Vero Beach never fully recovered from the departure of the Dodgers in 2008. Since 1948, the team had been here every year from the end of January to the end of March. Our town was electrified by the presence of the team and the many fans who followed the teams. Many of those associated with the Dodger organization loved the area so much that they bought homes and settled here. Tourists still excitedly point out Sandy Koufax walking on Ocean Drive, as locals shrug, quietly proud that he is a neighbor.
People continue to mourn the Dodgers’ absence and reminisce about what it was like to take an afternoon off to watch world-class baseball. Dodgertown is hallowed ground, and a night at Holman Stadium is about much more than the game.
On Wednesday evening the town celebrated its love of Jackie Robinson and Holman Stadium. Many former Dodgers and staff came out, along with thousands of other baseball fans to watch the Florida State League’s St. Lucie Mets play the Brevard County Manatees in the second annual Jackie Robinson Celebration Game.
People were more than happy to pay the $5 admission fee, not only to be back in Holman Stadium, but also knowing it was a contribution to the United Way of Indian River County.
In 1947, Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson became the first African-American to play in the major leagues; he spent eight years at spring training in Dodgertown. So it was especially fitting that he be honored at Historic Dodgertown, which is once again owned by the O’Malley Family.
“Minor League Baseball is proud to be part of this annual celebration of a baseball icon as the St. Lucie Mets and the Brevard County Manatees face off to benefit a worthy cause, the United Way of Indian River County,” said Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner.
Thousands of cars arrived at the same time and parking lots quickly filled up, with several tailgaters having such a great time they did not even bother going inside to watch the game. Early birds got to watch the players warm up, and children lined the outfield and played catch – waiting optimistically for an out-of-the-park home run ball to be hit.
“This was a major community event,” said Vero resident Bill Flynn, “A family of three generations sat next to us, soaking up the history. People really miss the good old days. One guy still had his Brooklyn Dodgers shirt on, and talked about all the spring training games he had gone to.”
Stacey and Chris Fredericks, attending their first minor league game, were stunned to see how young the players were.
“We had a great time at the game,” said Stacey Fredericks. “Holman stadium is great place to watch a game. I wish there were games all the time.”
The St. Lucie Mets beat the Brevard County Manatees 9-3, and then it was time for the fireworks extravaganza, just like it always was back in the day at Holman Stadium.