Carl Erskine, a legendary pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 97. Known for his impressive career, which included pitching two no-hitters and being a 20-game winner in 1953, Erskine left a lasting impact on the world of baseball. In the World Series of that same year, he set a record by striking out 14 batters, showcasing his exceptional skill and talent. Erskine’s contributions to the sport will always be remembered and he will be dearly missed.
Erksine passed away at Community Hospital Anderson in his hometown of Anderson, Indiana. According to Michele Hockwalt, the hospital’s marketing and communication manager, Erksine died peacefully.
Erskine, a remarkable player from the renowned Brooklyn teams of the 1950s, dedicated his entire professional baseball career to the Dodgers from 1948-59. His contributions were instrumental in securing five National League pennants for the team.
With a career record of 122-78 and an ERA of 4.00, the right-hander amassed an impressive total of 981 strikeouts.
In 1953, Erskine experienced his most successful season as he led the National League with a 20-6 record. One of his standout performances occurred in Game 3 of the World Series, where he triumphed over the Yankees with a close 3-2 victory at Ebbets Field. Erskine displayed his exceptional skills by striking out 14 batters and retiring the side in the ninth inning. This remarkable feat remained unmatched until Sandy Koufax, the esteemed Dodgers ace, recorded 15 strikeouts in 1963. Despite Erskine’s impressive performance, the Dodgers ultimately fell short, losing the series in six games as the Yankees secured their fifth consecutive championship.
Erskine showcased his exceptional skills in 1954, earning him a well-deserved spot in the All-Star team. His remarkable performance led to the victorious outcome of 18 games.
During his career, he had the opportunity to play in five World Series. In 1955, the Dodgers triumphed over the Yankees, securing their only championship while still in Brooklyn. In Game 4, he faced off against Gil McDougald, who hit a home run against him in the first inning. Despite this setback, he pitched for 3 2/3 innings before being replaced. The Dodgers ultimately emerged victorious with an 8-5 win.
Koufax, who is now 88 years old, is the only surviving Dodgers player from the 1955 World Series team after Erskine’s passing.
Carl Daniel Erskine, born on December 13, 1926, in Anderson, Indiana, discovered his love for baseball at a tender age of 9 through a local parks program.
After completing high school in 1945, he was enlisted in the Navy as World War II was in progress. Inquiring with the Navy recreation officer at his stationed location, Erskine expressed his interest in playing baseball. Unfortunately, he was initially denied the opportunity. However, a few weeks later, luck struck when the Dodgers scouted him and he was subsequently discharged from military duty.
After spending the next year and a half in the minors, Erskine finally got his chance to shine in the major leagues on July 25, 1948. He started off as a reliever and had an impressive record of 21-10 during his first two seasons.
In 1951, he made the transition to the starting rotation and became a part of the esteemed “Boys of Summer” alongside his teammates Roy Campanella, Carl Furillo, Gil Hodges, Jackie Robinson, and Duke Snider.
In 1952, Erskine achieved his career-best 2.70 ERA and emerged victorious in 14 games. The subsequent year witnessed his exceptional performance as he led the NL with a remarkable .769 winning percentage. Additionally, he notched up 187 strikeouts and 16 complete games, setting new personal records.
Teammate Don Newcombe was on the mound in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the 1951 NL pennant against the New York Giants. Meanwhile, in the bullpen, Erskine and Ralph Branca were warming up.
At the suggestion of pitching coach Clyde Sukeforth, Branca took over from Newcombe, only to surrender the game-winning home run to Bobby Thomson in the historic “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.”
Erskine always had a witty response whenever someone asked him about his best pitch. He would confidently say, “The curveball I bounced in the Polo Grounds bullpen in 1951.”
Fans lovingly referred to him as “Oisk” due to their Brooklyn accents. In 1952, Erskine achieved a remarkable feat by pitching a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs. Four years later, in 1956, he repeated his extraordinary performance by pitching another no-hitter, this time against the New York Giants.
Bobby Morgan showcased his exceptional fielding skills at third base, preserving Erskine’s no-hitter against the Cubs. With two remarkable plays, he secured the victory and solidified his contribution to the team’s success.
“I had the opportunity to make two incredible plays on swinging bunts, where the balls just dribbled down the line. With skill and precision, I fielded them effortlessly using only one hand and swiftly threw them to Gil Hodges at first base,” shared Morgan with The Oklahoman newspaper in April 2020.
Even after years had passed, Erskine would still express his gratitude to Morgan whenever they had a conversation.
In 1957, the Dodgers made the decision to move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. It was a significant move for the franchise. On April 18, 1958, the Dodgers played their first home game in Los Angeles, with Carl Erskine taking the mound. The game was a thrilling one, with the Dodgers ultimately defeating the San Francisco Giants 6-5. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, as over 78,000 fans showed up to support their new hometown team.
Erskine, however, did not find pleasure in being separated from his family, resulting in his brief stay of only 1 1/2 years in Los Angeles. He concluded his pitching career at the age of 32 in June 1959.
After returning to his hometown, which is located about 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis, Erskine embarked on a new journey as he opened his own insurance business. Additionally, he also took on the role of a baseball coach at Anderson College for a remarkable 12 years. It was during his tenure that his team in 1965 achieved an outstanding 20-5 record and emerged victorious in the NAIA World Series.
He actively engaged with the community, assuming roles as president and director at Star Financial Bank from 1982-93.
Erskine’s remarkable achievements in baseball and his contributions to the Anderson community are commemorated with a striking six-foot bronze statue. This statue proudly stands in front of the Carl D. Erskine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center. Additionally, an elementary school, generously donated by Erskine himself, bears his name as a testament to his lasting impact. Recognizing his remarkable career, he was rightfully inducted into the Indiana National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.
Erskine Street in Brooklyn was named after him in 2002.
Erskine’s dedication to championing the cause of people with developmental disabilities was deeply rooted in his personal experience. His youngest son, Jimmy, was born with Down syndrome, which inspired him to become an advocate for these individuals. Through his book, “The Parallel,” Erskine highlighted the striking similarities between Jimmy and his teammate Robinson in breaking down social perceptions. In addition, Erskine’s involvement with Special Olympics in Indiana and his contributions to the Carl and Betty Erskine Society have played a significant role in raising funds for this important organization.
According to a statement from Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and CEO, Carl Erskine was not only an exceptional Dodger but also a remarkable individual. Kasten praised Erskine’s outstanding pitching skills, highlighting that he was equally admirable off the field. Erskine’s dedication to supporting the Special Olympics and related causes, inspired by his son Jimmy, who was born with Down syndrome, solidified his legacy as a true hero.
Jimmy, aged 63, passed away in November, defying the expectations of his prognosis by several decades.
Erskine showcased his writing talents in two captivating books, namely “Tales from the Dodger Dugout” and “What I Learned From Jackie Robinson.”
Betty, his wife of 76 years, along with his sons Danny and Gary, and daughter Susan, are the ones who survive him.
