Walter O’Malley

Walter O’Malley [the late Dodgers owner] had an unusual sense of humor. Each year, as dean of the USC School of Dentistry, I would approach O’Malley to contribute to the dental school building fund. And every year I would receive the same response: “I have two degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, John, and I’m on their board of trustees charged with raising money for Penn from Southern California.” I’d always counter with, “That’s true, Walter, but you earn your living in Los Angeles, not Philadelphia.”

Finally, one fine day I received a letter from O’Malley. “Dear John,” it said. “Enclosed is a contribution made in memory of a dear departed friend.” Attached was a very handsome check made out to the USC Dental School. Also enclosed in the letter was a small coin envelope on which was written, “My dear departed friend.”

I opened the envelope and shook out an extracted tooth!

JOHN I. INGLE DDS

San Diego