The Move of the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles: A Tale of Money, Control, and Community

As a native of Brooklyn, the transition of the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles is a poignant memory that echoes through generations. Ebbetts Field, the historic stadium that once stood as a symbol of Brooklyn's pride, was indeed too small for the team's ambition. This decision to relocate to Los Angeles, while initially a matter of stadium size, was a complex interplay of various factors that included financial considerations, control over the sport, and the impact on the communities involved.

From Ebbetts Field to Dodger Stadium

During my childhood, Ebbetts Field served as a landmark for Brooklyn baseball. Despite the stadium's limited capacity, it was brimming with excitement and spirit. However, the competition for large crowds between the Giants and Dodgers threatened both teams' futures. The City of New York promised to build a new and larger stadium, but it was not enough to deter Walter O'Malley, owner of the Dodgers, who had other plans.

O'Malley's decision to move to Los Angeles, a city with a growing Southern California market, was driven by several compelling factors. One of the most significant was the potential for higher attendance and revenue. Los Angeles, in the 1950s, had a burgeoning population that could support a major league team. Additionally, the city was offering valuable incentives like free or subsidized land and financial subsidies, which the Dodgers found irresistible.

The Politics and Control

New York City, under its political leadership at the time, thought they held the upper hand. They were planning to build Shea Stadium, which would both block the Dodgers from constructing their own stadium and allow them to dictate the team's future. However, this strategy backfired when neither team seriously considered staying in New York.

Both teams recognized the significance of the biggest market in the world, and the idea of moving to two obscure cities far from other teams was inconceivable. Furthermore, Los Angeles and San Francisco were just emerging as major cities without major league teams, and both offered incentives that made moving the teams more attractive.

The Displacement of Chavez Ravine

The move to Los Angeles also had a significant impact on the community. The Dodgers were offered 325 acres of prime real estate in Chavez Ravine, but the process was not without controversy. The land was taken through eminent domain, displacing a thriving Latino community. This decision brought both financial benefits and ethical dilemmas for the city.

The sale of the land that once belonged to Ebbetts Field also generated a substantial profit, with the area being repurposed to build public housing. This move, while generating revenue, also marked a significant change in the community landscape.

The Impact on Brooklyn and Los Angeles

The relocation of the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles had a profound impact not only on the team itself but also on both cities. In Brooklyn, the loss of the team led to the decline of Ebbetts Field and the departure of the Dodgers' loyal fans. This event marked a turning point in Brooklyn's sports history and its cultural identity.

In Los Angeles, the arrival of the Dodgers brought a new era of baseball enthusiasm. Average attendance doubled from the Dodgers' last year in Brooklyn to their first year in Dodger Stadium, and the team has remained a significant part of the city's culture for over six decades.

Conclusion

The move of the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles was more than a change in teams; it was a shift in the dynamics of American sports, community, and politics. The financial and political considerations, along with the displacement of a community, all played a role in the decision. Meanwhile, the legacy of the Dodgers remains a symbol of both the old and the new in baseball history.