Branca remembered for community work, friendship

It was a sad day for Major League Baseball on Wednesday as the game lost one of its own: former pitcher Ralph Branca, who died at age 90.

Branca is likely best remembered for a moment many Dodgers fans would rather forget as the losing pitcher in one of baseball’s most celebrated games. On Oct. 3, 1951, Branca infamously surrendered “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” — a pennant-clinching home run for the Giants that eliminated the Dodgers from contention.

Branca’s career and life extended far beyond that one pitch, however. Branca made three All-Star teams (1947-51) throughout his 12-year career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Tigers and Yankees. In retirement, he served as a president and board member on the Baseball Assistance Team.

“Ralph’s participation in the ‘Shot Heard ‘Round the World’ was eclipsed by the grace and sportsmanship he demonstrated following one of the game’s signature moments,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “He is better remembered for his dedication to the members of the baseball community. He was an inspiration to so many of us.”

As news spread of his passing, many others around the baseball world shared memories of Branca.

“Branca, to me, was a hero,” Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda said. “I admired him so much. When I first met him, he was a pitching star for the Dodgers, and he treated me so good — at that time, I was a low Minor League player. Our friendship …

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