Okay, I couldn’t resist not cropping Howie Mooney’s photo here. His roll on 1955 Don Newcombe was too awesome not to include.
Newk was at the height of his career when he helped the Brooklyn Dodgers win their first World Series ever in ‘55. That year he went 20-5 with a 3.20 ERA and a league leading 1.113 WHIP.
But that’s not the only reason we’re looking at this card, is it, Howie?
Don Newcombe also went 42 for 117 for a .359 batting average. He hit 9 doubles, one triple and seven homers while driving in 23 runs (Jackie Robinson only drove in thirteen more). Needless to say, Newk had a hand with his victories by virtue of his bat.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 Totals | 57 | 125 | 117 | 18 | 42 | 9 | 1 | 7 | 23 | 1 | 6 | 18 | .359 | .395 | .632 |
A BXZ is valuable on any team. However, with Newcombe pitching, you’re adding another legit hitter to the lineup. As Howie knows, Newk has a nice 1-1-4-6-6 power combination and a 25-7.
Interestingly, he has a 15-10 despite being a slow runner. Newk wasn’t afraid to take one for the team either. He has a 61-22.
Fun numbers: 44-6, 25-7, 24-36
Newcombe had always been a pretty decent hitter. He hit .319 in 1954 and followed it up with a .361 mark in 1958 and .305 in 1959. For his career, he hit 15 homeruns and 108 rbis.
thanks Howie!
Wow! A pitching ace with double ones! This is an awesome card, and great info about a player who was a star before my time. All I really knew about him was his great work with the players’ association, helping players who need it to get help with alcoholism.
Tom,
I see the problem of too many bats and wonder if ’68 Bob Gibson would have been a possibility?
Jeff, Steve and all,
1968 Gibson would definitely have been a more LOGICAL choice to be sure. I’m going with the “The best defense is a good offense” strategy.
:)
Tom
Newcomb’s card also has FOUR “special” numbers (a 21, 22, 23, and 36) as well as two walks. I think I would bat him fourth or fifth.