Dodgers Social Media Reacts to Don Newcombe’s Passing
As we continue to remember the life and legacy of Dodgers’ great Don Newcombe, to no surprise, his passing elicited a truly overwhelming volume of responses on social media from Dodger players and community members past and present.
First is the official team account, which announced his passing to the public.
Don Newcombe, one of the greatest pitchers in Dodger history, and one of the franchise’s final links to Brooklyn and the days of Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson, has passed away after a lengthy illness this morning. Newcombe, who was born in Madison, New Jersey, was 92. pic.twitter.com/thW3mw4jkS
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 19, 2019
Co-owner Magic Johnson, graceful as ever, recognized him on his own account.
The first Cy Young award winner, Don was classy, a sharp dresser, and one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. He and Tommy Lasorda were the ones who really taught me the strategy of baseball. May you Rest in Peace Don. Sending my love and prayers to the Newcombe family.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 19, 2019
Justin Turner, recently recognized by the city of Los Angeles as an ambassador to the community, rightly praised Newcombe’s lifelong status in that regard.
Mr. Newcombe was more than just a great baseball player, he was an ambassador for the game. On and off the field, one of the most sincere, respected, & knowledgeable gentlemen I have ever had the chance to be around. Thank you for the lessons in baseball and life. #RIPNewk pic.twitter.com/Vdg8gR907U
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) February 19, 2019
Given Newcombe’s prestige in the long lineage of elite Dodger pitching, some of the sweetest words fittingly came from pitchers. Kenley Jansen had these profound words, along with multiple posts of pictures with Newk.
— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) February 19, 2019
— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) February 19, 2019
2017 hero and World Series iron man Brandon Morrow, now with the Cubs, took time to honor the legend.
https://twitter.com/2Morrow23/status/1097949195728613376
Renowned writer Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts fame, who recently wrote a book on the Dodgers’ pitching legacy, recognized Newcombe’s impact on that project.
Don Newcombe was the main inspiration for my book on the history of Dodger pitching, Brothers in Arms, and his chapter in it is my favorite. His life was cinematic. Farewell to a true and underappreciated legend. pic.twitter.com/eCsHCamuOi
— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) February 19, 2019
Rock keyboardist Loren Gold shared a sweet moment of Newcombe, showing his passion for the team wasn’t even remotely diluted by advanced age.
I’ll never forget this moment standing next to @Dodgers legend Don Newcombe. RIP #DonNewcombe #mlb pic.twitter.com/7UFMDHGurs
— Loren Gold (@lorengold) February 20, 2019
Lastly, the Baseball Hall of Fame’s official account paid respects. Might Newk end up with his own plaque one day?
The Hall of Fame remembers trailblazing @Dodgers legend Don Newcombe, who won the Rookie of the Year Award, NL MVP Award and Cy Young Award during his career. pic.twitter.com/0ndqZh1Eo4
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ? (@baseballhall) February 19, 2019
Needless to say, this is just a sample of the love Don Newcombe received upon his passing, and will always deserve.
The Passing of Don Newcombe is a Seismic Loss – For the Dodgers, and All of Baseball
My grandfather used to always talk about him and Brooklyn Dodgers.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Newcombe!!!!! We met almost 40 years ago at a card show at the Freehold, NJ armory. I was leaving the men’s room, and Newk, dressed in a Burberry trench coat and looking fine, was entering. I was shell shocked!!!! Don, you were the first Dodger I had ever met, and you gave me me my first autograph. I had been a Brooklyn Dodger fan, and continue to this day rooting for my LA Dodgers. Mr. Newcombe and I met many times after that, and each time he would regale me with stories of his days in both Brooklyn and LA. As Roger Kahn said, I believe, its wonderful when the heroes of our youth are even nicer in person than you thought they would be. And to think, we were both started our life in Elizabeth, New Jersey. May God bless!!!!