stars) played here, as well as, the California Angels in 1961 when they became a MLB expansion team. It was eventually torn down in the mid-'60's. The photo below features the New York Yankees during a exhibition game at Wrigley Field. Also, Richard tells me that the homes in the background are still there today.
Below is a collection of four photos featuring a vintage Anaheim Stadium- The Big A. 
Above is from April 1966. Richard doesn't say exactly, but I suspect this photo is from the "Grand Opening" of Anaheim Stadium on April 19, 1966. After all, what other day would you have a parade of people on the field like that? (I stand corrected. Opening day was against the White Sox and the game below and above is against the Twins. Most likely from Friday April 22, 1966.) (Rob from 6-4-2 comments that it is actually from the following day, Saturday, April 23, 1966.) Below is from the same day during the game against the Twins.
If I'm not mistaken, the LA version of Wrigley is where they filmed the great "home run derby" show.
ReplyDeleteBeat me to it Jason.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the LAT archives, the picture with the marching bands at Angels Stadium was Walt Disney Day, April 23, 1966, a game the Angels eventually won 4-3 on John Warner's 3-run 8th-inning homer in a nationally broadcast game. The pregame show started at 10:00, and included six high school girls' drill teams, a 200 voice choir, thousands of racing pigeons from the Orange Belt Racing Association, the King's Men Drum And Bugle Corps, and the Orange County Square Dancing Society. The thing that tipped me off was that the shadows were going the wrong way for a night game.
ReplyDeleteAlso -- it's a good thing this was a day game. The night before, a transformer blew out in the stadium's fourth home game, and all the lights on the right-field side of the park were out, as were parts of the scoreboard and the PA system. It took electricians 55 minutes to replace the defective transformer.
ReplyDeleteNice catch Rob.
ReplyDelete