In early 1950’s Major League Baseball, the Brooklyn Dodgers were the good guys battling the Evil Empire, New York Yankees. Every year the Yankees would become World Champions. Every year, the Dodgers would vow to “get them next year”.
The Dodgers had some great baseball players and were considered “blue collar” heros. My Dad of course fostered interest in major league baseball and there was constant banter about the Dodgers during each baseball season. It turns out that brother Jack aspired to be a catcher and Roy Campanella was the All-Star catcher for the Dodgers. Campanella was his role model.
Perhaps the biggest star on the Dodgers was outfielder Duke Snider. He died last week. His stories brought back memories. Duke was left handed and batted third in the batting order. He hit lots of home runs. This was in the days before “juiced up” baseballs and steroid laced athletes. Duke had 5 straight years of hitting over 40 home runs. What made Duke Snider’s home runs unique was the design of the Dodgers baseball field. Ebbets Field had a short right field fence that was 38 feet high. To hit a home run, a batter had to launch a high towering shot that cleared 38 feet as it left the playing field. Duke Snider was a master at it. It captured a kid’s imagination.
The Duke and company lost to the Yankees year after year after year. I think there were 5 consecutive defeats in the World Series. Finally, the Dodgers broke through and won the World Series (1955?). The Evil Empire had been overcome in 7 games.
Not long after the World Series victory, the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles for bigger money and the rest is history. The Evil Empire still resides in New York.
Jack’s hero, Roy Campanella was involved in a devestating car accident. He became a parapalygic and never played again. I remember Jack’s disbelief.
Duke Snider was the centerpiece of the Brooklyn Dodgers. His baseball card was desired by everybody. He was a hero. He defined 10 years of my life.
Love,
Dad