DODGER STADIUM: BLUE HEAVEN ON EARTH

David contributed the article “Dodgers Lose To Reds In Dodger Stadium Debut” to the Society for American Baseball Research Games Project. SABR reprinted it in the collection Dodger Stadium: Blue Heaven on Earth. The Dodgers had played in Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since moving from Brooklyn after the 1957 season and won the World Series against the Chicago White Sox in 1959. They lost to the Reds 6-3 in Dodger Stadium’s first game on April 10, 1962. But it was a banner year for the Dodgers. Don Drysdale won the Cy Young Award, Maury Wills set a new record with 104 stolen bases, and Tommy Davis led the Major Leagues with a .346 batting average.

Dodger Stadium: Blue Heaven on Earth features dozens of game stories that highlight the rich history of Dodger Stadium. You’ll read about Sandy Koufax’s perfect game, Don Drysdale’s scoreless-inning streak, Dusty Baker’s historic 30th home run in 1977, Clayton Kershaw’s great no-hitter, and much more. Of course, the book includes the story of Kirk Gibson’s improbable home run in Game One of the 1988 World Series. You’ll also read several quotes from the team’s beloved former broadcaster Vin Scully.