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Pee Wee Reese
Pee Wee Reese was a Hall of Fame Baseball player that spent 16 seasons in the Major Leagues, all with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 16 seasons, Reese was a favorite between fans and players. Before every game, he would deliver the line up card to the umpire, which is always done by the manager. Reese would help the Dodgers win 2 World Series, in 1955 and 1959. He would be elected to 10 All Star games during his career and would be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984 on a Veterans vote.
In 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers signed the first African American in major league baseball in the 20th century, second baseman Jackie Robinson. Reese had never had a conversation or much contacts with blacks but welcomed Robinson. When they signed Robinson, Reese walked up and shook Robinson's hand which was the first time Reese ever shook a blacks hand. Reese played shortstop and became quick friends with Robinson since they would have to play together on the field. They were roommates on the road, and their first road trip was to play the Cincinnati Reds. While fans booed and heckled Robinson in Cincinnati, Reese walked over, started a conversation with Robinson and put his arm around him. This silenced fans and would help make an easier transition for Robinson. Jackie Robinson once said that without the support of Reese, he would not of lasted in the league.
After his playing days, Reese still found ways to stay in baseball for the rest of his life. Reese spent 6 years with CBS as a play by play sports announcer and then 3 more years with NBC in the same role. With NBC, he helped call the 1967 and 1968 World Series. In 1970, Reese returned to his hometown of Louisville, Ky where he would become the longtime spokes person for Hilleich and Bradsby who were the makers of the Louisville Slugger
Pee Wee Reese is buried at the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Louisville, Ky.
Pee Wee Reese
Pee Wee Reese was a Hall of Fame Baseball player that spent 16 seasons in the Major Leagues, all with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 16 seasons, Reese was a favorite between fans and players. Before every game, he would deliver the line up card to the umpire, which is always done by the manager. Reese would help the Dodgers win 2 World Series, in 1955 and 1959. He would be elected to 10 All Star games during his career and would be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984 on a Veterans vote.
In 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers signed the first African American in major league baseball in the 20th century, second baseman Jackie Robinson. Reese had never had a conversation or much contacts with blacks but welcomed Robinson. When they signed Robinson, Reese walked up and shook Robinson's hand which was the first time Reese ever shook a blacks hand. Reese played shortstop and became quick friends with Robinson since they would have to play together on the field. They were roommates on the road, and their first road trip was to play the Cincinnati Reds. While fans booed and heckled Robinson in Cincinnati, Reese walked over, started a conversation with Robinson and put his arm around him. This silenced fans and would help make an easier transition for Robinson. Jackie Robinson once said that without the support of Reese, he would not of lasted in the league.
After his playing days, Reese still found ways to stay in baseball for the rest of his life. Reese spent 6 years with CBS as a play by play sports announcer and then 3 more years with NBC in the same role. With NBC, he helped call the 1967 and 1968 World Series. In 1970, Reese returned to his hometown of Louisville, Ky where he would become the longtime spokes person for Hilleich and Bradsby who were the makers of the Louisville Slugger
Pee Wee Reese is buried at the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Louisville, Ky.