01/15/2019 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Office of the INDIAN RIVER COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Jason E. Brown, County Administrator Michael C. Zito, Assistant County Administrator MEMORANDUM TO: Members of the Board of County Commissioners FROM: Jason E. Brown County Administrator DATE: December 10, 2018 SUBJECT: Historic Dodgertown Facility Lease Agreement In 1948, the Dodgers set up their Spring Training headquarters in Vero Beach for 26 minor league teams and more than 600 players, and played their first major league exhibition game on March 31' 1948. During more than 50 years of Dodger ownership by the O'Malley family, Dodgertown became synonymous with Major League Baseball's best Spring Training base. Walter O'Malley built the Stadium which opened in 1953 and was dedicated "to Honor Bud L. Holman of the Friendly City of Vero Beach." The history of Dodgertown is notable as the first integrated Spring Training Facility, providing a place for Jackie Robinson to train during his historic color barrier breaking run. Numerous Dodger Hall of Famers have contributed to the distinguished history of these hallowed grounds including Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Don Sutton, Walter Alston, Tommy Lasorda, Branch Rickey, Walter O'Malley, Vin Scully, Red Barber and Jaime Jarrin. In addition, countless Hall of Famers from other Major League teams played Spring Training games at Holman Stadium. The Dodgers and the New York Mets played the first nationally - televised Spring Training game here on March 20, 1988. Historic Dodgertown was the home of Dodger Spring Training for 60 years from 1948 to 2008, and was the starting place for six World Championships and 14 National League Pennant winning teams. In 2012, Peter O'Malley started the next chapter in Historic Dodgertown history, when he formed a partnership and took over management of the property as a multi -sport complex. Today, the facility has never been more active year-round. The all-inclusive facility gives teams of all ages the unique opportunity to train, play, dine, and stay together. Two years ago, Peter O'Malley began laying the groundwork for an agreement between Major League Baseball (MLB) and Indian River County (County) with the goal of developing a partnership that will preserve Historic Dodgertown. MLB has the vision and the resources to make great things happen, and they recognize the rich tradition and history of the facility, and 138