one-quarter interest, making him the team's largest shareholder with 50 percent. He purchased Mrs. Smith's stock in January 1958—the Dodgers' debut season in Los Angeles—to gain 75 percent control of the franchise. References External links Hall of Leaders biography page at Pfizer Inc. McCue, Andy, "John L. Smith." at SABR Biography Project 1889 births 1950 deaths 20th-century American chemists American manufacturing businesspeople Brooklyn Dodgers owners Cooper Union alumni Deaths from lung cancer in New York (state) German emigrants to the United States Major League Baseball owners People from Krefeld People from Park Slope People from Stonington, Connecticut Prussian emigrants to the United States Scientists from New York (state)