Harold Henry "Pee Wee" Reese (
1918-
1999) was the
shortstop, captain, and spiritual center of the legendary "
Boys of Summer"
Brooklyn Dodgers team that went to six
World Series in ten years (
1947-
1956). One of the best defensive players of his time, Reese's career .269
batting average was considered excellent for a shortstop of that era. A true
clutch player, Reese's 46
World Series hits rank 5th all time.
Reese's biggest contribution was in the clubhouse, however. Reese was a truly kind and moral man whom everyone looked up to. One softly-spoken word from Reese was enough to end almost any clubhouse conflict. As a southern white man, Reese's open friendship with Jackie Robinson united the Dodgers in support of Jackie's struggle to break baseball's color barrier.
Reese was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984.
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