Former Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca passed away at the age of 90 on Wednesday. The unfortunate news was first reported by his son-in-law and former Major League manager Bobby Valentine.
“Branca to me was a hero. I admired him so much,” Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda said. “Ralph and I became very close, my family and his family. I always enjoyed being around him. He was a tough one in every way and I really admired him.”
Branca pitched for the organization during the era and arrival of Jackie Robinson, which coincided with the height of the racial tension before the baseball color barrier broke. Branca supported and stood next to Robinson in 1947 when he made his MLB debut.
Many remember Branca as the pitcher on the wrong end of a home run allowed to New York Giants outfielder/third baseman Bobby Thomson. It famously became known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round The World” that lifted the Giants to a 1951 National League pennant.
While it may have been a defining moment in Branca’s career, it was not a moment defined him. Born in Mount Vernon, New York, the right-hander made his MLB debut at the tender age of 18 years old.
After three seasons spent coming into his own, Branca broke out in 1947. He went 21-12 with a 2.67 ERA, becoming the second-youngest pitcher to reach 20 wins. Branca was named an All-Star that season and again in 1948 and ’49.
From 1944-52, Branca was 80-58 with a 3.66 ERA, 64 complete games, 12 shutouts and 18 saves. He spent the 1953 season with the Dodgers and Detroit Tigers.
After pitching for the Tigers and New York Yankees in 1954, Branca missed the entire 1955 season. He attempted to come out of retirement the following year, though only made one start for Brooklyn.
“I was closer to Ralph than to any other Dodger. We traveled around the world and became very good friends,” retired Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully said.
“He carried the cross of the Thomson home run with dignity and grace. I was grateful for his friendship and I grieve at his death. He was a great man.”
