The 1957 Brooklyn Dodgers season stands as a pivotal, and ultimately heartbreaking, chapter in baseball history. It marked the 68th season for the franchise in Major League Baseball's National League, but more significantly, it was their last in Brooklyn. The season was overshadowed by the looming threat of relocation, a threat that became a reality when the team moved to Los Angeles after its conclusion. This move signaled the end of an iconic era
for Brooklyn baseball fans, forever changing the landscape of professional sports in New York City.
The Relocation Threat and Walter O'Malley's Demands
The primary catalyst for the Dodgers' departure was owner Walter O'Malley's persistent demand for a new stadium in Brooklyn. O'Malley had made it clear that if the city did not provide him with a modern facility in the borough, he would consider moving the team. His preferred location for a new ballpark was at Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues, a site he actively campaigned for. The city, however, was unable to meet his specific demands for a Brooklyn stadium.
Despite O'Malley's pressure, the best the mayor could offer was a stadium in Queens, a proposition that did not satisfy the owner. This impasse ultimately led O'Malley to make good on his threats. The inability to secure a new stadium in Brooklyn, coupled with the alternative offer of a Queens location, solidified his decision to seek a new home for the Dodgers outside of New York.
A Season Overshadowed by Uncertainty
Throughout the 1957 season, the uncertainty surrounding the team's future undoubtedly weighed on players and fans alike. The Dodgers finished their final National League season in Brooklyn in third place, with a record of 84 wins and 70 losses. This placed them 11 games behind the eventual NL and World Series champion Milwaukee Braves. While a third-place finish is respectable, the season's narrative was dominated by the off-field drama rather than on-field performance.
To further pressure the city, the Dodgers even played eight home games during the season at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, New Jersey. This move was a clear tactic by O'Malley to demonstrate the team's willingness to explore options outside of Brooklyn, reinforcing his demands for a new stadium within the borough. These games in New Jersey served as a stark reminder of the potential future without the Dodgers in Brooklyn.
The Final Game at Ebbets Field
The Dodgers' last game at their beloved Ebbets Field took place on September 24, 1957. This historic game marked the culmination of 68 National League seasons and 75 overall seasons for the franchise in Brooklyn. Danny McDevitt had the distinction of being the last pitcher to take the mound for the Dodgers in a game at Ebbets Field. He pitched a complete game, showcasing a strong performance with nine strikeouts and allowing only five hits.
This final contest was a poignant moment for the team and its loyal fanbase, signifying the end of an era that had seen the Brooklyn Dodgers become an integral part of the borough's identity. The move to Los Angeles after the season closed this significant chapter, leaving behind a legacy of passionate fans and memorable baseball moments in Brooklyn.
