The Los Angeles Dodgers announced plans to honor Don Newcombe during the 2019 season by wearing a No. 36 patch on their uniform. Newcombe passed away this week at the age of 92 after a lengthy battle with an illness.
His death was met by an outpouring of support both within and outside the Dodgers organization. Kenley Jansen, Justin Turner and Vin Scully were among those to share kind messages and fond memories of Newcombe in the wake of his passing.
Newcombe, along with Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella, helped pave the way for African Americans to play in the Major Leagues. Signed by Branch Rickey, he spent of eight of 10 career seasons with the Dodgers organization.
“Don Newcombe played a major role on and off the field for the Dodgers and we want to honor his legacy to our organization and all of baseball by recognizing him throughout the 2019 season,” Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten.
The Dodgers have previously honored former players Jim Gilliam (1978), Tim Crews (1993), Don Drysdale (1993), Roy Campanella (1993), Pee Wee Reese (1999) and Duke Snider (2011) with commemorative patches. The patch in Newcombe’s honor will be on jerseys beginning Opening Day.
The Dodgers will also honor Newcombe during a pregame ceremony on April 27, when they induct him into the Legends of Dodger Baseball and salute him with a commemorative bobblehead.
