Dodgers trade for Wally Moon, October 3, 1958

By Keith Thursby Times staff writer   Here's one story about a potential baseball trade that turned out to be right. The Times' Frank Finch reported from the World Series in Milwaukee that the Dodgers were discussing a deal for St. Louis outfielder Wally Moon. The Dodgers, of course, were trying to rebound from a disappointing first season in Los Angeles. Moon, a left-handed hitter, would turn out to be a great pickup, hitting 19 home runs in 1959 and becoming a fan favorite by golfing "Moon shots" over the Coliseum's left field screen.  Finch's story suggested that Moon "would fancy the right-field fence at the Coliseum after it's moved in next year." Moon was an all-star in 1957 and '59 and would play for the Dodgers through 1965. Finch suggested that outfielder Gino Cimoli would go to the Cardinals. The trade didn't happen until December, with pitcher Phil Paine also coming to the Dodgers. Another player mentioned in Finch's story was minor league second baseman George Anderson, who apparently was being sought by the Phillies. Anderson, better known these days as Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson, was expendable because he stuck behind second baseman Charlie Neal with the Dodgers.