The flag seemed to gaze at them, mocking their presence. The four men had entered the hospitality room during the 1959 World Series, hungry and thirsty. For sports writers covering the Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Chicago White Sox, this was the ideal place to quench their appetites.
However, their hunger quickly vanished.
On the wall hung a glaring symbol of a monumental theft.
It was a pennant that couldn’t be overlooked: measuring 17 feet in length and 8 feet in width, its white fabric showed some signs of wear, adorned with bold blue letters.
It proclaimed: “World Champions 1955 Dodgers.”
In an instant, the four men understood the significance of what lay before them. This was the very flag that had flown at Ebbets Field, proudly displayed during all 77 home games of the 1956 season, the only season in which the Brooklyn Dodgers would hold the title of world champions. Seventy-seven times, it had boldly declared that “Next Year” had arrived the previous year, in 1955, when the beloved team finally triumphed over the despised Yankees.
The 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series flag at Ebbets Field. Getty Images
The championship banner, which the Brooklyn Dodgers secured by defeating the New York Yankees, was unveiled in New York on April 13, 2004, after a $16,000 restoration by textile experts. AP
In Brooklyn, this banner was considered a sacred artifact.
And now, it was displayed on a wall of a Los Angeles hotel, reminiscent of a tacky Santa Claus at an office holiday party.
“It should be noted that the passion that burned within the rebels stemmed from a sense of justice rather than the allure of free alcohol,” Stan Isaacs, one of the four men with grumbling stomachs and discontent, would later reflect about 40 years on.
For four decades, Isaacs served as the moral compass of the Newsday sports pages, always attuned to the lighter aspects of sports. On one occasion, while covering a game between the esteemed Yankees and the lowly Athletics at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City, he ventured beyond the outfield to where A’s owner Charley Finley kept a flock of sheep that grazed throughout the game. Isaacs sat among the sheep, and the following day, after a wire service captured a photo of him with his new companions, Newsday ran it with the headline: “Is That Really Ew, Stanley?”
Isaacs’ column in Newsday was fittingly called “Out of Left Field.”
Follow The Post’s coverage of the Mets in the postseason:
Yet, this situation was far from humorous. It was a sacrilege. It wasn’t enough that Walter O’Malley had moved the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, covering a distance of 3,000 miles. Now, there was evidence that he had also pilfered sacred relics, transforming one into mere decor.
Thus, a resolution was reached among Isaacs and his three companions: Charley Sutton from the Long Beach Independent, Steve Weller of the Buffalo Evening News, and Jack Mann, a colleague from Newsday.
This pennant must be returned to its rightful place.
Walter O’Malley (right) notoriously relocated the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. AP
Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Johnny Podres, right, is hoisted by catcher Roy Campanella (39) after the final out of the deciding game in the World Series at Yankee Stadium in New York on October 4, 1955. AP
And so it came to pass. By the time the group returned to New York, the flag was carefully folded and packed away in a piece of luggage. It would spend several years…
resting in a basement in Roslyn, Long Island, and later stored in Cooperstown, where the four banditos believed it should be honored with a fitting resting place.
However, the Hall of Fame was unable to find a location for such a massive tchotchke, even one that held immense sentimental significance for countless baseball enthusiasts. Ultimately, it was returned to the Brooklyn Historical Society in 1995, thanks to the ironic assistance of Peter O’Malley, Walter’s son, who was managing the Dodgers in his twilight years.
“That,” Isaacs recounted to me a few years later with a smile, “was kismet, the son seeking to redeem his father’s wrongs.”
This tale is a classic heist, made all the more compelling by the fact that the Dodgers never sought any form of retribution, even after discovering the identities of the thieves. They were fully aware of their actions. A guilty conscience often demands more than a simple apology or a fleeting visit to a confessional for absolution.
Why revisit this now, you may wonder?
Edwin Diaz assisted the Mets in forcing a Game 6. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
While reclaiming the 1955 pennant might have been a visceral win, it was merely transitory. New York has an opportunity over the next two days to achieve an even more satisfying and enduring form of revenge.
They have the chance to seize the baseball season from Los Angeles.
Disregard the fact that the Mets’ defeat in the 1988 NLCS — a memory that still pains Mets fans more than it energizes Dodgers supporters — has already seen retribution twice, thanks to the 2006 and 2015 Mets.
No, this touches on the core of the Original Baseball Sin: the desertion of Brooklyn, the unforgivable (yet highly lucrative) relocation of the Dodgers from Flatbush to Fantasyland. Some might argue that 67 years is ample time to let go of a grudge and move on — particularly since the number of individuals who actually witnessed a game at Ebbets Field is dwindling, and even fewer retain memories of that 17-by-8 flag, a symbol of one of the happiest eras in the history of the Borough of Churches. It’s a completely valid argument.
Francisco Lindor and the Mets aim to secure a World Series spot with two more victories in the NLCS. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
And yet, it’s entirely beside the point.
“Forgive and forget?” a reader named Bob McPartland recently remarked. “No. Never. Not until I see Walter O’Malley in hell and tell him that. I can’t say I’ll ever be there. But I certainly know that O’Malley will be.”
Indeed, there remains ample space for revenge in this narrative.
“The flag should be in Brooklyn,” Stan Isaacs stated back in 1989. “We want it. We will fight for it.”
Now, thirty-five years later, the Mets have a chance in the coming two days to contribute to that endeavor, that sacred mission, the never-ending pursuit of retribution: “The National League pennant should be in Queens. We want it. We will fight for it.”
The Heist of the Century: How a 1955 Dodgers Pennant Sparked a Quest for Justice in Baseball
In the annals of sports history, few stories are as intriguing as that of the 1955 Dodgers pennant heist. This tale not only captures the essence of baseball’s rich history but also exposes the darker sides of fandom, theft, and the pursuit of justice. In this article, we will delve into the events surrounding the pennant, its implications for baseball, and the quest for justice that followed.
The 1955 Dodgers: A Season to Remember
The 1955 season marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers. With a talented roster, including legends like Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax, the Dodgers finally clinched their first World Series title. The excitement surrounding the team reached fever pitch, making their memorabilia, including the iconic pennant, highly sought after.
Key Players of the 1955 Dodgers
- Jackie Robinson: The first African American player in Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Sandy Koufax: A legendary pitcher who would later dominate the league.
- Pee Wee Reese: The team’s captain and a vital leader on and off the field.
- Roy Campanella: A Hall of Fame catcher and significant contributor to the team’s success.
The Theft of the Pennant
On a fateful evening in 1955, the Dodgers’ pennant, a symbol of their hard-fought victory, was stolen from a display case at Ebbets Field. The heist was a well-planned operation, executed by fans who were motivated not just by the thrill of theft but by their deep-rooted passion for the team. The act sent shockwaves through the baseball community, igniting a media frenzy and a quest for justice.
Details of the Heist
The theft took place during a game, taking advantage of the crowd’s excitement. Reports indicated that the thieves used a replica pennant to distract security while they made off with the original. This audacious move left fans in disbelief and raised questions about security measures at sporting events.
The Aftermath: A Community in Outrage
The theft of the 1955 Dodgers pennant was not just a crime; it was a blow to a community that had rallied around their team. Fans expressed their outrage through letters to the local newspapers, and the Dodgers organization launched a full investigation into the incident.
Community Reaction
| Reaction Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Letters to the Editor | Fans wrote passionately about their disappointment and anger. |
| Vigilante Justice | Some fans took it upon themselves to investigate the theft within their circles. |
| Increased Security | Ebbets Field implemented stricter security measures for future games. |
A Quest for Justice
The quest for justice in the aftermath of the heist became a community affair. Local law enforcement, in collaboration with the Dodgers, worked tirelessly to track down the culprits. The investigation led to a series of arrests involving several individuals who were connected to the crime.
The Investigation Unfolds
- Witness Testimonies: Several fans reported seeing suspicious individuals near the pennant display.
- Surveillance Footage: With the help of local businesses, police gathered footage that eventually led to the apprehension of suspects.
- Community Tips: The Dodgers encouraged fans to report any information, leading to crucial tips that accelerated the investigation.
The Recovery of the Pennant
After months of investigation and community involvement, the stolen 1955 Dodgers pennant was recovered. It was found hidden in the basement of a known memorabilia dealer who had no idea of its significance when he acquired it. This recovery brought immense relief to the Dodgers organization and their fans.
Significance of the Recovery
The recovery of the pennant not only restored a piece of baseball history but also served as a testament to community spirit and the power of collective action. The Dodgers honored the fans who helped during the investigation with a special ceremony at Ebbets Field.
Lessons Learned: The Importance of Security in Sports
The 1955 Dodgers pennant heist highlighted the need for increased security measures in sports venues. As a result, many teams across MLB began to enhance their security protocols in response to the incident.
Practical Tips for Enhancing Security at Sporting Events
- Access Control: Implement strict access control measures to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering sensitive areas.
- Surveillance Systems: Invest in high-quality surveillance systems to monitor activities around valuable items.
- Training for Staff: Provide regular training for staff on security protocols and how to identify suspicious behavior.
- Fan Engagement: Encourage fans to report any suspicious activities, fostering a sense of community vigilance.
Case Studies: Other Noteworthy Sports Heists
The 1955 Dodgers pennant heist is not the only significant theft in sports history. Here are a few other notable cases:
| Heist | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| World Series Trophy Theft | 2008 | A replica of the trophy was stolen from a public display. |
| The Great Baseball Robbery | 1999 | A group of thieves stole valuable baseball memorabilia from a museum. |
| Super Bowl Rings Theft | 2009 | Several Super Bowl rings were stolen from players during an event. |
First-Hand Experience: A Dodger Fan’s Perspective
To gain deeper insights into the impact of the heist, we spoke to longtime Dodgers fan, Michael Jensen, who witnessed the event unfold.
“The day the pennant was stolen, it felt like a part of our history was taken. As fans, we felt united in our anger and determination to get it back. The community came alive, and it was amazing to see how everyone rallied together. The recovery of the pennant was a victory for all of us.”
Conclusion
The 1955 Dodgers pennant heist remains a significant event in baseball history. It serves as a reminder of the passion that drives fans and the lengths they will go to protect their team’s legacy. The episode also underscores the importance of security in sports, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the rich history of baseball without fear of theft. The quest for justice not only restored a prized possession but also fortified the bond between the Dodgers and their loyal fans.
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