On June 4, 1972, the Los Angeles Dodgers retired the numbers of Roy Campanella (39), Sandy Koufax (32) and Jackie Robinson (42) in a pregame ceremony at Dodger Stadium. Robinson’s iconic jersey number is also retired throughout Major League Baseball.
Robinson broke the color barrier on April 15 1947, and that date is designated as Jackie Robinson Day, when all MLB players and coaches wear his iconic No. 42.
Robinson batted .311/.409/.474 with 273 doubles, 54 triples, 137 home runs and 734 RBIs over 10 seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was named Rookie of the Year, and won a World Series in 1955.
Koufax began his career in Brooklyn and ended it in Los Angeles. He went a lifetime 165-87 with a 2.76 ERA in 12 seasons with the Dodgers organization.
In addition to winning three Cy Young Awards, Koufax was a seven-time All-Star, five-time ERA leader, 1963 National League MVP and won four World Series titles. The famed left-hander threw one perfect game and four no-hitters before retiring in November 1996 at just 30 years old.
Campanella spent the entirety of his 10-year career with Brooklyn. At the time 35 years old, he was involved in a car accident prior to the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles in 1958, which paralyzed Campanella from the neck down, thus ending his career.
Campanella was named to eight All-Star teams, was a three-time MVP, and appeared in five World Series. He helped Brooklyn win their first World Series in 1955. Campanella was enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
In his honor the Dodgers have annually presented the Roy Campanella Award to the player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the catcher.
Dodgers history on June 4
Dodgers moving from Brooklyn
During a meeting at city hall in 1957, Walter O’Malley informed mayor Robert Wagner he remained committed to moving the the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. O’Malley was accompanied by New York Giants president Horace Stoneham, as they too were relocating to the West Coast.
Koufax no-hitter
June 4 also marks the anniversary of Koufax throwing a third no-hitter of his career. He struck out 12 against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 3-0 win during the 1964 season. It’s only no-hitter Koufax threw on the road.
Sutton’s shutout streak
On June 4, 1968, Don Sutton completed a sixth consecutive shutout to extend his scoreless streak that would ultimately reach 58.2 innings.
Martinez ties Koufax
More Dodgers history took place on June 4, 1990, when Ramon Martinez tied Koufax’s single-game franchise record with 18 strikeouts in a 6-0 win over the Atlanta Braves.
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