Brooklyn Dodger News Briefs

6-6-99--AP--Eddie "The Brat" Stanky died today of a heart attack at his home at the age of 82. He played on the pennant winners with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, the Boston Braves in 1948 and the new York Giants in 1951. Mr. Stanky started at 2nd base for the 1947 Dodgers.

4-9-99--SCD--Pastimes Productions presents the Meadowlands Classic at The Crowne Plaza in Secaucas, NJ on May 22-23. Guest appearences by Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese, Carl Erskine, Johnny Podres, Clem Labine, Don Demeter, Joe Pignatano, Wally Moon, Maury Wills, Roger Craig and many more in celebration of the 1959 World Series with many players from the 1959 Chicago White Sox present also, (for more information : call 1-914-747-6800)

4-8-99--SCD--Pittsburgh 16th Spring Classic- Hall of Fame Weekend.A mong other HOFer's, Duke Snider , will appear Sunday 1:30pm-4:00pm on May 16th at the Charles L. Sewall Center of Robert Morris College, Narrows Run Road in Coraopolis, PA. (for more information on May 14-16th show:call 1-914-855-0632)

3-7-99--SCD--Pastime Productions presents the Long Island Classic on May 1-2 at the Fitness Center-Hofstra Univ. in Uniondale, New York. On hand for autographs will be Sandy Koufax and many other HOF. (for more information call 1-914-747-6800

3-7-99--SCD--The Southern California Sportcard and Collectible Expo on March 26-28 prents Don Newcombe, Al Gionfriddo, Pete Coscarart. Located at the Hollywood Park casino- 3883 W.Century BL @ Prarie. (for more information call1-310-454-5030)

1-1-99--Misc.--Capital University is proud to present Rickey: The Life and Times of Baseball's Branch Richey. Rickey spans the life of baseball's "Mahatma"; you will meet Ty Cobb, Dizzy Dean, and have a front-row seat for Rickey's emotional and historical meeting with Jackie Robinson. The performance will be held at Mees Auditorium (Columbus, Ohio) on Feb. 3 at 7:00pm. Admission is free (1-614-236-6138). More Internet information click here at Branch Rickey

9-21-98--Misc.--Don Newcombe is selling autographs by mail and is also available for speaking engagements. Please contact Mary Ann Ocampo Enterprises for more information (310-373-6515) 4042 W. 226th Street, Torrence, CA 90505. Flats and balls-$10. Bats and jerseys- $20.

8-25-98---Misc.--Roy Campanella's Second Life Dinner and Golf Tournament will be held on November 8-9, 1998 in Newport Beach , California. The Campanella Foundation is Roy's legacy to paralyzed people seeking inspiration to go on with lives after personal tragedy strikes. The fundraiser provides paralyzed people with a support system and scholarships to college students in their final year who are going into the field of physical therapy. For more information contact Mr. John Puttock at campys2ndlife@msn.com or Maxine Voss at 1-818-716-0206.

8-10-98--SCD-- Elmer Valo, a veteran of 20 years in the majors, and a top pitch hitter at the tail end of his career, died July 19 in Philadelphia at the age of 77. He finished with a .282 lifetime mark. He played for the Athletics in Kansas City and Philadelphia, for the Senators in Washington and Minnetosa(Twins), and the Dodgers in Brooklyn and Los Angeles.

8-10-98--AP-- Ray Moss,former Brooklyn Dodger beginning in the 1926 season and lasting for 5 years, passed away August 8. He was 96 years old and the oldest surviving Boston Braves player. He had a lifetime pitching mark of 22-18.

7-11-98--SCD--See many Brooklyn Dodgers at the Hall of Fame induction in Cooperstown, NY on July 24-27. Brought to you by Jack Berke for this weekend spectacular at the Tunnicliff Inn on Pioneer Street (right opposite of Mickey's Place). Here is the lineup---Don Newcombe, Roger Craig, Carl Erskine, Johnny Podres, Clem Labine, Joe Black, Spider Jorgenson, Gene Hermanski, Clyde King, Tommy Holmes, Ranson Jackson, Joe Pignatano and Al Gionfriddo. Private signing for the "Captain" Pee Wee Reese will be available for articles to be signed only.( For more information on signing times etc. Contact: Jack Berke at 718-426-8680)

6-23-98--SCD--Former Brooklyn Dodger player, Jack Bolling , died April 19, 1998.

6-21-98-- AP--Former Dodger General Manager and minor league teammate with Jackie Robinson, Al Campanis , has passed away at the age of 81. Al Campanis played 7 games as a Brooklyn Dodger and signed Sandy Koufax to a major league contract. More details can be seen at this Yahoo news link

6-18-98--SCD-Stanley "Packy" Rogers, an infielder for the Dodgers in 1938, died May 15 in Elmira, NY. He was 85. Rogers appeared in 23 games for Brooklyn that season

5-28-98--SCD--Jack Berke presents Eddie Stanky, Clyde Sukeforth, Jim Hughes, Whit Wyatt, Mike Sandlock, Danny McDevitt, Dick Teed and Stanley Rogers for an exclusive private signing. Items to sign must be received by June 27 ( For more information, call 1-718-426-8680 )

5-27-98--SCD--Southern California Collectibles presents an autograph show featuring Al Gionfriddo, Cal McLish, Johnny Podres, Rene Valdez, Fred Kipp, Gene Mauch, DIck Williams, Wally Moon, Jim Gentile, Don Demeter, Cliff Dapper, Pete Coscararet, Bobby Morgan on June 27-28: 10a-6pm at the Pasadena (Conference Building) 300 East Green Street. ( For more information: call 1-310-457-7559)

3-24-98--SCD--Pastimes Productions present the Chicago Classic collectibles show featuring Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, Joe DiMaggio and others on May 23-24 at the Clarion Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois. (For more information call 1-914-747-6800)

2-9-98--- SCD-- Chuck Templeton , a left-hander who pitched 10 games for the Dodgers form 1955-56, died Oct 9 in Irving , Tx. He was 65.

1-22-98--Pastime Productions--The Long Island Classic featuring Brooklyn Dodgers Tommy Lasorda, Pee Wee Reese, Gene Mauch, Bobby Morgan, Sam Nahem, Cliff Dapper, Eddie Basinski, Don Demeter, Cal McLish and Pete Coscarart will attend a special collectibles show at The Fitness Center at Hofstra University in Uniondale, New York on May 2,3-1998.( For more information call 1-914-747-6800)

1-13-98--St. Louis Post Dispatch-- Joseph E. Becker former Brooklyn Dodgers pitching coach from 1954-1964, passed away at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Becker, of 49 years.

12-5-97--AP--Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Vic Lombardi died following heart surgery today at the age of 75. Lombardi played with the Dodgers from 1945-1947 with a pitching record of 35-32.

11-22-97--SCD-- Brooklyn Dodgers relief pitcher Russ "The Mad Monk" Meyer in the 1953-55 World Series, has passed away at the age of 74 in Oglesby, Ill. Though best know from his time with the Dodgers (1953-1955), Meyer's best season in his 13-year career came in 1949, his first year with the Phillies (17-8) He was 32-13 in his three seasons with Brooklyn including 15-5 in 1953 when the Dodgers breezed to the pennant with 105 wins. He finished with a lifetime 94-73 mark.

11-21-97--SCD--Pastimes Productions presents the Queens Classic with Ted Williams, Duke Snider, Joe Pignatano, Ralph Branca, Steve Carlton and others for an exciting memorabalia and collectibles show. Date set is January 17-18 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, John F. Kennedy Airport in Jamaica, NY. (for more information call 1-914-747-6800)

10-24-97--SCD--Sports Collectibles of Houston presents the 40th anniversary Brooklyn-LA Dodger autograph reunion and collector's show featuring Duke Snider, Clem Labine, Don Newcombe, Wally Moon, Tommy Davis, Frank Howard, Johnny Podres and many more to be named later. December 12-14 at the Astrohall (For more information and newsletter for more players: call 1-713-723-0730)

10-21-97--AP-- Dolph Camilli , the National League's MVP while leading the Brooklyn Dodgers to the pennant in 1941, died October 21. He was 90. Camilli recently underwent spinal surgery and suffered from pneumonia. Camilli came to the majors in 1933 with the Chicago Cubs. After a stint with Philadelphia, the hard-hitting first baseman was sold for $50,000 to the Dodgers in 1938. Three seasons later, he helped Brooklyn win its first pennant in 21 years. He retired in 1945. He had a career average of .277 in 1490 games with 239 homers and 950 RBI's.

09-27-97--SCD-The Brooklyn Dodgers '55 World Championship banner got a bit of sprucing up earlier this summer thanks to the $6,000 contribution of an attorney from Solebury Township, Pa. John Eler's anted up donation to rinse and repair the 19 foot banner came through for the Brooklyn Historical Society. Another $3,000 will finish the project. A Daily News article stated that even without any attribution, the banner was worth $50,000.

09-26-97--SCD--Former Brooklyn Dodger, Elwood "Woody" English , a shortstop-third baseman who played 12 NL seasons for the Cubs and Dodgers, died Sept 26, 1997 in his hometown of Newark, Ohio. He was 90. He played in the first All-Star game in 1933 and ended his career with a .286 average.

08-25-97--AP--Former Brooklyn Dodgers player, Buddy Hassett , passed away August 25, 1997.

08-12-97--AP--Former Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher and longtime Baltimore Orioles public address announcer Rex Barney, died August 12, 1997. Barney compiled a 35-31 record over six seasons with Brooklyn in the 1940's. His best season came in 1948 when he went 15-13 with a 3.10 ERA, including a no-hitter against the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds on Sept. 9.

07-29-97--SCD-- Tommy Lasorda Tribute. The Manny Mota Foundation's Sixth Annual Campo de Suenos Awards Dinner and Auction will include a tribute to Tommy Lasorda, 6PM, September 6, 1997, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown, Los Angeles. This event is open to the public. The cost is $150.00 person, tax deductible. The auction will include general memorabilia. (For more information -call 1-213-225-0047 ext 2777)

07-9-97--SCD---Stan Rojek, a former Brooklyn Dodger who had the locker next to Jackie Robinson for a time, died July 9 in North Tonawanda,N.Y.. He was 78. During the historic 1947 season, Rojek played a pivotal role down the stretch by filling in at shortstop and second base as the Dodgers won the pennant.

6-23-97--Barnes and Noble--Sharon Robinson will be chatting about her memoir " Stealing Home: An Intimate Family Portrait by the Daughter of Jackie Robinson" on June 27 at 12PM ET at www.barnesandnoble.com/live.asp

6-19-97--SCD--The National Pastime presents the Meadowlands Classic Collectors and Autograph Show on September 27-28 featuring Ralph Kiner, Joe Dimaggio, Pee Wee Reese, Eddie Stanky and Carl Erskine at the Exhibition Center of the Meadowlands Hilton Hotel in Secaucas, New Jersey. ( For more information call 1-914-576-2900)

6-8-97--OLMC--The living members of the Brooklyn Dodger Symphony Band will be making an appearance in their original hometown in Williamsburg-Brooklyn at the 110th Annual Italian Street Fair at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine Church. ( For more information all O.L.M.C. at 1-718-384-0223)

4-16-97--Borough Hall: Brooklyn, NY--Borough President Howard Golden and the Jackie Robinson Day Committee will sponsor " Jackie Robinson Day in Brooklyn" on Wednesday, May 21, 1997. This free outdoor event will celebrate the life of the legendary baseball hero who joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Inside Borough Hall, there will be a public exhibition about Jackie Robinson and his achievements and the Brooklyn Dodgers.( For more information call: 1-718-802-3832)

4-15-97--SCD-The National Pastime presents the 5th Negro Leagues Reunion Show on June 21-22 as part of The Meadowlands Classic at the Exhibition Hall in The Meadowlands Hilton Hotel in Secaucus, NJ. Featured guests will be Monte Irvin, Joe Black, Sam Jethroe, Reggie Jackson, Buck O'Neil, Luis Tiant, Orlanda Cepeda, Frank Robinson and many others. ( for more information call: 1-914-576-2900)

4-15-97--SCD-Tri-Star Collectors Show presents Ralph Branca-Bobby Thomson and others on April 25-27,1997 at Fairplex in Pamona, Ca. and May 16-18,1997 at Market Hall in Dallas, Tx. ( for more information: call 1-713-840-7827)

4-14-97--SCD- The National Pastime presents Long Island's premiere baseball card, memorabilia and collector's show featuring Sandy Koufax, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider and others on April 19-20 at The Fitness Center (Hofstra University)- Uniondale, NY. For more information call:1-914-576-2900

3-28-97--Press Release--Don Newcombe, the only major leaguer to win the Cy Young, Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year awards, is coming back to where it all began. Newcombe, one of the first blacks to follow Jackie Robinson across the color barrier which had shrouded the major leagues for 63 years, will be in Nausua, NH, on April 15, 1997, as part of a commemoration of the old Nashua Dodgers of the New England League. Newcombe and Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella began their careers in the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in Nashua in 1946 and were two of just five African-Americans playing in organized baseball at the time. Newcombe had a 10-year career record of 149-90, was a four-time All-Star and pitched in the 1949, 1955 and 1956 World Series. Newcombe will be the keynote speaker at a dinner that evening at Daniel Webster College celebrating Newcombe's and Nashua's contribution to the desegregation of baseball. A limited amount of tickets priced at $30 per person are available. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation as well as several local charities. For more information, contact Steve Daly at (603) 886-7962 or (603) 594-6448

3-10-97--AP--Dodgers Hall of Fame shortstop Pee Wee Reese is undergoing five weeks of radiation therapy for lung cancer, according to friends. Reese, who overcame prostate cancer years ago, had a tumor removed from his lung that was malignant, the LA Times reported Sunday. Reese, who is recovering from a broken hip, started radiation treatments a week ago. He will undergo 25 treatments--five days a week for five weeks--in Venice, Florida. "He looks fine, but he's not real well, " said Buzzi Bavasi, former Dodger general manager, who saw Reese at a veterans committee meeting last week in Tampa. " The radiation is taking alot out of him, but he seems in good spirits." Get Well Wishes to: Legends Productions, 620-B Distillery Commons. Louisville , KY 40206-1922

3-6-97--UPI--Governor George E. Pataki today names former Gov. Hugh Carey and author Roger Kahn to panel to explore returning the Dodgers to Brooklyn. For more information on the commission and its objectives click on the Governor Pataki's March 6 Press Release

2-28-97--LIU-BROOKLYN--On April 3,4,5 1997, Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus will conduct a scholarly and professional conference , Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports and The American Dream. Under the direction of History Department Chairman Joseph Dorinson, the conference will include personal reminiscenses by Robinson's teammates and opponents; presentations by contemporary journalists; book, photography and film displays, and dramatic presentations. The event will be sponsored by Chase Manhattan Bank, the Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Fame and the Downtown Athletic Club . For more information click the website Jackie Robinson Conference at LIU-Brooklyn or call (1-718-488-1010).

2-26-97--UPI--Former Brooklyn Dodgers baseball player Calvin "Cal" Abrams, a teammate of Jackie Robinson and one of the original "Boys of Summer" has died at age 72. Family members say Abrams, who had suffered a series of heart attacks during the past 24 years, had been in poor health and succumbed to heart failure Tuesday night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla." He was the first 'Cal' and the first Jewish baseball star in New York." said Jeff Abrams. At one point, Abrams competed with Mickey Mantle for headlines in the sports section of New York City newspapers. "Pretty head stuff," according to his son.

2-26-97--USA TODAY--President Clinton will mark the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's major league debut by taking part in ceremonies April 15 in New York. Clinton will speak during the 5th innning of the game between the Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers at Shea Stadium. " Major League baseball is elated that the president has accepted its invitation to celebrate the legacy of Jackie Robinson," interim Commissioner Bud Sileg said. " It is an important day for the game, as well as the nation, as it signifies the breaking, down of one of our society's most significant barriers."

2-20-97--BUSINESS WIRE--Teammates from the 1955 Brooklyn team get special recognition. Nikco Sports of St. Louis, which is distributing the official Rawlings Jackie Robinson Tribute ball in honor of Robinson's major league debut 50 years ago, announced today it was awarding each living member of that famous "Boys of Summer" 1955 team one one of the historic baseballs and patches " in order to continue the tradition of Robinson's team concept and team spirit. The National and American leagues announced it will donate all of their royalty proceeds from the sale of these baseballs. Nikco Sports will also donate a portion of these proceeds to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to help pay for sports equipment when the public orders these baseballs by calling 1-800-345-2868. Price of the baseballs and Jackie Robinson patch sell for $24.95 + SH for each item.

2-19-97--USA TODAY--As another tribute to the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the major leagues's color barrier, a special baseball featuring a commemorative logo will be used at each club's home opener this spring. The Rawlings' official National and American League baseballs will mark the first time a player has been honored this way by all the clubs.

2-13-97--USA TODAY--Take a seat, Ken Griffey Jr. The player destined to be baseball's most heavily marketed figure this season made his mark on the sport 50- years ago: Jackie Robinson. As baseball's spring training begins today, the sports marketing world's attention will be focused on Jackie's 50th anniversary on becoming the first African American to play Major League Baseball. Up to $50 million in Robinson merchandise--from T-shirts to figurines--could be snapped up by fans and collectors. And Robinson's image will appear everywhere from cereal boxes to TV spots. "Unlike mosty baseball promotions, this one's going to touch a lot of hearts," says sports marketer Brandon Steiner. "It's going to be big." How big? Later this month, MLB will reveal a Jackie Robinson patch to be worn on all uniforms this season. Many teams are planning "Jackie Robinson Day." There are 25 Robinson licensees, with more expected by Opening Day.

2-7-97--USA TODAY--ROBINSON REMEMBERED: Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson will be featured on Wheaties cereal boxes next week to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his breaking baseball's color barrier. Also: The A's will have a Robinson pavilion at Oakland's FanFest '97 Saturday.

1-15-97--USA TODAY--An economic self-help group for African-Americans is contacting several athletes, entertainers and business leaders to make a bid to buy the LA Dodgers. " If successful, this would send a positive economic statement to the African-American community and a signal to the sports industry that ownership opportunities are available to everyone regardless of race," said Kermit Eady, president of the Black United Fund of New York. Eady said his group is in the process of contacting Hank Aaron, Micheal Jordan, Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Sylvester Stallone, Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones, among others, about forming a consortium to buy the club.

1-10-97--USA TODAY--Marty Adler, president of the Brooklyn Dodger Hall of Fame, knows enough about the business of baseball to realize "the Dodgers won't be moving back", but added, "when you rooted for Brooklyn, you never gave up hope. So I say,' Bring 'em back!' Stranger things have happened." No former team has been so lamented. The Baseball Hall of Fame Library in Cooperstown, N.Y., contains 64 books about the Brooklyn Dodgers. Baseball officials say they intend to keep the Dodgers in Los Angeles. But New York politicians, whose predecessors were blamed when the Dodgers left, are conjuring their own field of dreams. Mayor Rudulph Giuliana, who grew up as a Yankees fan in Brooklyn, said the city's proirities are to keep the Mets and Yankees, both demanding improvements in the city-owned stadiums.

1-8-97--NEWSWIRE--If there is no pressure, there has been a nudge or two. In New York, Brooklyn borough president Howard Golden sent letters toGov. George Pataki and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani asking for a commission to look for ways to bring the Dodgers back "home." Broadway producer Manny Kladitis said he had been in touch with investors, including Japanese backers, who were interested in the Dodgers-----in New York.

1-7-97--USA TODAY--Could "Dem Bums be headed back to Brooklyn? The musing began Monday after the surprise announcement by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley that one of sports most successful teams is for sale. "It's amazing how many people are talking about it," said Dave Senatore, co-owner of the Brooklyn Dodger Bar in New York."There's still that love here for that team." National League President Leonard grew up a Brooklyn fan and felt the heartbreak when the team left. "My grandmother," says Coleman with tongue in cheek, "was a diehard Brooklyn Dodger fan and contacted me from heaven to use my connections to bring the Dodgers back to Brooklyn.

3-19-96--USA TODAY--A group of retired players sued Major League Baseball, saying they are being cheated out of royalties from sales of baseball cards, films and other memorabilia. Pete Coscarart, 82, an infielder with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1930's and 1940's filed two suits in Oakland that seek to represent more than 800 retirees and their heirs as class actions.

3-17-96---USA TODAY---The statue of Jackie Robinson in front of the Daytona Beach , Florida stadium that bears his name will be shining brighter than it has in a long while on Sunday, thanks to 12 youngsters from the Spruce Creek Elementary School. They polished the statue to make certain it would look good for the special day. Today marks the 50th anniversary of Robinson's debut in organized ball when he played for the Montreal Royals in an exhibition game against the Brooklyn Dodgers.