Aug. 12, 1969: William E. Garretson is freed in the "Tate" killings.

One season after making history, Don Drysdale's career was history.

Shoulder problems forced Drysdale to call it quits only a season
after setting the major league record for consecutive scoreless
innings. The news wasn't a surprise because only a few days earlier
Drysdale had pulled himself from the Dodgers' rotation explaining, "The
pain has come back like it was in the beginning. I can't sleep. I roll
over on the arm and the pain wakes me up. This morning I had to use my
left arm to brush my teeth."

Drysdale was one of the last links to Brooklyn although he became a
star in Los Angeles, first with Sandy Koufax and then becoming bigger
and more important to the ballclub once Koufax's arm problems forced
his early retirement.

"Drysdale leaves us a star," Walter O'Malley said. "He has charisma.
He is a valuable property. I have the feeling that he'll capitalize on
his magic now and then later perhaps return to baseball."

Ross Newhan's story included as rumor the idea of Drysdale joining
Vin Scully and Jerry Doggett. John Hall suggested in a column that
Drysdale might be courted by the Padres and Angels as a manager.

The Times' radio columnist, Don Page, said Drysdale would be a good
candidate for the Dodgers' booth but didn't think that would happen as
long as Scully wanted to remain the No. 1 voice: "It is no secret,
however, that Scully intends to relinquish the job in the near future
[a couple of seasons?] although he could be persuaded to announce
televised games only."

Of course, things didn't quite work out that way.

–Keith Thursby