Alvin Dark RIP

[39special]

I just read that Alvin Dark passed away at 92.He had a good career as a player and manager.
I had sent him an autograph request about a year and half ago.His signature was shaky,but he took the time to answer my questions in detail,and also wrote that if I had any more questions,he would be happy to answer them.I wish I would have.
RIP Mr.Dark

[the 'stache]

That's great that he took the time to answer your questions, Steve. The chances of one of today's players doing that are not very good.

I'd never looked at his numbers before. He was better than just good. He was really good. In 1951, which was one of his two best seasons, he hit .303, scored 119 runs on 196 hits and 42 walks in 700 plate appearances. He led the league with 41 doubles, had 7 triples, 14 home runs, 69 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and he only struck out 39 times. In 1953, he scored 126 runs while hitting .300 with 41 doubles, 6 triples, 23 home runs and 88 RBI. The next year he hit .293 with 20 home runs and 80 RBI.

He was a real offensive contributor for the Giants. Seven seasons with over 170 hits, another two with 169 and 164. When you consider some of the big boppers the Giants had in ther early 50s-Bobby Thomson, Montee Irvin, a young Willie Mays--it was nice to have that kind of production from the shortstop position.

[Paul S]

RIP Alvin

[1952boyntoncollector]

like 2 days ago...

not sure how many people are alive that were in the 1952 topps set...

as average age of anyone alive would be in their 80s..

[Leon]

I moved this from another section for more to see. It's always sad (to me) to see the old timers leave us... and merged the thread Chris just started (exactly when I moved this one )

[campyfan39]

Mr. Dark was a great ttm signer. Good guy

[Chris Counts]

Alvin Dark passed away yesterday at 92. Even though his cards are generally considered commons, he had a pretty remarkable career. He was a football star at LSU, served in the U.S. Marines, won the N.L. Rookie of the Year in 1948, started the rally in the 1951 NL playoffs that set the table for Bobby Thomson's "Shot Heard 'Round the World," helped lead the Giants to the 1954 World Series title, hit nearly .290 over his career, had good power and played a solid shortstop, was the manager of the Giants' pennant-winning team in 1962, and managed the Swingin' A's to the World Series title in 1974. RIP Alvin.

[tj1943]

Over 25 players in the set remain alive including; Yogi Berra, Ned Garver, Red Schoendienst, Bob Cerv, Joe Garagiola, Bob Cerv, Irv Noren, Sam Mele, Charlie Silvera, Monte Irvin and Al Rosen.

Not bad for a 407 card set issued 62 years ago.

[tj1943]

Sorry for the Cerv duplication. Others alive are Harry Perkowski, Ed Fitzgerald, Tom Wright, Bob Kuzava, Alex Grammas and Randy Jackson.

[mark evans]

Originally Posted by tj1943

Sorry for the Cerv duplication. Others alive are Harry Perkowski, Ed Fitzgerald, Tom Wright, Bob Kuzava, Alex Grammas and Randy Jackson.

OT-- I saw Bob Kuzava pitch in an industrial league game in Norfolk, Va around 1961. My dad took me. I was around 11 years old. Heisman Trophy winner Joe Bellino played in the same league during his active duty between his Naval Academy and AFL careers.

[Runscott]

Always nice to hear good things about people when they pass. When I think of Alvin Dark, I think of how many quadruplicates I had of his Indians manager cards. I think my bicycle spokes were half Alvin Dark cards.

[Tao_Moko]

He made it just past the USMC birthday. RIP brother. Semper Fi