RIP Don Newcombe.

[Brian Van Horn]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/time-gr...201751922.html

[riggs336]

He was one of my favorites in the 1950's and, until Verlander came along, was the answer to my favorite baseball trivia question. RIP indeed.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by riggs336

He was one of my favorites in the 1950's and, until Verlander came along, was the answer to my favorite baseball trivia question. RIP indeed.

I forgot Verlander won ROY. Add in played OF in Japan then and you're back down to just Don. If you give him back the 2.5 years in the middle of his prime that he lost to military service he could well have 200 wins and his percentage stats would likely be improved. He may also have entered the majors later than he would've if he had been white, though he was only 23 but he was great from the get go. A HOF caliber player and ambassador, who just didn't have enough seasons. Also the greatest hitting pitcher ever.

He and Larry Doby went to Japan at the end of their careers where Newcombe played OF and outhit Doby!

[doug.goodman]

He will be missed at Dodger Stadium.

Here is a scored scorecard from his first game AGAINST the Dodgers, after being traded to the Reds.

He and Sandy both pitched in relief, Koufax got the win and walked Don, Newk took the loss and struckout Sandy

[mr2686]

Totally bummed after hearing about his passing. Seemed like he really got his life together after he stopped drinking. If I'm not mistaken, that leaves only 4 members of the 1955 championship team.

[Kenny Cole]

Hate hearing that. RIP.

[orioles70]

Nice story

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[brian1961]

Thanks, Adam, for a massively touching tribute to a fine pitcher. Newk's story about Minnie Minoso at the restaurant is a scream.

Don's 1956 & 1957 Topps are among my many favorite baseball cards from my youth in the late 60s when I'd order them from The Trading Card Company in Michigan. Wow, he won 18 of his first 19 decisions in '55. As I recall, he was just 8-5 in the first half of 1956, then became almost unbeatable again, winning 19 and losing but 2 in the second half!

We all know he struggled in the World Series, but he sure was a vital part of the Dodgers getting there all those years.

Again, thanks for a terrific post, Adam. All the best. --- Brian Powell

[doug.goodman]

Wow

https://twitter.com/PaulNicholsDC/st...58638096994310

I had no idea.

Doug