January 29 - Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella suffers a broken neck in an early morning auto accident on Long Island. His spinal column is nearly severed and his legs are permanently paralyzed. Campanella will never play for the Dodgers after their move to Los Angeles, although a newspaper story (showing a picture of him wearing a Brooklyn cap) describes him as being of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
April 15 - The San Francisco Giants defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first major league game at San Francisco's Seals Stadium, with Ruben Gomez pitching an 8-0 shutout win for the Giants. Giants shortstop Daryl Spencer hits the first home run. The Giants set an attendance record for Seals Stadium by drawing 23,192 fans.
April 25 - The Dodgers set a record for the most fans at a regular season night game as 60,635 attend a game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Los Angeles beats the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3.
March 28 - Chuck Klein, 53, Hall of Fame slugging right fielder, primarily with the Philadelphia Phillies, who was named the NL's MVP in 1932 and won the Triple Crown one year later; the 7th player to hit 300 home runs, winning four league titles
November 21 - Mel Ott, 49, Hall of Fame outfielder and 12-time All-Star for the New York Giants who held National League career record for home runs (511), leading league 6 times. Led N.Y. Giants in home runs a record 18 consecutive years.
November 27 - Harry G. Salsinger, 71, sportswriter for the Detroit News for over 50 years
December 8 - Tris Speaker, 70, Hall of Fame center fielder known for spectacular defense as well as superlative batting, becoming the second player to compile over 3,500 hits and posting a .345 career average