Touring Ebbets Field With Brooklyn Dodgers GM Emil "Buzzie" Bavasi

I’ve been to Brooklyn Ebbets Field.

In my imagination, at least.

I found that so many former Dodgers couldn’t describe the whole ballpark. They might remember superfan Hilda Chester or the ad signs, but that was it. Ex-players often limit themselves to outfield dimensions.

That’s why I sought out former general manager Emil “Buzzie” Bavasi. Here’s what he recalled about Brooklyn’s baseball landmark:

“The rotunda really wasn’t very much. A large dome entrance to the stadium with six ticket windows operating daily.

We had no offices at Ebbets Field. Our offices were on Montague Street just opposite City Hall.

Players usually drove cars to the ballpark. Usually shared rides with each other. We had a special parking lot for the players. However, the subway station wasn’t more than a 150 feet from the ballpark.

The best thing about Ebbets Field was the fanatical fans and the Dodger “Symphoney” band made up of five ticket holders.

The clubhouses were both no more than fifty feet from the field.

Fred Fitzsimmons, former Giant pitcher and later a Dodger, owned and operated a bowling alley across the street from Ebbets Field. Was a meeting place for many after the games.

Good to hear from you.

‘Buzzie’ Bavasi”

I offer my sincere thanks to the awe-inspiring www.Ebbets-Field.com for the image. Stop by to get more of what “Buzzie” was remembering.

Touring Ebbets Field With Brooklyn Dodgers GM Emil “Buzzie” Bavasi

I’ve been to Brooklyn Ebbets Field.

In my imagination, at least.

I found that so many former Dodgers couldn’t describe the whole ballpark. They might remember superfan Hilda Chester or the ad signs, but that was it. Ex-players often limit themselves to outfield dimensions.

That’s why I sought out former general manager Emil “Buzzie” Bavasi. Here’s what he recalled about Brooklyn’s baseball landmark:

“The rotunda really wasn’t very much. A large dome entrance to the stadium with six ticket windows operating daily.

We had no offices at Ebbets Field. Our offices were on Montague Street just opposite City Hall.

Players usually drove cars to the ballpark. Usually shared rides with each other. We had a special parking lot for the players. However, the subway station wasn’t more than a 150 feet from the ballpark.

The best thing about Ebbets Field was the fanatical fans and the Dodger “Symphoney” band made up of five ticket holders.

The clubhouses were both no more than fifty feet from the field.

Fred Fitzsimmons, former Giant pitcher and later a Dodger, owned and operated a bowling alley across the street from Ebbets Field. Was a meeting place for many after the games.

Good to hear from you.

‘Buzzie’ Bavasi”

I offer my sincere thanks to the awe-inspiring www.Ebbets-Field.com for the image. Stop by to get more of what “Buzzie” was remembering.

Slugger Mike Sandlock Made Dodgers Move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles?!?


“Joke.”

I don’t get credit for that one. It’s from Mike Sandlock, yet another witty catcher.

Oh, the punchline comes last. Here’s Mike, offering a fun letter at age 94:

“Remember?!

My first home run in the Polo Grounds. I saw the ball go over the Chesterfield Sign.

Second? The one in Ebbets Field, that one hit the clock in center.

They couldn’t fix it, so they moved to L.A.

Joke.

Both off the same pitcher, Harry Feldman.

P.S. – I wish I could type??”

Why is Mike Sandlock on my heroes list? He is a World War II veteran who delayed the start of his major league career. He’s been a staunch supporter of the Baseball Assistance Team, getting financial aid to disadvantaged former players. Plus, I think he could go joke for joke against Garagiola, Uecker or any other receiver!