I love the pure unadulterated joy on their faces.
Above is a September 24, 1947 AP press photo featuring a Dodger celebration unlike anything I've ever seen (eBay Auction Link). Per the description on the reverse:
Julibant Brooklyn Dodgers gather around the piano in the clubhouse at Ebbets Field in their impromptu celebration over the clinching of the National League pennant. Playing the piano for the musically inclined team is catcher Bobby Bragan. Seated on the end of stool in the foreground with a broad grin is Manager Burt Shotton.Can you just imagine the Dodgers, or any team for that matter, pulling out instruments during a clinching celebration? UPDATE: Who's the guy (with his face cut-off) on the top-left corner with the fantastic mustache? I need to know!
Below are more links to check out:
- This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley, in a last ditch effort to save baseball in Brooklyn, lends his public support for a Wagner-Cashmore plan to build a $30-million Brooklyn sports center -- promising to purchase $4 million worth of the bonds. Unfortunately of them, lack of funding from the city's Board of Estimates killed the plan. In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner. He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers. To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season and become an important leader in the clubhouse.
- Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!