HAPPY BIRTHDAY to SANDY KOUFAX!

[DODGER DEB]

Today, December 30th, SANDY KOUFAX turns 70. Hard to believe that the "baby" of OUR team, who was born and raised in BROOKLYN, and who was signed by OUR BROOKLYN DODGERS in 1954 as a Bonus Baby, is now 70 years of age.

A wish for the happiest of birthdays "K", with many happy returns.

c.

[shlevine42]

Today, December 30th, SANDY KOUFAX turns 70. Hard to believe that the "baby" of OUR team, who was born and raised in BROOKLYN, and who was signed by OUR BROOKLYN DODGERS in 1954 as a Bonus Baby, is now 70 years of age.

A wish for the happiest of birthdays "K", with many happy returns.

c.

Thanks a lot, Deb!

I'll be hitting that number myself in a few months, and the last thing I needed was a reminder of how quickly time has passed!

Seriously, though, it is hard to believe that it's been almost forty years since we were treated to the sight of that fluid, over-the-top delivery...the crackling fast ball...the back-breaking curve...and the fierce competitive spirit that drove him to be the very best when it mattered the most.

I wish he had done it all while remaining in Brooklyn, but even so, he left us with a host of unforgettable performances and thrilling memories.

He has my wishes too for continued good health and long life.

[DODGER DEB]

Here's "K" at Vero Beach with OUR "B" on his cap.....

From an eBay listing.

c.

[Elvis]

One of Sandy's finest hours...

World Series Game 4, October 6, 1963

Sandy Koufax beats the Yanks again 2–1 for a shocking World Series sweep for the Dodgers. Whitey Ford gives up only two hits, both by Frank Howard, who crashes a long home run in the 5th to start the LA scoring. The Bronx Bombers bat just .171 and score only four runs, the 2nd lowest total in World Series history.

Photo by Dean Gordon - Hollywood Citizen News/Valley Times Collection

[64Cards]

I read somewhere, around 1980, Sandy was at spring training working with the Dodgers and would pitch BP. His stuff was still so good, that Lasorda approached him about making a comeback, wanted to use him strictly as a 1 inning closer. Supposedly Sandy gave it some thought, no doubt enticed by the big bucks and the chance to compete, but I guess he realized that all he could probably do was tarnish his legend. Plus it would have been a media circus with the attention, something a class act like Koufax loathed.

[Elvis]

Some more Sandy Birthday Pics...

1981...he still had it.



LA Public Library

[Elvis]

July 7, 1980... All-Star Game "Weekend"



LA Public Library

[Elvis]

L.A. County Supervisor Warren Dorn and Jackie Robinson, congratulate Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax following 2-1 win over San Francisco Giants.

June 17, 1965



LA Public Library

[runningshoes]

Does anyone have any recent pictures of Sandy?

The last time I saw him was the 1997 HOF inductions.

[Elvis]

From left to right: Frank Sinatra, Sandy Koufax, Buzzie Bavasi and Dean Martin stand at the head table for a C.C. Banquet.

December 4, 1963



LA Public Library

[Elvis]

From this year...



Chieftain.com

[runningshoes]

He still looks good for his age.

[64Cards]

Great pictures Elvis, it's not hard at all to imagine Koufax making a comeback in 1980. I've still never seen a better pitcher!

[DODGER DEB]

Here is "K" noting his FOUR NO-HITTERS.....

From an eBay listing.

c.

[EbtsFldGuy]

After reading the Jane Leavy book two years ago, I was intruiged by Sandy K's post-baseball life. Seems he has moved often, in order to preserve his near-recluse status.

For a while he worked for the Dodgers as a minor league aid, and I remember him working TV games for NBC right after he retired, but he did not last long.

What is he up to now?