The Nets have quietly reached out to members of the Brooklyn Dodgers who last played in the borough 55 years ago, hoping they'll show for the team's opening night. Ralph Branca, 86, is committed to attend. Branca threw the most famous gopher ball in baseball history, the one that Bobby Thompson launched into history. He'll be joined by Brooklyn native Joe Pignatano, 83, who was a third-string rookie catcher in 1957.

The big prize, and he'll cost, is Sandy Koufax, the Brooklyn teenager who won his first game at Ebbets Field in 1955. "Koofoo" would also bring some basketball heritage to the event. He was a top player in high school and played for then basketball powerhouse Cincinnati in college.

• Nets Calling on Brooklyn Dodgers - Scott Cacciola - Wall Street Journal