Author Eric Nusbaum Discusses Stealing Home: Los Angeles, the Dodgers, and the Lives Caught in Between

The Echo Park Historical Society and the Friends of Elysian Park are excited to present author Eric Nusbaum discussing his award-winning 2020 book Stealing Home: Los Angeles, the Dodgers, and the Lives Caught in Between. 

Nusbaum’s deeply researched book illuminates a crucial era of local history, telling the full story of how Dodger Stadium came to be built in Elysian Park, which goes far beyond baseball. The hills around what is now the stadium were once home to three vibrant Mexican-American communities. In the early 1950s, those communities were condemned to make way for a utopian public housing project – but when the political climate shifted, the city’s public housing initiative was defeated amidst a Red Scare conspiracy. Instead of getting their homes back, the remaining residents saw the city sell their land to Walter O'Malley, the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who wanted to move the team West. But before Dodger Stadium could be built, the city would have to face down the neighborhood's families — including one, the Aréchigas, who refused to yield their home. The ensuing confrontation captivated the nation – and the divisive outcome still echoes through Los Angeles today.

Eric Nusbaum has written and edited for Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and VICE. From 2023 to 2026 he was the editor in chief of the Seattle Met. His work has been featured in the Best American Sports Writing anthology, and won accolades including the SABR Seymour Medal for best baseball book.

Email eden@lapl.org for more information.