World's Largest Marching Band at Dodger Stadium

Once upon a time I was a "Bando."  I wore a strange looking uniform with a giant unwieldy hat while carrying around a brass trombone I barely knew how to play.  And you know what, it was the time of my life.  I thoroughly enjoyed playing in my high school marching band, and often find myself thinking about those days with fondness.

So, when I came across the above patch on eBay (see auction here) I knew I had to find out more.  Unfortunately, information was rather scarce, so I apologize in advance for the poorly done research.  I would like to ask, though, for anyone who was a part of this glorious event to pass along their memories.  I'd really appreciate it.

Featured above is a patch given to participants of a Guinness Book of World Records event.  During the first homestand of the 1985 season 4,524 students from 52 local high schools descended on Dodger Stadium for a pregame show.  There were 3,182 musicians and 1,342 majorettes, flag bearers, drill team members and directors in total.  Best yet, they were to be conducted by the legendary Danny Kaye.  From what I understand, they played three songs and the National Anthem.

Below are a couple of photos found at the Library of Congress; as a part of the "Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine Collection" in the Music Division.

(Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine Collection, Library of Congress, Music Division)

(Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine Collection, Library of Congress, Music Division)

And here is a color photograph from what looks like the top deck of Dodger Stadium.  There sure are a lot of "Bando's" on the field there.

I have no idea if this event still holds the record for the World's Largest Marching Band since the Guinness website doesn't appear to keep this particular record.

(photo via Airplane Life)

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Happy Birthday, Danny Kaye!

Due to a reminder from Dodgers historian Mark Langill, we can celebrate the 100th birthday of the great singer, actor, dancer, and Dodger fan, Danny Kaye.  A consistent presence in Dodger clubhouses in both Brooklyn and Los Angeles, he is best known to all us for his iconic song called the "D-O-D-G-E-R-S Song (Oh, Really?  No, O'Malley)".  So in honor of him, sing along to that song in the video below.  BTW, I've included the "B" side of the single below that, called "Myti Kaysi at the Bat".

Video Link:

And here is the song "Myti Kaysi at the Bat".

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 12/10/2012

Take a look at Dodger Stadium now.  Pic via twitter @DodgerPulse.

• This is all Matt Kemp had to say about the weekend.

(twitter link)

• Via Richard Justice at MLB.com, New Dodgers Owners Prove They Mean Business.
• RIP, PJ Carey.  He was a Dodger senior advisor for player development.  Via Thomas Harding at MLB.com.
• Chad Moriyama reports that prospect Shohei Otani will sign with a Japanese team rather than join the MLB.
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy notes that both Peter O'Malley and Vin Scully were at the Danny Kaye Centennial salute.
• Check out this great Baseball card quality fantasy card of Hyun-Jin Ryu tweeted by the @Dodgers below.

(twitter link)

• And, since I couldn't help myself.... I decided to make another Ryu fantasy Baseball card, but a bit less glamorous.  The pic was originally a screen grab from Shark Reborn that features Ryu when he was on a Korean game show.

• Check this out.  A discovery within the archives of Academy Award winning writer/director Richard Brooks unearthed rare color film footage of Satchel Paige pitching at old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles in a November 1948 exhibition game.  It was shot by Brooks.  Also, a commenter notes that MGM boss Louis B. Mayer is clearly seen at the 0:15 mark- he's the second "M" of MGM. Paige was pitching for a barnstorming team of Negro League players called the "Royals" against the Gene Bearden- Bob Lemon All-Stars.  (Hat Tip: Baseball Happenings)

Video Link:

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Danny Kaye on eBay

Danny Kaye should be familiar to every Dodger fan. He is famous in Dodger lore for creating the musical masterpiece called the D-O-D-G-E-R-S Song (Oh Really!, No, O'Malley).

On eBay an original 45 RPM record of this song was sold for the incredibly low price of $1.04.

eBay Auction Link:

I know you've all seen this video below, but I can't help but show it again. Especially since it is so timely with post.

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