Benbow: Dodgers great Carl Erskine trades horsehide for harmonica
From Dana Hunsinger Benbow at the Indianapolis Star on February 5, 2015:
Carl Erskine will walk out in front of the crowd of more than 15,000 with his harmonica in hand.
He will play a melodious rendition of the national anthem before the Indiana Pacers game Friday night.
And as the fans look out on this 88-year-old man, many of them — dare we say, most of them? — will not know who Carl Erskine is.
They won’t know the story behind this Indiana hometown hero. This baseball All-Star who suited up with the likes of Jackie Robinson and Gil Hodges, who pitched the first nationally-televised no-hitter and grew up at a time when playing catch in the yard was just what little boys did.
But they should. His life story, his years pitching for the Brooklyn Dodgers, is a remarkable one of making it to the major leagues during the golden era of baseball.
Read the full article here: http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2015/02/05/baseball-legend-carl-erskine-pitching-a-different-tune-for-indiana-pacers/22803035/
- Related link: Read the SABR biography of Carl Erskine, by Bob Hurte
Originally published: February 5, 2015. Last Updated: February 5, 2015.