Longtime Dodgers pitcher and “Boys of Summer” member Carl Erskine passes away at 97

Legendary Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Carl Erskine passed away at the age of 97 on Tuesday in his hometown of Anderson, Indiana. Erskine, who pitched two no-hitters and was a 20-game winner in 1953, spent his entire major league career with the Dodgers from 1948-59.

Erskine’s best season came in 1953 when he went 20-6 and led the National League. He struck out a then-record 14 batters in Game 3 of the World Series, a feat that stood until Sandy Koufax broke it in 1963. Despite his impressive performance, the Dodgers lost the series to the Yankees.

An All-Star in 1954, Erskine appeared in five World Series with the Dodgers, finally winning a championship in 1955. His death now leaves Sandy Koufax as the lone surviving player from the 1955 World Series team.

Erskine received the Buck O’Neil lifetime achievement award in 2023 from the Baseball Hall of Fame for his positive impact on society. Known for his deep compassion and encouragement of the human spirit, Erskine was a hero to millions of fans and a source of inspiration for thousands of Special Olympians.

Off the field, Erskine was a dedicated family man and community leader. He opened an insurance business in his hometown, coached baseball at Anderson College, and served as president and director at Star Financial Bank. His legacy lives on through the Carl D. Erskine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center, an elementary school named in his honor, and his advocacy for people with developmental disabilities.

Erskine is survived by his wife of 76 years, Betty, and his children Danny, Gary, and Susan. His impact on and off the field will be remembered for generations to come.