Legendary Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe has died at 92
Don Newcombe, the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitching legend, has died at the age of 92, the team announced Tuesday. Newcombe, a former teammate of Jackie Robinson, was on one of the first teams that integrated players of color in the MLB.
"Don Newcombe's presence and life established him as a role model for major leaguers across the country," president Stan Kasten said in a statement. "He was a constant presence at Dodger Stadium and players always gravitated toward him for his endless advice and friendship. The Dodgers meant everything to him and we are all fortunate he was a part of our lives."
Newcombe pitched 10 years in the major leagues, eight with the Dodgers. He also served for two years in the military.
He reached the pinnacle of his career in 1956 when he won both the Cy Young and NL Most Valuable Player awards as a Dodger. Newcombe went 27-7 with a 3.06 ERA, leading the Dodgers in fewest-hits-and-walks-allowed per nine innings. He was named Rookie of the year in 1949.
Newcombe is also one of the franchise's final links to Brooklyn and the days of other Dodgers greats Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson. He passed away Tuesday after a lengthy illness, according to the Dodgers.
Newcombe was born in Madison, New Jersey. He is survived by his wife Karen Newcombe, children Don Newcombe Jr., Kellye Roxanne Newcombe and Brett Anthony Newcombe, grandchildren Cayman Newcombe and Riann Newcombe, and stepson Chris Peterson.
