R.I.P. Duke Snider

Edwin “Duke” Snider, center fielder for the Brooklyn and later Los Angeles Dodgers died today, Sunday February 27, 2011 at age 84. The main power hitter on a talented series of Dodgers teams, the legendary “Duke Of Flatbush” held a special place in the hearts of Brooklyn Dodgers fans. He more than held his own in the eternal (some say infernal) debates over who was the best center fielder in New York, Duke, Mickey Mantle, or Willie Mays. In fact, his performance, including five straight years hitting 40+ homers, landed him in Cooperstown. Even though the move to the cavernous (especially for left handed hitters) Chavez Ravine in L.A. proved devastating to his power output, he still put up 407 home runs and a .295 average for his career.

But it was his persona that made him special. He was famous for playing stickball in the streets of Brooklyn with neighborhood kids. He was considered one of the most approachable players in an era where players were renowned for being approachable. And, despite keeping a home in his native Southern California, he never missed a chance to show and tell of his love for Brooklyn.

The “Duke” predated my obsession with baseball. His passing, though, marks another milestone as we continue to lose the icons of an era often termed the “Golden Age” of baseball. An era where baseball was the national pastime, where the stars were bigger than life, and when the ballparks were as quirky as the managers of the teams. Rest in peace, Mr. Snider, a reward well deserved.