Dodgers, the next generation, August 13, 1958

By Keith Thursby Times staff writer Found a fun story looking at many of the minor leaguers who would soon be ready to take their places with the Dodgers. With the 1958 team struggling, the Times' Ned Cronin interviewed longtime Dodger executive Fresco Thompson about the team's prospects. "If the veterans can't get the job done there are a lot of pretty fair ballplayers standing around begging for a chance to show what they can do," said Thompson, described by Cronin as "the acute head of the Dodger farm system and one of the most intelligent men in the entire organization." Some of the names listed are familiar to Dodger fans--Ron Fairly, Tommy Davis and Frank Howard. There are two future Hall of Fame managers in Tom Lasorda (spelled La Sorda in the Times' story) and George "Sparky" Anderson. And there are names that, well, I have no clue about. Jim Harwell? Thompson said he "was pitching American Legion ball this time last year. We're pretty high on this kid."  Al Norris? Thompson said he had good power. Earl Robinson, a third baseball signed out of Cal, was also mentioned. I found his stats on baseball-reference.com and learned he made it to the Dodgers for eight games in 1968. He was sold to Baltimore in 1960 and played there in 1961, '62 and '64. keith.thursby@latimes.com

   

Comments

[Jerry]

Aug. 13th....13th anniversary of Mickey Mantle`s death.