Dodgers legend Don Newcombe has died at 92 years of age, according to a team announcement. MLBTR extends its best wishes to his family and friends.
Newcombe was revered around the game as one of its greatest ambassadors. His connection with the Dodgers organization stretched back to his playing days alongside Jackie Robinson and other Brooklyn legends. It continued for decades thereafter, with Newcombe’s regal presence becoming a Dodger Stadium institution.
In his playing days, Newcombe exhibited immense talent and was at times among the very best players in the game. He was voted the National League Rookie of the Year in 1949 and received both the Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards in 1956.
After emerging as a force on the mound, Newcombe lost two prime seasons to the Korean War and struggled a bit upon his return. But he rebounded to turn in his greatest-ever campaign in ’56, when he pitched to a 3.06 ERA in 268 innings. All told, Newcombe threw 2,154 2/3 innings of 3.56 ERA ball with the Dodgers, Reds, and Indians.
“Newk” was also an accomplished hitter, with a lifetime .271/.338/.367 batting line and 15 home runs in nearly a thousand MLB plate appearances. Remarkably, he even turned in part of a season as an outfielder/first baseman in Japan at the end of his career, slashing .262/.316/.473 and launching a dozen long balls in 301 plate appearances for the Chunichi Dragons.
Newcombe only spent a brief portion of his playing career in Los Angeles, as he was dealt to Cincinnati not long after the Dodgers completed their coast-to-coast move. After achieving sobriety, though, he returned to the L.A. organization, where he helped others battling substance abuse issues and — in the words of club president Stan Kasten — provided “endless advice and leadership” to Dodgers players.
R.I.P. Mr. Newcombe
Don Newcombe was a great player and great man…Rest in Peace…
I first heard of him when he came and spoke to my junior high back in the 80s. He told us all about his life, including his substance abuse and recovery from it. I became a fan of his from that moment, a genuinely good guy.
I am trying to figure out the down voting culture on this site. I’m not sure how sharing a memory about a guy that just died warrants downvoting. Doesn’t really matter, just curious. I expect to be downvoted quite a bit on this comment
Sad people who think downvoting makes them edgy or interesting. They are to pitied more than anything else.
I know God personally, and you’re not him…here’s a down vote for you heathen
Use the App if it affects you this much.
What is downvoting?
Clicking on the down arrow.
Yes, this. Newcombe overcame whatever internal demons he had, and got and stayed sober.
As trite as it may sound, this sort of story is really inspiring to me. As excellent as Newcombe was on the field, his work off the field seems even more important.
I am not sure if he was a Baseball Hall of Famer, but he was a Hall of Famer in life. War Hero and Hero off the field. Nice Man, Very Professional!
Another legend and great human being leaves us. RIP
RIP
Through the ’70s and 80’s my parents had season tickets and it was always an honor and privilege to see Newk and Campy at the games. True ambassadors and important pieces of the Dodgers culture. Sad day….
It’s the little things like helping others with sobriety that makes him a true legend both on and off the field. RIP
Proud son of Elizabeth, NJ. Rest easy my fellow Minuteman.
RIP!
Had one of the greatest offensive seasons of any pitcher in 1955 posting a 1.028 OPS in 125 PA. Easily could have been an everyday major league player if he wasn’t a pitcher.
God bless you Mr. Newcombe…
Sidebar: 1956 was the first year for a Cy Young award.
We tip our caps in honor not just of a great ballplayer, but for a man who beyond the age of 90 was frequently seen at the ballpark talking to fans and signing autographs. I’m sure it made him happy to be so well remembered, but as fans, it also made us feel respected and appreciated. The loss of Newk closes the book on an era.
A great man. He was one of my dads favorite players when he was growing up. I work in sports media and I was invited by Peter O’Malley to bring my dad to Dodger Stadium for a game and sit in the owners box. Mr O’Malley sent me a package before the game with a hand written note saying (in short) that he had a surprise for my dad at the game. We arrived and Mr O’Malley had Duke Snider, Koufax and Don Newcomb (all of my dads favorite players growing up)sit in the suite for about 4 innings. I have never ever seen a 65 year old man act like a little kid before. Mr. Newcomb was more than engaging, gracious, and relayed many a story from Dodger history. My now 78 year old father still gleams when he talks about it. Newc will be missed – a fantastic ambassador for the Dodgers and the game of baseball, RIP
Wow I would have been in awe too. 3 legends in one room. Great story, wish I could have been there.
As a young (8 yr old) Brooklyn fan, I loved watching Newcombe pitch and hit. RIP.
Condolences from this Giants fan. RIP
The passing of one of the best of the first group of black players brings back fond memories. Growing up in the late 40’s and 50’s half way between New York and Boston was quite a time. I was Red Sox fan, and unabashed Yankee hater (still am) but the Dodgers were on WOR channel 9 and the fact that Robinson, Campanella, Gilliam, Black and Newcombe were stars while the Giants, WPIX channel 11, sent Mays, Thompson and Irvin out there every day never crossed my mind, or the minds of all the other kids we played baseball with. There were always a few black kids in our group and the white boys cheered for Willie or Jackie and the black kids cheered for Sal the Barber or PeeWee. All we cared about was how good they were and Newk was a great one..
Who?
Big Newk was a credit to the game. The guy could definitely pitch, and he could hit. Newcombe was also a teammate of the recently departed Frank Robinson in Cincinnati back in 1958, “59 and “60. Condolences to his family and friends.