Oct. 9, 1959

In their second season in Los Angeles, the Dodgers turned to a very local hero en route to winning the World Series.

Larry Sherry, who played baseball for Fairfax High before joining the Dodgers' farm system, turned in another outstanding relief performance as the Dodgers dominated the White Sox, 9-3, winning the World Series in six games.

Sherry was named the series' most valuable player after finishing his remarkable string with 5 2/3 innings of standout relief. He had lots of help in Game 6, with home runs by Duke Snider, Wally Moon and Chuck Essegian.

The Times, as you can imagine, was beside itself. The paper even reprinted Frank Finch's prediction that the Dodgers would triumph in six games. As if it mattered that a sportswriter for once was right!

Here's some highlights from the rest of the coverage:

–White Sox owner Bill Veeck took a little ribbing for complaining about the Coliseum only to watch the Dodgers take the title in Chicago. Veeck had said he'd prefer to play the Los Angeles games at Wrigley Field.

–Art Ryon found a happy but calm city: "There was, of course, brief jubilation in taverns and hotels. … But there was no pandemonium in the streets. No bells rang. No automobile horns were honked with impulsive joy. Everybody went back to work."

–An unbylined story collected quotes from city officials and assorted actors and performers.

"We all hope that the pennant, which symbolizes the world championship, will soon be proudly flying over the Dodger stadium in the embattled Chavez Ravine," said Councilwoman Rosalind Wyman.

"I am glad to join in extending congratulations to the Los Angeles Dodgers. … I have always been in favor of major league baseball in Los Angeles. … My opposition has been and will continue to be against the real estate deal which I consider to be grossly unfair to the taxpayers of this city," said Councilman John Holland.

And who can beat this quote from City Council president John Gibson: "This almost beats duck hunting."

–A civic reception was planned for the team at LAX. Master of ceremonies will be Desi Arnaz.

–Keith Thursby