22 Facts About Johnny Rosenblatt

John Ross Rosenblatt was an American civic leader, the mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, from 1954 to 1961.

Johnny Rosenblatt's name remains synonymous with baseball in Omaha, and Rosenblatt Stadium was named after him.

Johnny Rosenblatt led his hometown with warmth and optimism; one of six children born to Jewish immigrant parents, he started selling newspapers at age seven.

Johnny Rosenblatt seemed a natural salesman, whether it was pitching papers, the municipal stadium project or the city at large.

Johnny Rosenblatt was more than just a baseball fan, he was a top outfielder in amateur and semipro leagues for nearly 20 years.

Johnny Rosenblatt played many games at Rourke Park near 15th and Vinton, the predecessor to Municipal Stadium.

Johnny Rosenblatt played in a 1927 exhibition with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

The young Johnny Rosenblatt played baseball in sandlot leagues for a few years, then Roberts Dairy came calling for the left-handed outfielder in 1933.

Johnny Rosenblatt wanted him for its fast-pitch Omaha League team.

Johnny Rosenblatt got more than a position on the team, he landed a sales job.

Johnny Rosenblatt even returned to the dairy after his political career.

Johnny Rosenblatt ran for city commissioner in 1948, primarily on platform to complete the stadium project properly.

The inaugural event in October 1948 drew some 15,000 fans, who saw major leaguers and Nebraska natives Rex Barney, Richie Ashburn, and Johnny Rosenblatt Hoop compete against a collection of sandlot and minor league players.

Johnny Rosenblatt arranged for the American Legion's Little World Series, which drew 47,000 fans over several days.

Johnny Rosenblatt joined Ed Pettis and Morris Jacobs in persuading the NCAA to relocate championship baseball series to Omaha's new stadium.

Johnny Rosenblatt then negotiated with the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose Omaha Dodgers farm team played two years at the stadium.

Johnny Rosenblatt was able to convince voters to approve bond issues for the most crucial needs, such as sewage treatment plants.

In June 1961, just after James Dworak had assumed the mayor's office, Johnny Rosenblatt received a lifetime pass to the stadium he built.

Ironically, as head of the Chamber of Commerce Sports Committee in 1963, Johnny Rosenblatt appointed a subcommittee to review the possibility of a downtown stadium.

Johnny Rosenblatt underwent brain surgery procedures and drug interventions, but the disease persisted.

Johnny Rosenblatt died at age 71 on October 29,1979, and was buried at Beth El Cemetery in Ralston.

Johnny Rosenblatt was married to the former Freeda Brodkey for 39 years.