APRIL 10, 1962

In late 1957, Brooklyn Dodger owner Walter O’Malley signaled the Dodgers’ move West by sending this telegram to Los Angeles Mayor Norris Poulson:

“Get your wheelbarrow and shovel. I’ll meet you in Chavez Ravine.”

Four years, six months and two days later, Chavez Ravine had its first traffic jam.

The Dodgers heard “play ball” for the first time in their new stadium, and the Cincinnati Reds promptly crashed their party with a 6-3 victory before 52,564.

But the stadium, after four Dodger seasons in the Coliseum, was the story, 37 years ago today.

Wrote Times columnist Sid Ziff of the $18-million park: “It is the most beautiful outdoor stadium ever built.”

Said commissioner Ford Frick: “I can’t believe it. It’s like a dream come true.”

The party-crashers’ leader was Red outfielder Wally Post, who broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning with a three-run home run. The Dodgers created some ninth-inning suspense by putting two men on base with two out. But relief pitcher Jim Brosnan induced Dodger pinch-hitter Frank Howard to ground out.

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Also on this date: In 1970, Bill Walton, a 6-foot-11 center from San Diego’s Helix High, said he would enroll at UCLA. . . . In 1961, South African Gary Player became the first foreign player to win the Masters by beating Arnold Palmer and Charley Coe by one stroke. . . . In 1949, Sam Snead shot his second consecutive 67 to win the Masters. . . . In 1956, Clarence “Ginger” Beaumont, first man to bat in a World Series game, in 1903, died at 79.