A busy day in LA

Associated Press photo

The Los Angeles Dodgers are quite busy 52 years ago today as they make two separate headliner trades.

First, they pick up future Hall of Fame right fielder Frank Robinson from the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Doyle Alexander and some magic beans, and then deal enigmatic first baseman Dick Allen to the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Tommy John and journeyman infielder Steve Huntz.

The Dodgers keep Robinson for just one season before repackaging him to the California Angels.

They do just fine, though, in the other trade as John stays in Los Angeles for seven seasons.

In that time, John wins 87 games and undergoes a revolutionary elbow surgery that eventually saves countless pitching careers in the majors and minors.

Allen does well for the White Sox, too, winning the American League’s most valuable player award in 1972 and being named to three American League All-Star teams in three seasons before resurfacing in 1975 with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Tommy John with the Dodgers