Date of Birth: July 23, 1918
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: August 14, 1999
Biography
Harold Henry “Pee Wee” Reese, born on July 23, 1918, in Ekron, Kentucky, was a Major League Baseball (MLB) shortstop who played for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1940 to 1958. Renowned for his defensive skills, leadership qualities, and sportsmanship, Reese was an integral part of the Dodgers’ success throughout his career. He served as the team captain and was instrumental in fostering team unity, especially during Jackie Robinson’s integration into Major League Baseball. Reese was a ten-time All-Star and a key player in the Dodgers’ 1955 World Series championship team. After retiring from playing, Reese had a successful career as a broadcaster for NBC and the Cincinnati Reds. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. Pee Wee Reese passed away on August 14, 1999, in Louisville, Kentucky.
5 Interesting Facts about Pee Wee Reese
1. Pee Wee Reese’s real name was Harold Henry Reese.
2. He earned his nickname “Pee Wee” from his childhood prowess in marbles.
3. Reese served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, missing three seasons (1943-1945) of baseball.
4. He was a ten-time All-Star and played in seven World Series.
5. Reese’s gesture of putting his arm around Jackie Robinson in 1947 is considered a pivotal moment in baseball history and the Civil Rights Movement.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pee Wee Reese
1. “You can hate a man for many reasons, color is not one of them.”
2. “I had only one superstition. I made sure to touch all the bases when I hit a home run.”
3. “If you rush in and out of the clubhouse and don’t take time to know your teammates, you’re just going to be a group of individuals.”
4. “You didn’t have to tell me I was no superstar. I knew it.”
5. “Being a Dodger was like being a part of a family. It was the greatest thing in the world.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Pee Wee Reese’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, quite significant for his time.
Children
Pee Wee Reese had two children, a son named Mark and a daughter named Barbara.
Relevant Links
1. [Baseball Hall of Fame – Pee Wee Reese](https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/reese-pee-wee
2. [MLB Official Website – Pee Wee Reese](https://www.mlb.com/player/pee-wee-reese-121917
4. [Britannica – Pee Wee Reese](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pee-Wee-Reese