Carl Erskine, legendary Hoosier pitcher and humanitarian, dies at 97

ANDERSON, Ind. – Carl Erskine, the Anderson native whose major league career served as a springboard to a humanitarian legacy, has died at the age of 97.

A family friend said Erskine died at Anderson Community Hospital early Tuesday morning. He was on the 1955 Dodgers team that won the World Series; he helped the Dodgers win five National League pennants.

Erksine was a standout pitcher in Anderson on the high school and college levels who joined the Navy in 1945 despite interest from the Dodgers. He eventually signed with Brooklyn.

He debuted in July 1948 and stayed with the franchise until 1959; by that point, the Dodgers had moved out west to California. Erskine authored a pair of no-hitters during his career and struck out a record 14 hitters during a game in the ’53 Series.

He finished his major league career at 122-78 with an ERA of 4.00 and 981 strikeouts.

After his pro career, Erskine returned to Anderson. He coached locally on the college level. A vital figure in the community, he was a leading advocate for Special Olympics.

Erskine’s son Jimmy, who passed away in 2023, was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Erskine became a fierce supporter of those with special needs.

Erskine was the subject of a 2022 documentary called “The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story.” It focused on his human rights advocacy, shining a spotlight on his work with Special Olympics and his support for Jackie Robinson, the Dodgers teammate who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

When he was younger, Erskine befriended a Black boy named Johnny Wilson; their friendship helped give Erskine a better understanding of what Robinson faced in the big leagues.

In recognition of those humanitarian efforts, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum honored Erskine with the 2023 “Buck” O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an individual “for their extraordinary efforts to enhance baseball’s positive impact on society.”

“For millions of fans, he was a Brooklyn Dodgers hero,” said Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the board for the hall, while announcing the honor. “But for his family and thousands of Special Olympians, Carl Erskine was someone who always believed everything was possible. His legacy is one of deep compassion, and encouragement of the human spirit.”

“You didn’t have to be a lifelong Dodger fan to be a huge fan of Carl Erskine and the remarkable character with which he led his life,” said former Gov. Mitch Daniels of Erskine’s passing. “When asked by his documentary filmmakers to sum him up, I blurted out, ‘He’s the best we’ve got.’ I can’t improve on that, and like millions, I’ll miss him very much.”

Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians president and CEO, issued the following statement:

“Carl Erskine was a great baseball player, but he was a better person. His commitment to racial equality, human rights and raising awareness for those with intellectual disabilities go far beyond his contributions to the Dodgers’ success in the1940s and ‘50s. Carl and I connected over our ties to Anderson College/University, and his positive impact in Anderson and the state of Indiana spreads far and wide. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Erskine family, including his wife, Betty, his sons, Danny and Gary, and daughter, Susan. We will miss him dearly.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 59.