Until the Dodgers moved west in 1958, Los Angeles was home to two AAA PCL minor league teams. The Los Angeles Angels, and the Hollywood Stars. The PCL formed in 1903. The first six teams were the Angels, Portland Beavers, San Francisco Seals, Oakland Oaks, Sacramento Solons and the Seattle Indians.
The Angels played in those days at what was known as Washington Park. It was also known as Chutes Park. This would be their home from 1903-1925. The Angels were also known at times as the Looloos, and Seraphs. They were pretty successful winning pennants in 03-05-07-08-1916 and 1918. From 1915 to 1921 they were owned by John Powers who was a Los Angeles socialite. They were managed by HOFer, Frank Chance of Tinker to Evers to Chance fame.
In 1921 the team was purchased by William Wrigley Jr, who as we all know was the owner of Wrigley Gum, and the Chicago Cubs. Wrigley could not convince the city to make the improvements he wanted to Washington Park, so he started construction on his own 21,000 seat stadium in what now is South East Los Angeles at Avalon and 42nd Place.
The first real cross town rival of the Angels was the Vernon Tigers. The Tigers played in the PCL from 1909 to 1925. They won back to back pennants in 1919 and 1920. There was a little quirk with the PCL that allowed them to play more than 170 games, and some seasons as many as 200. The Angels first year in the league, 1903 they won 133 and lost 78 as the league’s first champions.
One of the attractions of the Tigers playing in Vernon was that it was one of only two cities in Los Angeles county where the sale of alcohol was legal. So up until prohibition Vernon was a popular destination for fans. In 1919 the team was purchased by silent screen star, Roscoe, (Fatty) Arbuckle. On opening day in 1919, there was a preliminary game in which Arbuckle, Tom Mix, and Buster Keaton all participated. I would bet that was fun to watch.
But with attendance dropping, the team was sold to SF interests there in 1926, and began play as the Mission Reds. That move prompted the owner of the Salt Lake City Bees to move his team to L.A. and become the Hollywood Stars. They initially played in Wrigley Field.
The rent at Wrigley was doubled and the team moved again in 1938, this time to San Diego where they became the Padres. So, the Mission Reds moved back to LA, and became the Hollywood Stars. Confusing isn’t it? In 1939 the stars were sold to Robert Cobb, who owned the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood and for whom the Cobb salad is named.
Cobb solicited many Hollywood names to become stockholders in his team. One of which fans would recognize easily, one William Frawley, of I Love Lucy fame. He also built his team a park of their own. Gilmore Field, which was in the Fairfax district of L.A. close to Hollywood. It would be just east of where the CBS studios now stand.
The Stars were fairly successful, and were sometimes referred to as the “Twinks”. The rivalry itself with the Angels was sometimes heated. In fact, a full blown brawl broke out at Gilmore Field between the two teams in August of 1953 and lasted more than 30 minutes. It was only stopped when Police Chief, William Parker sent 50 riot police to the park. He had been watching the game on TV. The Stars in their history won 3 PCL titles. 1929, 1930, and 1949.
The teams and the league had continued popularity, but not too many titles to add to their total. In 1956 the Angels, behind their star, Steve Bilko won what would turn out to be their last PCL title. Bringing them to a total of 11.
After the 56 season, Wrigley’s son, Phil, sold the team and the Ft. Worth Panthers to Walter O’Malley for 3,000,000.00 $. Unheard of in those days. O’Malley promised the PCL owners that he intended to run the Angels as a AAA franchise, and he kept his promise……for one year. The motive now as we all know was to claim the Los Angeles area for himself yso he could move the Dodgers west.
When the Dodgers announced they were moving west, a long rumored move, the Angels uprooted and moved to Spokane, Wash and became the Spokane Indians. The Stars left Hollywood and moved back to Salt Lake City to once again become Bees. The Dodgers adopted the interlocking LA for their caps, but kept Dodger blue and white over adding the red the Angels wore.
The Indians played in Spokane until 1972 as the Dodgers top farm team and then moved to Albuquerque N.M. and became the Dukes. They continued to be the Dodgers top farm team until 2000 when they were sold again and moved to Portland to become the Beavers. In 2010, sold once again, they moved to Tucson, and played there for a couple of years before moving to their home since 2014, El Paso Texas, where they are now the El Paso Chihuahuas of the PCL. A Padres affiliate. The PCL has changed a lot since those early days and now is not really just a west coast league.
They have affiliates as far east as Nashville (Sounds). As far north as Seattle (Rainier’s) and as far south as San Antonio (Missions). 16 teams. Sacramento is the only city of the original 6 still having a franchise. PCL teams also played the first night game on June 10, 1930 at Sacramento’s home ballpark. 5 years before it happened at Crosley Field in Cincinnati in 1935.
Many players from the Angels had some MLB time, including Steve Bilko, Sam Crawford, Gavvy Cravath, Gene Mauch, Jimmy Reese, who also was the Babe’s roomie, Andy Pafko, Jigger Statz, one of the best baseball names ever, Dixie Upright….and a couple of really familiar names, Chuck Connors and Tom Lasorda.
Stars who made it to the bigs, Gus Bell, Bobby Bragan, Bobby Doerr, Gene Freese, Babe Herman holder of the highest BA in Dodger history, Dale Long, Bill Mazeroski, Bob Muesel, member of the 27 Yanks, Lefty O’Doul, won a batting title with the Dodgers in 1931. Mel Queen, Dick (Dr. Strangeglove) Stuart, Lee Walls, also a former Dodger, and Gus Zernial.
The PCL itself has some stellar alumni in the hall, Ted Williams, SD Padres, and Joe DiMaggio, former SF Seal. Tony Lazzeri and Ernie Lombardi also are alumni. One of the better former PCL players today is some guy named Trout who plies his trade for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Someone mentioned this guy before. Seems he might turn out to be pretty good if he keeps it up. Of course all of the home grown Dodgers on the roster today are PCL graduates. One other thing, the 1934 Angels who went 137-50 are considered the # 1 minor league team of all time.
Discussion (92)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I’m starting to think Doc’s best asset being a manager is his patience and confidence in his players. Maybe that’s obvious to a lot of people but the beginning of this season really made it clear to me.
It’s got to mess with Joc’s mind a little bit to be in Anaheim. But I noticed that when he’s on the bench and someone else hits a home run he’s very enthusiastic about cheering . I wanted to trade him three years ago and then he goes on to hit 36 home runs so, there you go. This 60 game schedule is much less forgiving of streaks than a normal schedule.
First they brought Mookie, they even said that that money should have been used in an Ace, then Barnes, Kiké, Pollock, Belli, Muncy, Beaty and now they bring Joc, stop inventing, Joc just like everyone goes through stages cold and hot and Joc is no exception, remember that Joc was hot in SD and then he was seated for two consecutive games against SF and since then he is about 1 to 20 approximately, stop inventing, Joc will be fine, he has done it in the past and will do it again.
I thought maybe Taylor had called for that ball and Joc didnt want to collide with him.
Barnes looking better though, .091 up to .250
I’ve never seen Joc this lost. He swinging at everything out of the zone. Especially off speed. Joc, if it’s spinning don’t swing and wait on a fastball in the zone! Please
Talk about perseverance, Alex Smith, Redskins, er excuse me, Washington Football team QB has been cleared to play. The guy has had 17 surgeries on his leg since it was broke, and was almost amputated. As nice as today’s win was, it could have been better played. There was some sloppiness and lackadaisical play. Joc Pederson has finally gotten me mad at him. HUSTLE! You are getting paid to play, so act like you enjoy it. And enough with all the expletives simply because you do not know the strike zone from your own arse. Taylor was picked off by a great move, but he was leaning the wrong way. Dave leaving Rios in when it was obvious to everyone watching that he was not 100% was DUMB. It cost them a run as did Beaty’s not paying attention to where Rios was. He should have gotten in a run down or at least slid. Rocks and Padres won, Giants got crushed. Standings still the same. Home with the Mariners for 2 days, on the road for 2 and back home on Friday to face the second place Rockettes.
What a difference a week makes. All is well in Dodgersville after sweeping the Angels and finding our bats again. Of course, not everyone feels that way, but I think the vibes are better as of today. Could be turned upside down again by next Sunday. Man, Mookie Betts is fun to watch just because he gives you a little of everything. He was taking some Vince Coleman leads today. So, much fun!
I think the Kaybear debut has to be considered a success, but I thought he was supposed to have a great eye? Looking at his minor league stats it appears he walks more than strikeout, at least more recently. He chased some junk. Oh well, look forward to seeing more of him.
I’m not sure which is prettier? A Bellinger pulled upper decker or a Seager rope to the gap for a standup double. I figured Seager had three objectives this year: stay healthy, hit elite pitchers breaking stuff better, and get to 2nd in the order. A little iffy on the health. Hasn’t really been tested yet on the second. Mission accomplished on the third.
Wasn’t it just a week ago we fired Roberts and traded Muncy and Belly and the Dodgers just weren’t fun to watch.
This team is good even without Bellinger Muncy Joc and the catcher position not hitting much. And without Buehler pitching to his capability. I wish I had confidence in the manager when it comes to playoff time.
I’m very glad Beaty had a good day at the plate and glad Ruiz got off to a good start with that home run.
This is a very good team. I just wish I had confidence in the manager.
There are a few guys on this team that could ruin things and it’s Doc’s responsibility to figure that out.
Joc acts like he does not care. Trade him or send him to USC.
Pederson looks like he does not care. He needs to be traded or sent to USC.
I have to say, that might’ve been the most impressive inning I’ve seen May throw.
He had strike 3 on Rendon, and the ump blew that one. Then after the home run, he gives up 2 seeing eye hits. Doesn’t lose his cool. Gets a double play ball, only to have his 3rd baseman forget how many outs there are. Then he battles former Dodger Rengifo and gets him out!
That was a veteran’s poise on the mound. GREAT to see.
Muncy. Wake up dude.
Needed a change, so I am watching the game on TBS rather than the Dodger station. Darling and Simpson, former Dodger, doing the broadcast. Needed at least a day away from Orel.
3 more HR’s today, Over 40 for the year, they have a shot at hitting close to 100 in a 60 game season. Seager, Ruiz and the Muncinator go deep.
No offense to Barnes but I’m looking forward to the Dodgers possibly having 2 good hitting catchers in Smith and Ruiz.
Having that is an advantage that most teams don’t have.
All right Muncy is back.
Ruiz has such a smooth swing.
And where was Joc on that run scoring fly ball to left? He must have been playing on the warning track.
Enough with this guy.
Welcome to the bigs Ruiz.
The average age of today’s Dodgers lineup is a little over
26 1/2 years old , all in their twenties. This has to be among the youngest line ups fielded for today’s game. Bodes well for the future!
Wow!!
Just me or did it seem Joc was taking a very casual route to the hit by Stassi that scored Ohtani from 2B?
Wow, some bad base running early. First Taylor and then Beaty costs us a run (as did leaving in rios with a gimpy hamstring)
Come on Doc. Anytime you see a player grab his hamstring like that you need to take him out. Dodgers lost 2 runs that inning with base running blunders.
You are right about Joc not hustling last night. Doc rewards him by starting him today. No discipline.
Dodgers News: Walker Buehler Feels Need To Shift Philosophy
https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-news-walker-buehler-feels-need-to-shift-philosophy/2020/08/16/
Line up for today’s game
All Betts on Mookie RF
Seager Smooth DH
Maxwell’s Silver Hammer 2B
Belly Shots CF
Mr. Versatility SS
Joc-ness Monster LF
Big Stick Rios 3B
Ooooh Beaty Beaty… Beaty Beaty 1B
Next Good Dodgers Rookie C
MayDay P
Do any of you remember little Albie Pearson . He played for SF Seals, but he was one of my favorites. He later became a minister and always had a good testimony when he was a player.
Buehler,another bad game, Pederson,time he moved on, no excuse for not running hard to first.Today we get May and the first look at Ruiz, let’s see what happens.
2 exe Dodgers DFA’d today. Jharel Cotton by the Cubs, and Brian Dozier by the Mets. Yanks put LeMahieu on the IL. # 25 of course last worn by David Freeze. Also was Tommy John and Big Frank Howard’s number. Have a great MLB debut Kaybear.
The MLB players I remember that played with Hollywood in 1956 are Gene Freese, Luis Arroyo, Bob Purkey, Ben Wade, Danny Kravitz and Dick Smith.
Really enjoyed the column Bear.
Very interesting Bear, even to a Jersey guy. I was fortunate to have many MLB base ball teams in my area. I never followed minor league teams much at all. I always wondered who older fans in the L.A. area in the 40’s and 50’s would follow. I guess many would follow a minor league team and also the MLB team that they were affiliated with.
BTW I mentioned yesterday that I was uncomfortable with Muncy playing 3B. He sure gave me more confidence after making a couple of really nice plays. And maybe, just maybe, he’s going to start hitting better now. Let’s hope so.
Today’s line up
Betts RF
Seager DH
Muncy 2B
Bellinger CF
Taylor SS
Pederson LF
Rios 3B
Beaty 1B
Ruiz C
Teheran is 0-6 lifetime vs LA with an ERA over 5.
Ruiz will wear #25
As to Badgers comment about Joc. I was thinking the same thing. For a guy in his free agent season he looks like he really would rather be home with the wife and kiddie. No hustle, no fire. I play Beaty over him even as bad as Beaty has looked so far. He at least hustle’s. The Angels want him, they can have him. I want someone out there who at least looks like he cares.
I’m looking forward to Kaybear’s debut today. May and Ruiz, should be fun.
Great writeup Bear. Brought back lots of great memories for me. I grew up in Hollywood and spent many great afternoons at Gilmore Field. Took a look at the photo and remembered everyone except for 2 guys. Feeling pretty good about those cognitive skills today.
When you listed the ex-Stars who made it to the big show, you forgot Bob Purkey who had a long career in the majors, mostly with the Reds, where he was an All Star multiple times. He did get his start with the Pirates, which is why he was with the Stars who, for the most part when I was a fan, were a Pirates farm club.
Great win last night. Those are exactly the kind of games we normally wind up losing to the Angels.
Great story Bear! Enjoyable morning read. The PCL was before my time, but I do remember reading about Steve Bilko. He was a legendary figure for the PCL and West Coast baseball. I also remember that he had a short stint as a first baseman with the Cubs. The announcer would call any double play as “Bingo, to Bango to Bilko”. Ernie Banks was the shortstop and I forget the 2nd baseman.
I thought Buehller’s command looked better last night and he got squeezed on a lot of calls. He hung one to Trout and got hurt but every pitcher makes mistakes. I think Buehler takes off in his next start and becomes the pitcher we saw at the end of last year. He’ll be fine! His stuff is just too good. Looking forward to see if May can keep it going today
KJ’s last two outings have been great. He got out of a bases loaded no out jam the other night and last night he shut down the top of the order with two Ks. Right now he is looking like the KJ of old. H
Love those kind of historical posts Bear. Love the photos too. Very enjoyable.
Some thoughts on the game:
* Mookie is so entertaining to watch. He is just unbelievable and plays the game the right way. He is so smooth an unhurried in the outfield. He gets to everything with ease whether its shallow or at the wall. His instincts are off the charts. I’m more impressed every game I watch. I also couldn’t believe the stat that on the 150 swings he’s made on pitches in the strike zone he has one swing and miss. ONE. Some bat to ball skills.
* Bellinger and Betts are terrific in the outfield and Belli covers ground with those long strides. But he really is the best first baseman in the league. He made 2 plays last night on poor throws that others don’t make. One was when he shifted into the foul side up the line to make a crappy throw up the line look easy. Anybody else goes into the runner and has a sweep tag try or the ball is missed completely. Amazing feet on that play. The other was the pick on a ball way wide to the right field side. He is so long with that stretch. Tough play he makes look simple. I know he vacated first base so he wouldn’t drive for balls with a bad shoulder and to let Joc play there during that ill-fated experiment but it’s a treat to watch him there.
* I’m amazed how replay has changed the game in so many ways. Being an old shortstop, I’m amazed how the “Utley Rule” has changed footwork around second. Players grow up now never having to learn different turns and footwork on the double play. Now the are protected and stand right in the baseline on the pivot. You used to have to vary your pivots so the runner couldn’t target you in one spot. The dance that got you space out of the baseline to throw to first and get up and above the sliding runner, is a lost art. And it was a beautiful, athletic skill. With the rule change I didn’t even bother to teach a shin to shin “take-out” slide anymore either. Tags are different now as well, which in my mind can be unsafe when an infielder has to leave his exposed glove hand and arm to be spiked.
* replay has also changed the bang-bang plays at first. Back in the day, the call went to the play. A great play would get the benefit of any doubt on close plays. The runner got the benefit if the infielder bobbled the ball or made a poor throw. If I made a great backhand play in the 6 hole and a perfect long throw to first, I absolutely expected to get the call on a close play. Now it’s out or safe base on the video.
* Don’t get me started on the neighborhood play. and review of that.
* Classic match up bottom 10th. KJ and Trout with the game on the line. I like the extra inning rule.
Looking forward to May and hopefully K-Bear today. And Doc sticking with the same batting order 1 – 6.
Good thing Roberts gave Belly and Muncy some time off against the two Angel lefties. Oops he didn’t! We would have. And I think I saw Belly bending his knees more in his stance.
Enjoyed it Bear. Always love your writing. So many good stories in the history of a team.
Exciting finish last night. Taylor, so dependable, and he made a smart decision stealing 3rd base and setting up the go-ahead and eventual winning run for Muncy.
Looking forward to today’s game, but it will be a hot one on the field.
Ya Badger I think your right and the numbers reflect this. I may have rose colored glasses on but Buehler I think typically get off to slow starts and will be improving each start.
Great article (and photos), Bear. Thank you.
I like good history and that Bear was great! I will have to read that a few times to absorb it.
Last night’s game was a good win. The teams you play when you don’t bring your A game you have to find way to sqeek out a win. Buehler didn’t have his A game last night but you never felt like we couldn’t win this in the end. Buehler will be fine as long as he keeps getting a little better each outing and firing on all cylinders by the playoffs. Muncy is coming around.Belli is showing signs of grooving his swing.
A few walks, a sac fly, and a stolen bag. Some games, great teams find ways to win. When this team gels watch out.
Looking forward to the May-Ruiz battery today.
For those of you who missed this (myself included):
Twins placed LHP Rich Hill on the 10-day injured list with left shoulder soreness.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli announced on Monday that Hill would not make his scheduled start Tuesday afternoon against the Pirates due to “mild fatigue and back soreness,” but the veteran southpaw is clearly dealing with something a little more serious than that. Shoulder issues are scary, especially for a guy who has logged just 63 2/3 regular-season innings since September 2018 due to a variety of physical ailments.
Aug 3, 2020, 11:52 PM ET
He’s only pitched once this season and shortly after the outing, he went on the 10 day IL. Sounds like a familiar story to us.