The Los Angeles Dodgers have a rich history with breaking barriers, dating back to time in Brooklyn and eventually their move to West Coast in the mid-1950s.
Starting with Jackie Robinson, the Dodgers were among the pioneers in Major League Baseball to break the color barrier. Becoming the first African-American player in the 20th century to take the field for an American or National League team, Robinson opened the door for all those to follow.
Of those was Don Newcombe, who debuted for the Dodgers in 1949, going on to play eight seasons for the franchise.
With February being Black History Month, Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene posted a message in honor of Newcombe and how much he gave to the game and for their special relationship.
In celebration of Black History Month, I'm thankful to have connected with the late, great and beloved, Don Newcombe. I was fortunate enough to hear some of Mr. Newcombe's on the field and off the field life experiences and playing days with Jackie Robinson. Needless to say, I… pic.twitter.com/qJDIWrvk8X
— Hunter Greene (@HunterGreene17) February 3, 2025
Growing up in Southern California, Greene attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks. The 25-year-old was fortunate enough to meet with Newcombe while getting to known him before he passed in 2019.
“Newk” as he was called, was at the peak of his game from his rookie season in 1949 and through 1957. Winning the NL Cy Young and MVP in 1956, Newcombe put himself atop the best in the game.
Dodgers honored Don Newcombe in 2019
The Dodgers paid their own tribute to Newcombe in 2019, placing him in their inaugural class of the Legends of Dodger Baseball.
Following his playing days with the Dodgers, Newcombe rejoined the organization in 1970 in a community affairs role, and again in 2009 as a special advisor to the chairman.
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