Los Angeles Dodgers: Their Connection to the Royal Wedding

On Friday, it is estimated that approximately 1.75 billion people will be tuning in to watch the grand event we have to come to know as the Royal Wedding.

The marriage of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton will be must-see TV, and one of the most watched events in the history of television.

Of those 1.75 billion that will be tuning in, no doubt at least a few of them are fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

While the Royal Wedding at Westminster Abbey in London may be 5,359.3 miles from Dodger Stadium, there is a connection between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Royal Wedding.

Well, actually, there are a few.

So, for those of you that are taking a vacation day to watch the blessed event happening tomorrow morning at Westminster Abbey, or for those of you who are wondering just how the Dodgers are tied to the Royal Wedding, here are a few facts for you to consider.

Happy Royal Wedding Day!

Elton John

Photo credit: Los Angeles Dodgers

Music legend and multi-Grammy award winner Elton John, who will be a guest at the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, played a concert at Dodger Stadium back in 1975.

As you can see, Sir Elton decided to get into the spirit of things by wearing Dodger Blue.

Sequined, of course. But Dodger Blue, nonetheless.

Elton John

Photo credit: Los Angeles Dodgers

Sir Elton played to two sellout crowds at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 25-26, 1975, just shortly after the release of his album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.

Montreal Royals

Photo credit: Los Angeles Dodgers

From 1939-60, the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers had a minor league affiliate in Montreal called the Montreal Royals.

Dodger legends who played there include Jackie Robinson, Tommy Lasorda, Duke Snider, Don Drysdale, Roy Campanella and Duke Snider.

Montreal Royals

Photo credit: Los Angeles Dodgers

Hall of Fame Manager and Dodger legend Tommy Lasorda met Queen Elizabeth at the opening of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal in 1958 when he played for the Montreal Royals.

Albuquerque Dukes

Photo credit: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate Albuquerque Isotopes were called the Albuquerque Dukes from 1963-64 and 1972-2000.

Dodger legends who played for the Dukes include current Dodger First Base Coach Davey Lopes, Ron Cey, and Charlie Hough.

Oh, and take a wild guess who once managed them. Yup, you got it...Tommy.

Tom Prince

Photo credit: Los Angeles Dodgers

At one time, the Dodgers had royalty playing for them. Well, he was named after royalty.

Tom PRINCE was a backup catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1994-98.

Tom Prince

Photo credit: Los Angeles Dodgers

Prince was a very effective backup during his time in Dodger Blue, hitting .227 in his five years with Los Angeles, and giving primary catcher Mike Piazza an occasional day off behind the plate.

Clyde King

Photo credit: Los Angeles Dodgers

During their time in Brooklyn, the Dodgers also entertained royalty on their team.

Pitcher Clyde KING pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1944-52 and later managed the Giants, Braves and Yankees.

Victoria Beckham

Photo credit: Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers

And finally, one more tie that binds together the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Royal Wedding...

Royal Wedding guest Victoria Beckham threw out a ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium in 2007 as part of her show about moving to Los Angeles, “Coming to America.”

So, there you have it. Complete proof that the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Royal Wedding are inextricably connected.