Tommy Brown, the last surviving member of the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers, passed away this week at the age of 97 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Brown, who played nine seasons in Major League Baseball, will be remembered not only for his achievements on the field but also for his role in one of the most pivotal teams in sports history.
Brown debuted for the Dodgers on August 3, 1944, at just 16 years old, making him one of the youngest players to ever play in the majors. A standout moment came the following year when, at 17, he hit a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates, setting a record as the youngest player ever to homer in MLB a record that still stands today.
A witness to history and a stand for integrity
In 1947, Brown played alongside Jackie Robinson, who famously broke baseball’s color barrier. When a petition circulated within the Dodgers locker room opposing Robinson’s addition, Brown refused to sign. His daughter, Paula Brown Caplice, shared his words: “I’m not signing anything like that,” a remarkable stance for a 20-year-old player amid significant team pressure.
Brown’s time with the Dodgers included appearances in the 1949 World Series and several standout seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1951. After leaving the majors in 1953, he continued playing in the minor leagues until retiring in 1959.
A lasting legacy
Brown ended his career with a .241 batting average and 31 home runs, but his contributions went far beyond statistics. As part of a team that reshaped baseball history, Brown’s role in supporting progress and breaking barriers cemented his place in the sport’s legacy.
The world of baseball bids farewell to a player who embodied resilience, integrity, and talent, leaving a lasting impression on and off the field.
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