BASEBALL HALL OF FAME PICHER DON DRYSDALE WENT TO VAN NUYS HIGH SCHOOL

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

One of the greatest pitchers in the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers was Don Drysdale, who was born in Van Nuys, California. A Cy Young Award winner, Drysdale attended Van Nuys High School with the actor Robert Redford.  Honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Drysdale lived as a youth only a few blocks from Van Nuys High.

 DON DRYSDALE

July 23, 1936 to July 3, 1993

Don Drysdale baseball card in original protective cover - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on images to enlarge them.)

LA DODGERS GREATS MAKE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY              2011                   Northridge100

 Legendary pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1949 - 1951) (1954 - 1958) Don Newcomb arrives at the Northridge "Filed of Dreams" event - February 2011 - (click on image to enlarge) Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

 Fernando Valenzuela and Sweet Lou Johnson prepare for the dedication of the Northridge "Field of Dreams". "Sweet Lou played for the Dodger from 1965 to 1967.

Because I'm out and about so much working on making The Museum of the San Fernando Valley a reality for today and future generations, I often make my appointments do "double duty" by setting aside time after my meetings to explore more of the Valley. Last week Scott Sterling, who is working on The Museum's Narrating Lives, Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley and I met with leaders of CSUN faculty about public art for the greater Northridge community.
As I drove Scott to his office, he mentioned that there was a dedication of a LA Dodgers Field of Dreams going on in Northridge Park. While I didn't have time to stary for the whole event, here are a couple of photos that I snapped of the history-making event. (Who wants to bet that the children there will remember seeing Dodgers stars for years to come.)

 Fernando Valenzuela, number 34, is one of the most loved of Dodger alumni. He pitched for LA from 1980 to 1990. Today is a radio commentator for the Dodgers Spanish language broadcasts.

 It was hard to distinguish who was more excited about seeing the Dodgers, their parents or the kids.

Councilman Greig Smith, who is in his last days on the Los Angeles City Council with Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela 2011.

A CUPID'S HOT DOGS POP CULTURE ICON IN THE VALLEY

2010 - The Year of Valley Adventures
Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2010. (click on image to enlarge)
Nothing beats a Cupid's hot dog on a brisk January afternoon, unless you are surrounded by Los Angeles Dodgers memorabilia. Tucked away on Maclay Road in old San Fernando you can relish (pun intended) your hot dog on a European style patio or hide out in this Dodger baseball shrine. Nice experience.
___ and, Gary Fredburg bought my lunch.

L.A. DODGERS ON THE VERGE OF MAKING NEW HISTORY!

Los Angeles Dodgers "Rally Towel" 2009 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley collects the history and artifacts related to sports in Southern California. Professional and amateur sports are a basic part of our lives at many levels. From school yard games, to high school rivalries, to collegiate events, pick up sports, and park leagues - sports are your Museum's interest.

But....................... because the Museum Community lives and breathes and works in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, we expect the LOS ANGELES DODGERS to make new history on their way to the 2009 world series! Go Blue!

OPENING DAY AT DODGER STADIUM

Opening Day at Dodger Stadium April 2009 - Photo by Jerry Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
Opening fireworks greet fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers on opening day.
In the words of the great Tom LaBonge, "Enjoy and love the great city of Los Angeles!"


The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Center of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

Interested in being a sports historian or collector for your Museum? Give us a telephone call at 1 (818) 347-9665.