Dodgers News: Brooklyn Legend Ralph Branca Has Passed Away

On Wednesday morning, the baseball community woke up to the terrible news that Dodgers legend Ralph Branca had passed away. In 11 years with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branca posted a 3.70 ERA, accumulated 80 wins, and struck out 757 batters.

Though his legendary status comes from his talent, he is just as well-known for giving up the “Shot Heard ‘Round The World” to Bobby Thomson: a walk-off home run that made the Giants the 1951 pennant champions.

Here is how baseball reacted to the news:

One of the greatest guys to ever throw a pitch or sing a song is longer with us. Ralph Branca Passed this morning.

— Bobby Valentine (@BobbyValentine) November 23, 2016

Ralph Branca is remembered for giving up Bobby Thomson's HR, but he should be remembered as one of the few that welcomed Jackie Robinson pic.twitter.com/C36QWRTm87

— Dan Hirsch (@DanHirsch) November 23, 2016

Ralph Branca arguably had the greatest age-21 season in Dodger history. https://t.co/LwYtNe9T4H pic.twitter.com/RX4BpEp15y

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) November 23, 2016

Ralph Branca: smart, engaging, dignified, talented, a true sportsman. was last surviving member of Jackie's 1947 dodgers

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 23, 2016

Aw, Ralph Branca RIP. The grace with which he wore being on the wrong end of The Shot Heard 'Round the World was exemplary

— Jay Jaffe (@jay_jaffe) November 23, 2016

So sad to hear of Ralph Branca's passing. What a great pitcher, great singer, great husband and father and always a joy to be around.

— David Waldstein (@DavidWaldstein) November 23, 2016

The Dodgers are deeply saddened over the passing of three-time All-Star pitcher Ralph Branca at age 90. https://t.co/OZVksq81LF pic.twitter.com/8eAgUH7HM3

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 23, 2016

Rest in peace, Ralph Branca. You will be deeply missed.