1970s
1970
On St. Patrick's Day, Peter O'Malley is named Dodger President, succeeding his father Walter who becomes Chairman of the Board of the Dodgers. During Walter O'Malley's presidency, the Dodgers won World Championships in 1955, 1959, 1963 and 1965. Peter's first full-time job was as Director of Dodgertown in 1962, a post he held until he became President and General Manager of the Spokane Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Dodgers in 1965.
1971
Making their third visit to Dodgertown, the Yomiuri Giants hold their training camp.
After outfielder Dick Allen ran into a tree during Spring Training, the Dodgers erected a fence in front of the Royal Palm trees at Holman Stadium.
Dodger golf interests expand to an 18-hole course, called Safari Pines Country Club. The course featured a rare par-6 hole of nearly 667 yards. Subsequently, the name was changed to Dodger Pines Country Club.
1972
A major renovation and investment took place in 1972 when 90 modern villas for the players, coaches, executives and press were built on property, replacing the renowned old Naval Air Station barracks. Progress is unstoppable, despite a sardonic "Save the Barracks" campaign (endorsed by the O'Malley family).
1974
The continuation of investment and expansion at Dodgertown includes construction of a 23,000-square foot administration building, complete with major league clubhouse, minor league clubhouse, medical department, dining room, kitchen, broadcast studio, photo dark room, lounge, media workroom, two training rooms, two equipment rooms and a laundry room.
The New Orleans Saints of the NFL utilized Dodgertown to prepare for their 1974 season, becoming the first football team to train on base. The Saints top player was quarterback Archie Manning, the father of current NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning.
1975
The Yomiuri Giants once again train at Dodgertown, the fourth visit by the Tokyo-based team.
Dodgertown Director Charlie Blaney suggested naming streets at Dodgertown in recognition of three Dodgers enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Dodger President Peter O'Malley agreed and thus Jackie Robinson Avenue, Roy Campanella Boulevard and Sandy Koufax Lane were created. As additional Dodgers were elected to the Hall of Fame, they were honored with streets named for them on site.
1976
Harrison Conference Centers begins managing the Dodgertown Conference Center, with its 20 specially designed meeting rooms and latest in audio-visual technology, for the purpose of fulfilling Walter O'Malley's vision as a year-round, multifunctional destination.
The old Naval Air Station barracks which housed the Dodgers since 1948-71 are torn down.
The New Orleans Saints, under Head Coach Hank Stram, return to Dodgertown for their annual six-week training camp. The Saints visited Dodgertown for training camps through 1984.
1978
Baseball America names Dodgertown as the top Spring Training complex in Major League Baseball, an honor the magazine repeated in 1993.
In August, Craig Callan arrives to become General Manager of the Dodgertown Sports and Conference Center.
For more on the history of the Dodgers Spring Training visit walteromalley.com.