The three-time NL MVP (1951, 1953, 1955) was the backbone of the "Boys of Summer" edition of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Campy was an excellent defensive catcher who was also a top run producer. He led the league in RBI in 1953. He played in five World Series. He started with Brooklyn in 1948, at age 26, a bit late due to the segregation that had prevailed in earlier years. In 83 games his rookie year he batted .258, then .287 with 22 HR in 1949. He built up to a .325 average with 33 HR and 108 RBI for 1951. He fell into a pattern of big years alternating with less impressive ones, owing often to injuries in those off years.
His 1957 season, at age 35, yielded a .242 average and 13 HR, evidence of decline. Still, as the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, Campy was counted on for leadership during the transition. However, his playing career came to an end when he was in a car accident that offseason, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. The powerful man could no longer walk, let alone play baseball.
Campy remained affiliated with the Dodgers until his death in 1993. He always represented himself and his team with the utmost dignity.
Campanella earned 157.95 ratings points.
Campanella's stats: .276 average, 242 HR, 856 RBI in 1215 games. posted by Shawn Weaver at 8:31 AM
