1990

February 28, 1990

He would not appear in a major league box score for more than two seasons, but Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda saw something early in a young minor league catcher. "Mike Piazza and Carlos Hernandez, a couple of catchers, are really swinging the bat." It was Lasorda who urged the Dodgers draft Piazza in the 62nd round of the 1988 Free Agent Draft and sign him to his first contract. Piazza would go on to play 16 seasons in the majors, win the 1993 National League Rookie of the Year and become the top home run hitting catcher in baseball history. 1

March 21, 1990

March 20th was the first day major league players were to report for Spring Training following a labor dispute, but only eight Dodger players were present for the workout. Pitcher Orel Hershiser said, "There's more writers here than players." 2

April 18, 1990

Donald Fehr, Director of the Major League Players' Association spoke to reporters regarding the standards for accommodations for players during Spring Training. Fehr said of Dodgertown, "We have classic examples of how to do it (Spring Training) right. Go to Dodgertown." 3

1 ^ Alan Malamud, Los Angeles, February 28, 1990

2 ^ Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, March 21, 1990

3 ^ The Sporting News, April 18, 1990

For more on the history of the Dodgers Spring Training visit walteromalley.com