MLB Greatest Players

THE 50 GREATEST MLB PLAYERS

Roy Campanella

A star with both the bat and glove, Roy Campanella was agile behind the plate, had a rifle arm and was an expert handler of pitchers. He was named National League MVP three times, including a 1953 selection when he set single-season records for catchers with 41 homers and a National League best 142 RBI.

Before signing with the Dodgers, the broad-shouldered receiver starred with the Negro National Leagues' Baltimore Elite Giants for seven seasons. His career was cut short by a tragic auto accident prior to the 1958 season.

The National League MVP in 1951, 1953, and 1955, Campanella was the second black man approached by Branch Rickey to play major league baseball. He debuted in 1948 and held down the Dodger catching job for a decade, leading the team to five pennants and a World Series title.

A tragic automobile accident ended his career before he could play a single game in the Dodgers new west coast home.

Played For
Brooklyn Dodgers (1948-1957)

Post-Season
1949 World Series, 1952 World Series, 1953 World Series, 1955 World Series, 1956 World Series

Ultimate Games (1-3)
1951 NL Playoff Game Three, 1952 World Series Game Seven, 1955 World Series Game Seven, 1956 World Series Game Seven

Honors
All-Star (8): 1949-1956; MVP 1951, 1953, and 1955