Pee Wee Reese Retires on This Day in Dodgers History
On December 19, 1958, a pivotal moment in the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers occurred when legendary shortstop Harold “Pee Wee” Reese announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. After 16 seasons in the big leagues, all of which were spent with the Dodgers, Reese’s departure marked the end of an era for the franchise. He was not only a skilled player but also a beloved leader whose influence on the team and the game extended far beyond his on-field performance.
Pee Wee Reese, who had become synonymous with the Brooklyn Dodgers, left behind a legacy that would shape the identity of the club during its final years in Brooklyn. His retirement also symbolized the end of a significant chapter for the Dodgers as they prepared to make their historic move to Los Angeles. This article reflects on the career of Reese, the context surrounding his retirement, and the lasting impact he had on the Dodgers and the game of baseball.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on July 23, 1918, in Ekron, Kentucky, Harold Reese was introduced to baseball at an early age. His path to professional baseball was shaped by a series of fortuitous events that would eventually lead him to one of the most storied careers in the sport. He played minor league baseball for several years, making stops in several farm systems before catching the attention of the Brooklyn Dodgers organization.
Reese’s time in the minors began in 1937, and by 1940, he had worked his way up to the Dodgers’ major league roster. His debut came on April 22, 1940, when he played shortstop for the Brooklyn Dodgers in a game against the Boston Bees. Despite not being an immediate star, Reese quickly established himself as a steady, reliable player with an unassuming but invaluable style of play. His calm demeanor and consistency at shortstop were qualities that would soon become hallmarks of his career.
A Storied Career with the Brooklyn Dodgers
Though Pee Wee Reese’s skillset was often understated, his contributions to the Dodgers were undeniable. A defensive wizard at shortstop, Reese was known for his strong arm, quick reflexes, and ability to read the game. His athleticism and reliability in the field were crucial for a Dodgers team that featured several Hall of Fame-caliber players during his tenure, including Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, and Duke Snider.
Perhaps what set Reese apart from many other players of his era, however, was his leadership. Reese wasn’t just a player; he was a captain on the field and a key figure in unifying the Dodgers during a time when racial integration was just beginning to take root in Major League Baseball. Reese, who became friends with Jackie Robinson, famously stood by Robinson during his early days with the team. This moment in baseball history, when Reese put his arm around Robinson’s shoulder in a show of support during a game in 1947, became an iconic symbol of solidarity in the face of racism.
Reese’s playing style was characterized by his contact hitting and ability to get on base. While not a power hitter, he was a consistently effective batter and had the ability to move runners around the bases. He batted for an average of .269 over his career, and though his batting numbers were not eye-popping, his leadership, consistency, and ability to perform in clutch situations made him one of the most valuable players on the team. Reese was also known for his resilience and ability to perform at a high level throughout his career, despite playing through injuries and personal hardships.
Throughout his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Reese was selected to 10 All-Star teams and won five Gold Glove Awards for his defense. He played a significant role in the team’s success during the 1940s and 1950s, helping lead them to multiple National League pennants. His contributions were particularly crucial during the team’s World Series victories in 1955 and 1959. In fact, Reese’s role in the 1955 championship—when the Dodgers finally defeated the New York Yankees—was essential to the team’s triumph, and the victory remains a high point in the history of the franchise.
The Retirement Announcement
After the 1958 season, the Brooklyn Dodgers were preparing to make the monumental move to Los Angeles, which would later become one of the most significant decisions in the history of professional sports. The team, which had been a central part of Brooklyn’s identity for decades, was saying goodbye to its loyal fans and embarking on a new chapter on the West Coast. In the midst of these changes, Pee Wee Reese, at the age of 40, made the decision to retire from the game.
Reese’s retirement was not entirely unexpected. The veteran shortstop had played for 16 seasons, and while he had remained an effective player, age and wear and tear had started to take their toll on his body. He had been a stalwart in the Dodgers’ lineup for so long that his absence would be a major void for the team to fill.
On December 19, 1958, Reese officially announced his retirement, ending his illustrious career with the Dodgers. The announcement came just months after the Dodgers’ final season in Brooklyn, and his departure marked the closure of a golden era for the club. Reese’s retirement not only represented the end of his individual career but also the departure of a symbol of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ identity.
Impact and Legacy
Pee Wee Reese’s legacy extends far beyond his statistical achievements. His leadership, especially during the integration of baseball, made him one of the most respected figures in the sport. His friendship with Jackie Robinson, in particular, made him a symbol of baseball’s evolving culture. Reese had been instrumental in helping Robinson navigate the difficult years that followed his debut with the Dodgers. The bond between the two players was one of mutual respect and admiration, and it played an essential role in helping to smooth the process of integration within the team and across Major League Baseball.
Reese’s influence was not only limited to the Dodgers’ success during the 1940s and 1950s but also played a role in setting the tone for the Dodgers’ future success in Los Angeles. His leadership, both on and off the field, helped create a culture of excellence within the organization that would continue to thrive for decades.
After his retirement, Pee Wee Reese was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984, a testament to his lasting impact on the game. He remains one of the most beloved figures in the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers, a franchise that would go on to become the Los Angeles Dodgers.
