John Rosenblatt
| John Rosenblatt | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Omaha, Nebraska | |
|
In office 1954 – 1961 |
|
| Preceded by | Glenn Cunningham |
| Succeeded by | James Dworak |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 25, 1907 |
| Died | October 29, 1979 (aged 71) Omaha, Nebraska |
| Resting place |
Beth El Cemetery Ralston, Nebraska |
| Spouse(s) | Freeda Brodkey (1911–1973) |
| Residence | Omaha, Nebraska |
John R. "Johnny" Rosenblatt (December 25, 1907– October 29, 1979) was an American civic leader, the mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, from 1954 to 1961. His name remains synonymous with baseball in Omaha and was Rosenblatt Stadium was named after him. Rosenblatt led his hometown with warmth and optimism; one of six children born to Jewish immigrant parents, he started selling newspapers at age seven. He seemed a natural salesman, whether it was pitching papers, the municipal stadium project or the city at large.
Rosenblatt was more than just a baseball fan, he was a top outfielder in amateur and semipro leagues for nearly 20 years. He played many games at Rourke Park near 15th and Vinton, the predecessor to Municipal Stadium. As a semipro player, under the name Johnny Ross, Rosenblatt faced Satchel Paige, the famed Negro League pitcher. “I never saw a pitch travel so fast in all my life,” he said of the experience. He also played in a 1927 exhibition with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
The mayor won many friends and accolades during his career in sports and politics. He was called “the supreme gentleman” by Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan. Longtime City Clerk Mary Galligan Cornett said he was “absolutely the greatest guy you ever knew.” City Planning Director Alden Aust described him as “one of the best and most successful mayors I have known.” Aust continued his praise, listing Rosenblatt’s attributes as friendly, gentle, optimistic, trusting and self-effacing.
After starring as an athlete at Tech High in Midtown Omaha, Rosenblatt attended the University of Iowa on a baseball scholarship but had to leave college to help support his family. He played basketball briefly at Omaha University. The young Rosenblatt played baseball in sandlot leagues for a few years, then Roberts Dairy came calling for the left-handed outfielder in 1933. The company wanted him for its fast-pitch Omaha League team. He got more than a position on the team, he landed a sales job. Thus began a relationship with Roberts that lasted more than 20 years. Rosenblatt even returned to the dairy after his political career.
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