Alston carved out a Hall of Fame career as a manager of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles
Dodgers. A product of the "Cradle of Coaches," Miami (Ohio) University, Alston tried
almost every position during a 13-year minor league playing career (1935-47). Initially
a third baseman, he moved to first base in 1936 and led the Mid-Atlantic League with
35 homers. Promoted to St. Louis, Alston struck out in his only major league at-bat.
His first managerial assignment came while he was still a player, with Portsmouth
(Mid-Atlantic League) in 1940. He led the circuit in homers (28), but the club finished
sixth. The following two years, Alston led the Mid-Atlantic League in homers and
RBI. He moved up, as player only, to Rochester (International League), but was released
in 1944. Branch Rickey, who knew Alston from his days as the Cardinal's GM, hired
him as player-manager at Trenton (Interstate League) on July 28, 1944, beginning
Alston's 33-year run as a skipper in the Dodgers' organization. He spent two seasons
at Trenton, one at Nashua, one at Pueblo, and two at St. Paul. After leading St.
Paul to the Junior World Series in 1949, Alston was promoted to Brooklyn's top minor
league club, Montreal. During four seasons in Canada, guiding many of Brooklyn's
future stars, Alston's Royals never finished below second place. Finally, on November
24, 1953, Walter O'Malley named Alston to replace Charlie Dressen, who wanted a multi-year
contract, a Dodger taboo. Alston served under 23 consecutive one-year contracts.
Following charismatic helmsmen like Leo Durocher, Bert Shotton, and Dressen, Alston
kept a low profile in the dugout. A quiet, dignified leader, Walt refused to panic
following a disappointing second-place finish in 1954. He proved he was boss in 1955,
quelling clubhouse turmoil just before the start of the season. With a lineup of
stars, Alston led Brooklyn to its only World Series victory in 1955 and a pennant
in 1956. Alston adapted to his talent: the power-laden Brooklyn clubs, the pitching-rich
Los Angeles Dodgers of the 1960s, and the young team of the 1970s. Sandy Koufax,
Don Drysdale, and Maury Wills led the group that earned four pennants in eight seasons
from 1959 to 1966. Steve Garvey, Dave Lopes, and Ron Cey headed Alston's last great
team. At age 62, Alston guided his 1974 Dodgers to a seventh and final World Series.
He was honored as Manager of the Year six times by Associated Press and five times
by United Press International. In eight All-Star Game assignments, he was the winning
manager a record seven times. Alston was the first 1970s manager inducted into the
Hall of Fame.
(ME)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»November 24, 1953:
The Dodgers sign the relatively unknown Walter Alston
to a one-year pact as their manager for 1954.
»May 5, 1955: In his first ML start, Dodger southpaw Tom Lasorda throws three wild pitches in the same inning, to tie a record. He also receives a spike wound from Wally Moon of the Cardinals in a play at the plate. Lasorda later blames his wildness on his catcher, Roy Campanella, but the Dodgers go on to win the game, 4–3. Before the game, Don Newcombe refuses to pitch batting practice for the 2nd time this week and Walt Alston tells him he's suspended. The two will settle their differences tomorrow and Newk will finish up the Dodgers, 6–4 12 inning win over the Phils.
»September 29, 1976:
The Dodgers Walter Alston, after 23 years and 2,040 victories, steps down as manager. 3B coach Tommy Lasorda is promoted to the post.
»June 5, 1977: The Dodgers retire former manager Walt Alston's uniform, #24, on Old-Timer's Day. Doug Rau then pitches the current Dodgers to a 4–2 win over the Padres.
»March 10, 1983: Walter Alston, who managed the Dodgers to four World Championships, and George Kell, who hit .306 over 15 ML seasons, are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee.
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