Womack: Segregation, war helped cost Newcombe a place in HOF
From SABR member Graham Womack at The Sporting News on August 31, 2017:
In 1949, Don Newcombe arrived on the Brooklyn Dodgers and prompty began making up for lost time.
The 23-year-old Newcombe had signed with the Dodgers as an amateur free agent in early 1946 after spending two years in the Negro Leagues. Newcombe became an instant star in the majors, going 56-28 with a 3.39 ERA and helping the Dodgers make runs at the National League pennant each of his first three seasons. He wasn’t bad by sabermetrics in those years, either, posting 13 WAR.
Then came 1952. Newcombe, who’d been drafted into the military in 1950, went off for a two-year hitch during the Korean War.
“I served my country,” Newcombe told USA Today in 2013. “I was going to fight for my country and my flag if I was asked. I didn’t dodge bullets, but I’m proud of my contribution.”
Newcombe’s graciousness and willingness to serve belies deeper injustice.
Read the full article here: http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/news/don-newcombe-dodgers-stats-hall-of-fame-segregation-negro-leagues/1vkc2lwveozpa196othylu0fur
Originally published: August 31, 2017. Last Updated: August 31, 2017.