Taking a walk in my neighborhood today to Angelo’s Donut Shop, I finally remembered to jot down the names of the Athletes that are cast on bronze plates that are aligned and spaced apart down the Sunset side walks beginning at the entrance to Dodger Stadium, Elysian Park St. Starting, specifically, where the Dodger watering hole The Short Stop is and ending at The Bright Spot Diner just before Alvarado Blvd. There are about thirty names of prominent athletes of the last century. Some names are easily recognizable others not so much. There is a slice of a tiny article http://articles.latimes.com/1985-10-10/local/me-15726_1_echo-park/4, written by Larry Gordon back in 1985 about the Avenue of the Athletes thats worth glancing at. Here are the Athletes featured on the Bronze Plaques along with a symbol of their respective sports.
Starting at the Short top and toward the Little Joy Bar:
Billy Jean King (Tennis)
Sammy Lee 1948, 1952 (Diving)
John Naber 1976 (Swimming)
Jackie Robinson (Baseball)
Bill Sherman (Basketball)
Thomas Lasorda (Baseball) lol
Ellisworth Vines (Tennis)
Jimmy McLarnin (Boxing)
Kenny Washington (Football)
Elgin Baylor (Basketball)
Glenn Davis (Football)
Joe Lewis (Boxing)
Armando Muniz 1968 (Boxing)
Barbara Terrel 1968) (Track and Field)
Jerry Barber (Golf)
Johnny Longdon (Jockey)
Jesse Owens (Track and Field)
Roy Capanella (Baseball)
Ralph Guidal (Golf)
Andrew Castle (Tennis and Commentator)
Sandy Koufax (Baseball)
Bob Seagren (1968 (Track and Field)
Jack Kramer (Tennis)
Perry Obmen (Track and Field)
Frank Lubin 1936 (Basketball)
Rafer Johnson 1960 (Track and Field)
Wyomia Tyus 1964-1968 (Track and Field)
Among others, Babe Ruth is also featured.
Why am I writing about this? It’s because it should be known. Inquiring minds ought to know. Who are most of these respected people? I think I’ll check them out. Wikipedia them, or something. Dodger Stadium hosted the major baseball games during the 1984 Olympics. The Ave of the Athletes came a year later. I believe this dedication to the Athletes featured on Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park is a follow up “Shout out” to United States own triumphant run during that time. 1984. I think that’s pretty cool. 1984 was after all, the best year ever!
Call it LA admiration.
84
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