January 29th, 2019 at 9:01 am 
by 0799291000348 Monday, January 28, 2019 marked the 61st anniversary of the single-car accident on January 28, 1958 that tragically and abruptly ended the playing career of Dodgers Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella, leaving him paralyzed. But even then, at only 37 years old at the time, “Campy’s” records stood for themselves and even today are well worth looking up.
Campanella was an eight-time All-Star, a three-time National League MVP, a 1955 World Series champion, and received baseball’s highest honor in 1969 when he was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming only the second black player to receive such honor and joining fellow former Dodger great Jackie Robinson.
But a single event that occurred during the 1958 World Series showed the love and respect players and fans had for the then – and still – best all around catcher in Dodgers history, Brooklyn and Los Angeles. That event was vividly detailed in the book ‘Campy – The Two Lives of Roy Campanella‘ written by Neil Lanctot.
Paraphrasing Mr. Lanctot:
After 5 months of rehab Campy’s doctors encouraged him to accept Yankee co-owner Del Webb’s invitation to a Saturday afternoon World Series game at Yankee Stadium. Upon arrival at the stadium Campy found that his wheel chair was too wide for the narrow aisles. He had no choice but to be bodily carried by his attendant, two firemen, and a policeman.
“I felt like some sad freak,” he later recalled. “It was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me, I felt ashamed.” But, fans soon began to shout out encouragement. Then, virtually every one of the 71,566 present realized that is was the three-time MVP Roy Campanella.
“By some sort of mental telepathy thousands in the great three-tiered horse-shoe were on their feet and when applause moved, like wind through wheat from row to row, ” wrote Bill Corum of the Journal-American. On the field, the top half of the second inning took a backseat to the heartfelt hoopla in the stands
With the count 1-1 on the Braves’ Frank Torre, Yankee pitcher Don Larsen stepped off the mound as the players in both dugouts craned their necks to see what was causing the commotion and then began to join in the ovation themselves.
Yankee catcher Yogi Berra flipped his mask, waved, and could barely resist the temptation to run over and shake Campy’s hand while umpire Tom Gorman offered a clenched fist in a keep-fighting gesture; Campanella struggled to keep his composure and later said that he could not stop thinking about the outpouring of love he experienced.
(AP photo)
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I have to say, this article has brought tears to my eyes.
It must be good to be able to remember these things. For me, I was just starting to take an interest in baseball shortly after the Coliseum event. Still, it’s not hard to appreciate the greatness of those who went before.
One thing I noticed while watching “42” was the guy in catching gear quietly watching with apparent disapproval the stuff that was going on. That would have been Bruce Edwards. Surely he was hearing about the catcher at Montreal.
Good catch! I remember that scene in the movie. Dodgers’ pitcher Ralph Branca was one of the first to accept Jackie, including eating meals with him and encouraging him to become more involved with others on the team.
Not to mention taking showers with him.
OK, to anybody who hasn’t seen the movie, you have to see it to understand that comment. It’s not exactly how it appears.
I read that Ralph Branca confirmed that conversation did take place.
My dad huge Brooklyn Dodger Fan. went to Ebbetts field many times. Loved Jackie Roy Gil Duke PeeWee Sal the barber Joe Black Erskine etc. Told these stories growing up. “wait till next year was always decreed”
“Boys of Summer” were magical times. There seemed to be an aura surrounding my Dodgers heroes that lifted them above mortal men. Sometimes I find myself longing for those days.
I am pretty sure I should add that “Boys of Summer” book to my Dodger library.
Another book I would recommend, “The Last Good Season” by Michael Shapiro; story of the Brooklyn Dodgers last pennant winning season. Not only about the players, but the inside story of O’Malley’s decision to trade Jackie Robinson and move to LA.
I remember waking up the morning after the accident and not being able to believe what I heard. A true Dodger legend cut down at such a young age. Campy was one of the greats – not only as a player, but as a man. He always had a smile on his face. I cannot believe so much time has passed in the interim. I am only sorry I did not get to meet him in person. Yet, Pee Wee Reese did tell me that RC was the greatest catcher he ever saw. And who am I to disagree? Go Blue!!!! The memory of #39 lives on!!