FanPost

Bay Area Native turns down chance to play...

   My grandfather, Dave Strong, an inductee of the East Bay Hall of Fame (2002), grew up in Berkeley, and was All State in three sports in the late 30's.

   In 1946 he was offered a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Unfortunately, he turned this offer down to take care of his family commitments.

   So, unlike his buddy, Billy Martin (former player with the Yankees, who managed them as well as the A's), or his Uncle, Chick Hafey (National Hall of Fame player who spent time with the St.Louis Cardinals in the 30's), he didn't get to pursue his opportunity to play in the big leagues.

   This past week the LA Dodgers made amends and allowed my grandfather to spend 90 minutes on the field at Dodger Stadium. He was interviewed by Bill Plaschke of the LA Times, and the article ran in todays paper.

   It can also be found on line on their web site-Veteran's Day is the story title. Its a pretty good human interest story.

   http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-plaschke16sep16,1,4370550.column?coll=la-he adlines-sports