This morning we were shook by the news that Brooklyn Dodger hero Don Newcombe has died at the age of 92. As you know, he was a frequent attendee at Dodger games, and is known to be a mentor to numerous Dodger players throughout the years/decades. Per a tweet by David Vassegh:
Koufax: "Mentor at first, friend at the end. Missed by anyone that got to know him."Don Newcombe spent eight of his ten year Major League career as a Dodger, and in that time he achieved heights and accomplishments rarely experienced by others. He became the Rookie of the Year in 1949, won both the Cy Young and MVP Awards in 1956 and was a 4X All-Star. Newk was also considered one of the greatest hitting pitchers in the game. In nearly 1,000 plate appearances he slashed .271/.338/.367/.705 with 33 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs and 108 RBI's.
Below is an announcement from the Dodgers (click to embiggen):
I would also suggest reading Jon Weisman's excellent chapter on Newcombe that he wrote in his book Brothers in Arms: Koufax, Kershaw and the Dodgers’ Extraordinary Pitching Tradition. He helpfully put it up on his blog for all to enjoy. Check it out here.
Plenty of current and former Dodgers' have extended their condolences, thanks and praise for Don. Check out a bunch below.
Statement from Tommy Lasorda, via a tweet from David Vassegh:
Tommy Lasorda released a statement regarding the passing of Don Newcombe:— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) February 19, 2019
“Don Newcombe had a ton of talent and he was a great competitor. He was a helluva pitcher and he was one of the best hitting pitchers I have ever seen”
He always had that smile. An even better person. Such a sad day for the Dodger family. #RIP Newc https://t.co/4AvfqB10D1— Paul Lo Duca (@paulloduca16) February 19, 2019
Per former Dodgers broadcast Ross Porter on twitter:
Don Newcombe has died at 92. He told me 40 years ago that he— Ross Porter (@therossporter) February 19, 2019
should be in the Hall of Fame because he was the first pitcher to win Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Cy Young Awards. It never happened. He
was the first Cy Young winner after going 27 & 7 in 1956. In L.A., 0 & 6.
Corey Seager, via a tweet from Pedro Moura:
Corey Seager met the late Don Newcombe when he signed in 2012. He spent several afternoons visiting with him while injured last season. “It’s a hard one to swallow,” Seager said of his death.— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) February 19, 2019
More from Seager, via a tweet from David Vassegh:
Per Brandon Morrow on twitter:
Seager said he’d talk to Newk about how to be a professional and how to handle himself. “It’s really sad. He was very helpful in my career. Him and his whole family have always looked after me, always helped me from day one.”— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) February 19, 2019
Per Brandon Morrow on twitter:
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Dodgers legend Don Newcombe. “Newc” always went out of his way to greet me with a handshake and offer kind words of advice. I’m honored to have known him and spend some time in his presence.— Brandon Morrow (@2Morrow23) February 19, 2019
Today we lost one of the best men I was fortunate to have known. Along w/ Jackie & Roy, Don was a trailblazer and was not only a Baseball & #Dodgers Legend, He was family. Players, past & present’s second Grandfather, always giving us words of wisdom. #RIP #DonNewcombe #MLB pic.twitter.com/ImKlkNMgom— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) February 19, 2019
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It's been a rough few weeks for baseball fans. Rest in peace Mr. Newcombe!
ReplyDeleteI love Newk. I grew up collecting baseball cards and still collect 30 years later. Where can I get the Newk cards that are pictured here?
ReplyDelete