Barons of the Ballpark
Roy Campanella
Superstar catcher Roy “Campy” Campanella was struggling in the middle of his first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers after parts of eight seasons in the Negro leagues and service in World War II. Campanella wrote an impassioned letter to Dodgers GM Branch Rickey saying that despite press reports, he was not upset with his salary and was happy playing with the Dodgers. Campy went on to become the only catcher to win the NL MVP Award three times though his career was cut short by a car accident that left him paralyzed at age 36.
St. Paul, Minnesota
June 8, 1948
Dear Mr. Rickey,
Concerning the misunderstanding there was about my salary, was all a mistake. I can truthfully say, it’s the best job I have ever had, and you have always done everything possible to help me. There is no reason for me to be dissatisfied with any of my business transactions with you.
I sincerely hope you overlook the incident, as it was just a misunderstanding. My career means very much to me and I hope to play the rest of it for you and the Brooklyn organization.
Sincerely yours,
Roy Campanella
