WWTBAM Bored

One of the last remaining stars of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and one of the few pitchers to win both the MVP and Cy Young Awards in the same season (1956). And, like many of his era, he missed two entire seasons at the prime of his career while in the Army during the Korean War.

Age 92

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/m ... 916850002/

Here's the Dodgers' blurb (before his passing). Not sure when it was written, but at the time, he had been with the Dodgers for 61 years.

... and is credited with starting the first Community Relations department in Major League Baseball in 1970.

He visited our little league one Saturday, right around this time. That was probably part of his Community Relations activities.

Newcombe continues to make dozens of appearances throughout the Los Angeles area each season, speaking to youngsters and participating in the Dodgers' Alumni Association.

Along with Justin Verlander, he's one of just two players in baseball history to win the sport's three major honors, winning Rookie of the Year in 1949 and taking home both Most Valuable Player and the Cy Young Award in 1956, when he led the league with 27 wins.

The USA Today article mentions each of these, but not how rare it is for one player to win all three.

RIP, Newk!

That's sad news. Thanks for letting us know. --Bob