Carl Erskine December 13, 1926 - April 16, 2024

Carl Erskine was the last remaining Brooklyn Dodger who played in and won the 1955 World Series. He passed away today (April 16th) at the age of 97. Erskine was the very first guest on the Lost Ballparks Podcast. He eagerly agreed to do it. He was a great baseball player and an even better human being. His warmth, even through the phone line, was palpable. When I spoke with him a couple of years ago, he remembered things that happened 70+ years ago so clearly. That episode, Season 1, Episode 1, remains my favorite. Erskine won 122 games for the Dodgers between 1948-1959. He was an All-Star, World Champion and author of 2 no-hitters. Oh, by the way, he struck out Mickey Mantle 4 times. In one game! He also played at Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds and Yankee Stadium. RIP Carl Erskine. I will never forget your graciousness. Click below to listen to the interview.