Monday, May 02, 2016

When Walt Disney Tried to Trade for Tommy Davis


Once a upon a time, Walt Disney visited Dodger Stadium and tried to orchestrate a trade.

Don't believe me?

Check out this letter written by Walt to Dodgers GM Buzzie Bavasi that is found at Paragon Auctions current offering (Auction Link Here).  He writes, dated May 22, 1962, the following:
Dear Buzzi Bavasi

It was very kind of you to let me have your table at the Stadium Club last night.  Mrs. Disney and I and our guests, the Welton Becket's, had a very enjoyable time at dinner and, later, watching the Dodger wallop the Giants.

Now you can do me a another favor - - will you trade Tommy Davis to the Angels?  I'm sure my friend, Fred, would appreciate that very much!

Please convey my best to Walter.
Obviously, what Disney writes is entirely in jest.  He wasn't actually trying to play general manager.  Although, if something like this did occur I suppose he would've taken all the credit.

That year, Tommy Davis was enjoying the finest season of his career.  He would slash .346/.374/.535/.910, and would lead the league in hits (230) and RBI's (153).  During the game Disney attended, Davis spearheaded a Dodgers offense that easily defeated the Giants, 8-1.  He went 3 for 3, with two doubles, a home run and drove in three.  Sandy Koufax also pitched a complete game for his fifth win of the season.

BTW, the Fred alluded to in the letter is Fred Haney - the then general manager of the Angels.  Also, Welton Becket was a famed Los Angeles based architect.  He had helped design Disney's Contemporary and Polynesian Resorts at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.  Becket also designed the Capitol Records Building, Pauley Pavilion and the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

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