The First Lady of the Dodgers

[Desperadoe]

For four decades, figuratively and literally, with an elegant smile that hid an unimaginable strain, she carried their catcher.

On Monday, the Dodgers tearfully did the same for her.

Former players and executives filled a Forest Lawn chapel to honor a teammate who played every day, played with passion, and played in pain.

Her name was Roxie Campanella, and, wherever she is today, here's hoping she and Roy are dancing.<snip>...........

http://www.latimes.com/sports/columnists/la-sp-plaschke23mar23,1,2793099.column?coll=la-headlines-sports-columnists

[wysimdnwyg]

1. RIP, Roxie

You were the backbone behind the second greatest Dodger of all time.


Edited to explain a bit.

Roxie was the wife of former Dodger catcher Roy Campanella. When Jackie Robinson (#1 on the list) joined the Dodgers, it was Campy who first accepted Robinson as a teammate and friend. Throughout their time together with the Dodgers, Robinson and Campy remained best friends, helping to soothe the wounds from writers and fans who showed and voiced their displeasure at having a black man on the team. Through a gesture as simple as putting his arm around Robinson's shoulders, Campy single-handedly changed attitudes not only on his team, but around the league. If the captain of the Dodgers thought it was OK to have a black man on the team, who were the other players to argue.

For those who care, #3 is Sandy Koufax. Koufax took part in Spring Training with the Dodgers this year for the first time since 2002 (I think that's right). Koufax had been boycotting the organization while News Corp was the owner because of an article in the Washington Times alluding to Koufax's sexual orientation. With News Corp now out of the picture, Koufax felt free to join the team, even going so far as to pitch a little batting practice, something he had not done in years.

[Desperadoe]

3. Actually

You're confusing Campy with Pewee Reese.

Campanella, who was also African American, came to the Dodgers from the Negro Leagues shortly after Jackie Robinson. Many old timers still claim that Josh Gibson was a much better catcher and all around ballplayer but Campanella's attitude and demeanor, both on and off the field made him a more logical choice to follow Robinson to the Doidgers, at least that was how Branch Rickey saw things.

Campanella's illustrious carrer was cut short by an auto accident, in 1958, which left him parallyzed from the neck down. He still attended many Dodger games and team functions, always accompanied by his loving and caring wife, Roxie.

[wysimdnwyg]

4. Well, don't I feel dumb.

My apologies to those I have confused with inaccurate facts, and to the families Robinson, Reese and Campanella. :dunce:



Well, Roxie, you were a hell of a woman, regardless.

[klook]

2. Beautiful story

Roxie Campanella: "How can someone you love ever be a burden?" Wow--very inspiring message.

Earlier this week I heard a radio interview with another great L.A. figure, John Wooden (thanks, Tavis Smiley). One of Wooden's lessons is "Make every day your masterpiece." Sounds like Ms. Campanella was a person who did that.