Pee Wee Reese 1999 Deaths

Pee Wee Reese

Hall of Fame shortstop who was the undisputed leader of the “Boys of Summer,” the Brooklyn Dodgers post-World War II teams; born Harold Henry Reese; stood 5-9, 140 pounds during his playing days; his nickname came from a common type of marble called a "pee-wee"; while in the minors was sold to the Dodgers by the Boston Red Sox for $40,000; became a Dodger starter in 1941 and helped the team win its first league title in 21 years; served in the Navy 1942-46; upon his return teammates and fans became enveloped by his leadership which was exemplified best by his unbiased welcoming of Jackie Robinson, the league's first black player; eight-time All-Star; won seven N.L. pennants and fielded the final out in Brooklyn's only World Series championship in 1955; retired after the 1957 season and was No. 1 in Dodger history in runs scored (1,338) and No. 2 in at-bats (8,058) and hits (2,170); served as Dodger coach in 1959; did baseball telecasts for CBS and NBC; elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. Died of lung cancer.