The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Tuesday morning that former great pitcher Don Newcombe has passed away after a lengthy illness at the age of 92.
Newcombe is survived by his wife, Karen Newcombe, son Don Newcombe Jr., spouse Kapiolai Newcombe, daughter Kellye Roxanne Newcombe, son Brett Anthony Newcombe, spouse Anna Miranda Newcombe, grandchildren Cayman Newcombe and Riann Newcombe and stepson Chris Peterson.
“Don Newcombe’s presence and life established him as a role model for Major Leaguers across the country,” said Dodger President Stan Kasten. “He was a constant presence at Dodger Stadium and players always gravitated to him for his endless advice and leadership. The Dodgers meant everything to him and we are all fortunate he was a part of our lives.”
Newcome was one of the organization’s final links to Brooklyn, playing with the likes of Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella among the first African-American players in league history.
In a total of seven and a half seasons with the Dodgers organization, Newcombe won the Rookie of the Year in 1949, Cy Young and MVP in 1956 and appeared in four All-Star games.
Born in Madison, New Jersey in 1926, Newcombe is the only former Cy Young award winner and MVP that also served in the United States military.
He won 123 games over his time with the franchise. Following the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles in 1958, he got off to an 0–6 start and was traded midseason to the Cincinnati Reds for four players.
Newcombe then spent parts of the following two seasons with Reds and Cleveland Indians. In his 10-year Major League career, Newcombe went 149–90 with 136 complete games, 24 shutouts, a 3.56 ERA and 1,129 strikeouts.
While his playing days have been long over, Newcombe had remained a staple at Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium over the last few decades, often being seen at games and in the clubhouse as a mentor to players like Kenley Jansen and Matt Kemp. His constant presence and leadership will be missed greatly
Funeral services are still pending.
