As you'll notice below, this week is the anniversary of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale's infamous holdout prior to the start of the 1966 season. They both worked collectively to demand higher salaries, and as you can imagine their gambit caused quite a stir. Heck, even Milton Berle got in on the act. Featured above is a publicity photo from an old show called Hollywood Palace, a Saturday night variety show, and featured are the famous Dodgers duo giving Milton the stink-eye. (eBay Auction link) They were no doubt in the midst of some serious negotiations. This show aired a few days after they had ended their holdout.
Below are more links to check out:
- This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the great Koufax/Drysdale contract holdout commences. They are seeking a collective three year $1MM contract -- to be split evenly. In 2002 the Dodgers signed free agent Japanese starting pitcher Kaz Ishii after posting a $11.26 million bid to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the right to negotiate with him. He would eventually sign a four-year $12.3 million contract with the team.
- Happy Birthday, Al Humphrey, Orlando Alvarez & Trent Oeltjen!