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 Induction
Information
Elected to Hall of Fame by Baseball Writers in 1969, Player -
270 votes on 340 ballots - 79.41%Born: November 19,
1921, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died: June 26, 1993, in Woodland Hills, California
ML Debut: 4/20/1948
Primary Position: Catcher
Bats: R Throws: R Primary Uniform #: 39
Played For: Brooklyn Dodgers (1948-1957)
Post-Season: 1949 World Series, 1952 World Series, 1953
World Series, 1955 World Series, 1956 World Series
Awards: All-Star (8): 1949-1956; National League Most
Valuable Player 1951, 1953, and 1955
Bio
A star with both the bat and glove, Roy Campanella was agile behind
the plate, had a rifle arm and was an expert at handling pitchers.
He was named National League MVP three times, including a 1953
selection when he set single-season records for catchers with 41
homers and a National League best 142 RBI. Before signing with the
Dodgers, the broad-shouldered receiver starred with the Negro
National Leagues' Baltimore Elite Giants for seven seasons. His
career was cut short by a tragic auto accident prior to the 1958
season.
Quote
"More than one observer has likened Campanella's quickness behind
the plate to that of a cat. He can pounce on bunts placed far out in
front of the plate and he gets his throws away with no waste motion.
He had not only a rifle arm but an accurate one."
— Tom Meany, NY World Telegram
Did You Know... Roy Campanella's final major league game,
September 29, 1957, was also the last big league game ever played at
Brooklyn's famed Ebbets Field? |
