Dodgers Begin Spring Training

Feb. 23, 1960: The champions of the baseball world, the Los Angeles Dodgers, opened spring training and Times sportswriter Frank Finch apparently viewed it as a heavy assignment. Finch spent a lot of space discussing the pounds carried by several Dodgers, including World Series hero Larry Sherry. "Sherry, who weighed in on opening day last spring at 194, has ballooned to 208, thanks to a diet of creamed peas and chicken on the winter banquet circuit," Finch wrote. Finch also charted other pitchers—or as Finch called them, "first-line flingers"—including Don Drysdale (218 pounds, from 214) and Johnny Podres (down to 192 from 196). Manager Walt Alston also announced some rules for the team during its stay at Vero Beach. No swimming in the Atlantic Ocean but golf after practice was permitted. "I'd rather have them playing golf than sitting around in their rooms playing poker," Alston said. --Keith Thursby