Roy Campanella

Date of Birth: November 19, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: June 26, 1993

Biography

Roy Campanella, often referred to as “Campy,” was a professional baseball player and one of the greatest catchers in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Campanella’s talent was evident from a young age. He began his professional career in the Negro Leagues with the Baltimore Elite Giants at the age of 15, where his exceptional skills quickly caught the attention of scouts. In 1948, he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming one of the first African-American players in the MLB, following Jackie Robinson. Campanella’s MLB career took off as he became a key player for the Dodgers. He was an eight-time All-Star and three-time National League MVP (1951, 1953, and 1955). Known for his powerful hitting and exceptional defensive skills, Campanella played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to several pennant wins and their first World Series championship in 1955. His career was tragically cut short in 1958 when a car accident left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Despite this, Campanella remained an influential figure in baseball, working as a coach and mentor for the Dodgers. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.

5 Interesting Facts about Roy Campanella

1. Roy Campanella was one of the first African-American players to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

2. He won the National League MVP award three times during his career.

3. Campanella was an eight-time All-Star.

4. He played a significant role in the Brooklyn Dodgers’ first World Series win in 1955.

5. After his car accident, Campanella became an advocate for disabled athletes and worked with the Dodgers as a coach and mentor.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roy Campanella

1. “You have to have a lot of little boy in you to play baseball for a living.”

2. “To be good you’ve got to have a little bit of luck, a little bit of talent, and a lot of determination.”

3. “I’ve heard people say it was the greatest comeback in baseball history. But I say no, it wasn’t. The greatest comeback in baseball history was when Jackie Robinson broke the color line.”

4. “It’s a man’s game, but you have to have a lot of little boy in you to play it.”

5. “You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you, too.”