DODGERS
SAFE AT HOME
Dodgertown played a special role in
Vero Beach’s development
For 61 years from 1948 to 2008, Vero Beach was a familiar
name to baseball fans. Dodgertown was the classic major
league spring training site. Then it was gone, and Vero
survived.
It began with Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the racial
barrier in Major League Baseball. Brooklyn Dodger owner Branch
Rickey signed Robinson and needed a place to train. In 1947, the
team spent spring training in Havana, Cuba, where discrimination
was less prevalent. However, Rickey was looking for a permanent
training center in the United States and believed there was less
racism in Vero Beach.
The former naval air station, which the Federal Aviation Administration
had turned over to the city, seemed like a good solution.
Bud Holman, who oversaw airport operations, heard by word of
mouth that Rickey was looking for a permanent site. In the prop- >>
62 City of Vero Beach 1919-2019
IRC HISTORICAL SOCIETY
On opening day in Vero in 1948, Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in the major leagues, homered for the home crowd.
BY RODY JOHNSON
VeroBeach100.org
MARK DOLAN
Maury Wills assists with bunting practice during spring training in 2007.
/VeroBeach100.org