Roy Campanella

[jayzeeg]

Today is the 50th anniversary of roy's auto accident. I remember waking up to get ready for school ( i was 14) and my mother told me what had happened. She was watching the Today Show when they first announced it. At the time no-one knew how serious it was, but they said he could not move, but it was too early to tell how permanent it would be. The first thing I thought of was I read an old quote by Roy saying that he loved the game so much, that they would have to tear the uniform off of him to make him quit. How ironic.

[metfan13]

Wonder how many homers he would have hit in the LA Coliseum?

He'd had a couple of off season, was maybe wearing down, but playing there may have given him a boost for a couple more big power seasons.

[stejay]

In wasnt old enough to remember it, but I heard a lot about him in his later life. I remember when he died in '93. Very sad. Lke you said, he could have done better if it wasnt for the accident.

[jayzeeg]

he was done by then. his hands were shot from injuries, and don't forget he was catching in the negro leagues from the time he was 15 years old. his body just wore down. i remember those seasons in '53 (somewhat- i was 10) and '55 and he put up incredible numbers, especially for a catcher.

[LeoD]

Roy was a great catcher, and a very nice man, I got to meet him a few times, and see him play many, many times, by 1957 Campy was was an old 36 his skills were not anywhere up to his standards, his numbers would not have improved if his career was not cut short , but he was a joy to watch in his prime.

[Imgran]

Was he the only contemporary Brooklyn star who never played for LA?

[jayzeeg]

Yes, Although Reese And Furillo Just Played Out String.

[shlevine42]

I had come to Fantasy Camp at Dodgertown not so much to play ball, but to touch the flesh of Erskine, Labine, Furillo, Snider.

And Campy.

I had grown up rooting for the Boys of Summer…loving them from afar…watching them, time after time, come from behind in the late innings, so often by a Campy RBI.

Now, at age 50, I was where I'd always wanted to be, wearing my team’s uniform (with MY NAME on it!), in the company of my heroes. It was pure magic.

When I met Campy, he had been in a wheelchair for more than 28 years. Yet every morning of that week, there he was, in full Dodger uniform, moving his chair around the field as he greeted and talked to the campers…offering a tip, sharing a story. And smiling…always smiling.

His good humor and enthusiasm and zest for life were infectious and ever-present.
We could hear his high-pitched voice from across the field, and when we approached him, his smile drew us in. He was open and accessible and happy, and I wondered, how could this once powerful, seemingly indestructible man, who had been dealt such a cruel blow, find the strength to laugh and smile?

And then I remembered that it was Campy who once said that in order to play baseball, there had to be a little kid in you. I think that also applies to those of us who revere those players.

Thanks, Campy, for preserving the kid in me.

[strummer]

I cannot agree more with you SHLevine42. He was a classic. I was at Fantasy Camp also. Every night he would be in the bar, not to drink, but to be available to talk with the campers like me. He not only remembered every game, but he seemed to remember every pitch.

Every night at dinner there would be some sort of program. One or two of the players would speak to us or something else would be going on. When it was Campy's turn, all paid attention and a good number teared up. As to remembering every pitch, when Roe complained that Campy kept calling pitch outs on Mays because he wanted to catch him stealing and then caught him stealing but left Roe with a 3-0 count, Campy replied he could do that only becaue he had such confidence in Roe's control.

[Mattingly]

I had come to Fantasy Camp at Dodgertown not so much to play ball, but to touch the flesh of Erskine, Labine, Furillo, Snider.

And Campy.

I had grown up rooting for the Boys of Summer…loving them from afar…watching them, time after time, come from behind in the late innings, so often by a Campy RBI.

Now, at age 50, I was where I'd always wanted to be, wearing my team’s uniform (with MY NAME on it!), in the company of my heroes. It was pure magic.

When I met Campy, he had been in a wheelchair for more than 28 years. Yet every morning of that week, there he was, in full Dodger uniform, moving his chair around the field as he greeted and talked to the campers…offering a tip, sharing a story. And smiling…always smiling.

His good humor and enthusiasm and zest for life were infectious and ever-present.
We could hear his high-pitched voice from across the field, and when we approached him, his smile drew us in. He was open and accessible and happy, and I wondered, how could this once powerful, seemingly indestructible man, who had been dealt such a cruel blow, find the strength to laugh and smile?

And then I remembered that it was Campy who once said that in order to play baseball, there had to be a little kid in you. I think that also applies to those of us who revere those players.

Thanks, Campy, for preserving the kid in me.
Now certainly don't expect to post something as fine as this without answering a few questions, now do you? :D

When and where was this Dodgertown thing, for those like myself who know nothing about this? How long did it last, and how often did you attend?

How did you find it meeting the players you so admired from seeing them play in Ebbets Field? Did you feel like you were 10 feet tall by pressing their flesh?

Oh, and you had a jersey with your name on it? Any particular number on it?

Sounds like the great times never ended back then! :p

[shlevine42]

Dodgertown is another name for the Dodgers' Vero Beach training facility.

Fantasy Camp was (and I think still is) a session created for adults who never grew up...who wanted to come to a training camp and play some ball, but mostly to hang out with former Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodger players.

I went in November of 1986, and as I noted in the previous post, it was purely for nostalgia reasons -- to meet and spend time with my former Brooklyn heroes.

The camp lasted from Sunday thru Saturday, and consisted of exercises and practice in the mornings, and an intra-squad game in the afternoons. It ended with the Campers playing against the former Dodgers at Holman Field, complete with scoreboard and public address announcer.

For that one week, playing ball all day and being so close to the Dodgers I had idolized, was like being 15 again. Pure magic!

The best part, of course, was meeting and talking to the players, and re-living the years that had meant so much to me. Not only were the former Dodgers with us all day on the playing field, they sat at our tables in the dining room, and spent time with us in the lounge at the end of the day.

All the players were friendly, accessible and always willing to answer our questions. I spent a lot of time reminiscing with Erskine and Labine (two of the nicest, classiest, most articulate men), and talking about Jackie in particular. I think you can guess what number was on my jersey.

While it was a memorable experience, I never went back. I don't believe I could ever re-create the thrill of that first time.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

@Mattingly

Here are some pictures of Dodgertown and Holman Field. I bet you have seen one of those.

http://www.dodgertown.com/images/Imagegallery/ACFA24.gif

http://www.dodgertown.com/images/Imagegallery/DodgertownFrontEntrance.jpg

http://www.dodgertown.com/images/Imagegallery/conference1_lg.jpg

http://www.dodgertown.com/images/Imagegallery/conference4_lg.gif

http://images.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/_photos/2007-02-22-dodgertown-large.jpg

This link (http://www.digitalballparks.com/SpringTraining/Dodgertown1.html) shows a lot of great pictures.

I really think it a shame that the Dodgers will leave Dodgertown for a facility in Arizona. Of course it makes sense that they will get a facility closer to LA, but the last tie there was with Brooklyn will be gone.

[DODGER DEB]

@Mattingly

Here are some pictures of Dodgertown and Holman Field. I bet you have seen one of those.

http://www.dodgertown.com/images/Imagegallery/ACFA24.gif

http://www.dodgertown.com/images/Imagegallery/DodgertownFrontEntrance.jpg

http://www.dodgertown.com/images/Imagegallery/conference1_lg.jpg

http://www.dodgertown.com/images/Imagegallery/conference4_lg.gif

http://images.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/_photos/2007-02-22-dodgertown-large.jpg

This link (http://www.digitalballparks.com/SpringTraining/Dodgertown1.html) shows a lot of great pictures.

I really think it a shame that the Dodgers will leave Dodgertown for a facility in Arizona. Of course it makes sense that they will get a facility closer to LA, but the last tie there was with Brooklyn will be gone.

Oh, YBF, you couldn't possibility think that something like that would ever matter to Frank McCourt!

c.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Oh, YBF, you couldn't possibility think that something like that would ever matter to Frank McCourt!

c.

Apparently not Dodger Deb.

It shows that he lacks sense of history.

The sad part is that if the Orioles will go there, the name Dodgertown will be gone. I know that MLB teams switch to another ST facility quite often, but a place like this should not be abandoned.

[DODGER DEB]

Apparently not Dodger Deb.

It shows that he lacks sense of history.

The sad part is that if the Orioles will go there, the name Dodgertown will be gone. I know that MLB teams switch to another ST facility quite often, but a place like this should not be abandoned.

This falls into the same category that says OUR Ebbets Field should not have been demolished...and OUR Team name and history should have been left in BROOKLYN, where it all happened, and still belongs...and, oh well, you know the rest!

If only enough people really cared about preserving baseball history....if only!

c.

[Ralph Zig Tyko]

You[all of us] are preserving Baseball history on this very thread, DD.
The passion will never die.

[Mattingly]

shlevine42, how silly of me not to have figured out easily which number you wore back then.

Once again, you've given me a very shining and vivid example of what the Brooklyn Dodgers were all about. I thank you very much, as it puts a clearer picture in front of me of who those great gents were, and how beloved they were by all of you!

Thank you also, YBF and Dodger Deb for your photos and commentary, as I greatly appreciate all the info that's been kindly given to me. :)

[donzblock]

shlevine42, how silly of me not to have figured out easily which number you wore back then.

Once again, you've given me a very shining and vivid example of what the Brooklyn Dodgers were all about. I thank you very much, as it puts a clearer picture in front of me of who those great gents were, and how beloved they were by all of you!

Thank you also, YBF and Dodger Deb for your photos and commentary, as I greatly appreciate all the info that's been kindly given to me. :)
Is there anything else we can give to Mattingly? I am wracking my brains.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Is there anything else we can give to Mattingly? I am wracking my brains.

What about a lecturing about Brooklyn Dodger baseball? :p
As a New York baseball fan, I think you must know about the history of the Dodgers. Hiya Matt.:waving

[Shotgun Shuba]

In 1946, Playing for the Nashua Dodgers, Campy filled in the for the ejected Walt Alston and became the first African American to manage an integrated professional baseball team. The New England League of the late 40's and the Nashua Dodgers are a really interesting story.

[donzblock]

May we hear this interesting story?

[Shotgun Shuba]

One aspect of Campy's game I find very interesting is the fact that despite his fireplug frame he must have been very agile. It is said he also had a rifle arm which would account for his 57% success in catching attempted stolen bases, the best of any backstop.

[donzblock]

One aspect of Campy's game I find very interesting is the fact that despite his fireplug frame he must have been very agile. It is said he also had a rifle arm which would account for his 57% success in catching attempted stolen bases, the best of any backstop.
That is very interesting. I never knew that Campy had a fireplug frame or agility or a rifle arm. I believe you have much more of interest to impart to us. Please don't hold back.

[Mattingly]

Is there anything else we can give to Mattingly? I am wracking my brains.
Well, pardon my not returning here fast enough to not notice your post. I'll try being very gentle in accepting your kind offer, Prof Donz. :)

Since February is Black History Month, are there any organized efforts by any colleges or other organizations to link Roy or Jackie under important Black History? Despite his first name being misspelled "Ray", Roy is credited in this link:

http://www.giantfoodstores.com/shareddev/sharedcontent/SP/BHM07/players/rc.cfm

I also saw this page on Campy:

http://www.thebaseballpage.com/players/camparo01.php

If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know, kind sir. ;)

[donzblock]

Well, pardon my not returning here fast enough to not notice your post. I'll try being very gentle in accepting your kind offer, Prof Donz. :)

Since February is Black History Month, are there any organized efforts by any colleges or other organizations to link Roy or Jackie under important Black History? Despite his first name being misspelled "Ray", Roy is credited in this link:

http://www.giantfoodstores.com/shareddev/sharedcontent/SP/BHM07/players/rc.cfm

I also saw this page on Campy:

http://www.thebaseballpage.com/players/camparo01.php

If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know, kind sir. ;)
Shotgun Shuba has many interesting details about Campy that he will probably soon be sharing with us. I am sure that these details will also enlighten Mattingly.

[Mattingly]

Shotgun Shuba has many interesting details about Campy that he will probably soon be sharing with us. I am sure that these details will also enlighten Mattingly.
Prof Donz, if you are certain that I will be enlightened, then I accept this as fact. I will enthusiastically await whatever Shotgun Shuba has to offer.

Anything that you also have to add about Campy would definitely be well-received on my part also. Thank you again, kind sir! :)

[Mattingly]

Oh, YBF, you couldn't possibility think that something like that would ever matter to Frank McCourt!

c.
If anything mattered to him, would he bring the Dodgers back to Brooklyn? Hmmmmm, I wonder if someone around the Atlantic Yards would make sense? :D

[donzblock]

Though "the Nashua Dodgers" and presumably Roy Campanella are "a really interesting story" according to Shotgun Shuba, it appears that we are going to have to wait for the really interesting details. Waiting, of course, is a good thing in that it builds up suspense, but I am concerned about Mattingly, who has been hanging around here eager to soak up knowledge, only to discover that such knowledge has not been forthcoming.

Does anybody know why Campanella's record for homeruns by a New York City catcher supposedly was eclipsed by that Mets' catcher (what is his name?) who hit the same number of homers as Campy (41)? I have never understood that.

[Mattingly]

Prof Donz, I'm always willing to wait. I have lots of time on my hands, and I'm always happy to be amongst people who were original fans of a team which played in the Borough of Kings, where I've lived for 30+ years. You, of course, are a shining example of this excellent fan base. :)

I think I've already soaked up quite a bit of knowledge here. I'm just greedy in getting more knowledge, if you haven't noticed. :D I'm still patient.

As to 41 HRs, I don't know about this. Roy Campanella (http://www.baseball-reference.com/c/camparo01.shtml) hit 41 in 1953. Mike Piazza (http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/piazzmi01.shtml), the best slugging catcher the Mets ever had, hit 40 in 1999, his first full Mets season. Before this, he'd hit 40 in a certain team that Vin Scully & Tommy LaSorda are most closely associated with.

Hopefully, the "Curse of BROOKLYN" may avoid me for mentioning their names here! :D