Here are three Hall of Famers - all of which are joining the Dodgers for the first time - hanging out in Clearwater, FL during Spring Training, circa 1932. This pic recently sold at RMY Auction at $169. (auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:
Waite Hoyt, former star of the New York Yankees and who rounded out last season as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics, with Hack Wilson, heavy slugger of the National League who served last season with the Chicago Cubs, demonstrating to Max Carey, new pilot (manager) of the "Robins," how they expect to contribute to a large extent with their batting and pitching in bringing the National League Pennant to Brooklyn this season. The boys are rather modest and had nothing to say as to how they expect to fare in the World Series. But the pennant and the World's Series are both far off for the boys are just about shaking off the winter kinks at the Robins Spring Training camp at Clearwater, FLA.Unfortunately, the addition of these three greats did little to change the Dodgers fortunes. They finished the season in third place -- nine games behind the Cubs. Below are more links to check out:
- This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 the Dodgers traded Johnny Frederick, Art Herring and cash to the Sacramento Senators of the PCL for outfielder Frenchy Bordagaray. Frenchy would play two seasons on Brooklyn, slashing .297/.332/.389/.721, before being traded to the Cardinals. He would then come back to the Dodgers in 1942 and play an additional four season. Also on this day Commissioner Judge Landis denied the Dodgers' claim to eventual back-to-back no-hit hurler Johnny Vander Meer. The club had signed Johnny in 1933 as an 18-year old, but quickly gave up on him. By the next year, though, he had turned things around. So, the Dodgers filed a grievance claiming he was their property, but Judge Landis disagreed; stating that they only showed renewed interest once he starting throwing better.
- Happy Birthday, Frank Hansford, Andy Rush & Bonnie Hollingsworth!