Clan-Members » 180 pounds, his fastball gets on

Ralph Brancas baseball life will always be defined by one pitch.Branca, who gave up a home run to the Giants Bobby Thomson, the Shot Heard Round the World that cost the Brooklyn Dodgers the 1951 National League pennant, has died at the age of 90.?His son-in-law, former major league manager Bobby Valentine, said that Branca died Wednesday at a nursing home in Rye, New York. No cause of death was given. Valentine announced Brancas death on Twitter.Thomsons home run on Oct. 3, 1951, one of the most famous in baseball history, completed the Miracle of Coogans Bluff, the Giants climb from a 12?-game deficit in the NL.Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement that said in part, Ralph was a true gentleman who earned universal respect in the game he loved and served so well. Ralphs participation in the Shot Heard Round the World was eclipsed by the grace and sportsmanship he demonstrated following one of the games signature moments.He is better remembered for his dedication to the members of the baseball community. He was an inspiration to so many of us.Branca was born in 1926, the 15th of 17 children, and was raised in Mount Vernon, New York, just north of New York City. He arrived in the major leagues as an 18-year-old in 1944.On April 15, 1947, Branca was standing next to Jackie Robinson during pregame ceremonies as Robinson prepared to break baseballs color barrier. Mindful of the death threats that had been made against Robinson, Brancas brother John worried that he could have been collateral damage in any attempt on Robinsons life.What if the guys a lousy shot, John Branca asked.Then I wouldve died a hero, Ralph answered.Branca went on to have his best season in 1947, posting a 21-12 record with a 2.67 ERA. He became the second-youngest pitcher to win 20 games and earned the first of his three consecutive All-Star Game selections.Branca to me was a hero. I admired him so much, Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda said in a statement released by the Dodgers. Ralph and I became very close, my family and his family. I always enjoyed being around him. He was a tough one in every way and I really admired him.Branca pitched in the major leagues for 12 seasons, posting an 88-58 record, but hes best remembered for the home run he gave up to Thomson.The Dodgers held a 4-2 lead in the third game of a three-game playoff against the Giants when Branca came on in relief of Don Newcombe with one out and two men on. Thomson hit Brancas second pitch down the left field line for the game-winning home run.Later Branca recalled sitting with a priest and family friend, asking why this had happened to him.Because, he was told, youre strong enough to bear it.Branca and Thomson, wedded in baseball lore, later forged a friendship that carried through appearances and card shows. Thomson died in 2010 at the age of 86.I was closer to Ralph than to any other Dodger. We traveled around the world and became very good friends, Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully said in the Dodgers statement. He carried the cross of the Thomson home run with dignity and grace. I was grateful for his friendship and I grieve at his death. He was a great man.When he retired, Branca became a financial executive, selling insurance policies. He appeared as a contestant on the game show Concentration in 1963, winning 17 consecutive times. And he became a driving force behind the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) that helps former ballplayers who fall on hard times.Branca and his wife, Ann, had two daughters, Patricia and Mary. Valentine married Mary Branca in 1977.Julius Honka Jersey . Bradwell was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday. Born and raised in Toronto, Bradwell is entering his sixth CFL season, with all six played for his hometown Argonauts. Blake Comeau Jersey . JOHNS, N. http://www.thedallasstarshockey.com/neal-broten-hockey-jersey/ . Andrew Luck lost his favourite target and the Indianapolis locker room lost one of its most revered leaders when Reggie Wayne was diagnosed Monday with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that will cost him the rest of the season. Mattias Janmark Jersey . -- Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Farmar will be out for roughly four weeks after tearing his left hamstring. Mike Gartner Stars Jersey . John Tavares, Thomas Vanek and Kyle Okposo were also being counted on to slow down sizzling Rangers forward Rick Nash. That plan didnt go so well early.MIAMI -- Sunday at Marlins Park wouldve been a great pitching matchup ... and it still might be, just without the marquee billing.The originally scheduled duel between the Miami Marlins and the Chicago White Sox called for a pair of All-Stars -- right-hander Jose Fernandez for the home team and left-hander Chris Sale for the visitors.But when the Marlins decided to rest Fernandez -- skipping him until next Friday to afford him more rest -- the marquee was trashed.Fernandez, who is 26-2 with a 1.62 ERA at Marlins Park, would have been a tough matchup for Sale. But Fernandez, who is on pace for 185 innings in this his first full year after elbow surgery, was held back. The goal is to keep him at about 180 innings this year.Instead of Fernandez, Sale will match pitches with Marlins right-hander Tom Koehler, who has been dominant in his past four starts, going 3-0 with a 0.67 ERA.Hes been our best starter the past month, Marlins manager Don Mattingly said of Koehler.The White Sox (56-60) will go for a three-game sweep over the Marlins (60-56) on Sunday. With Saturdays loss, the Marlins moved a half-game behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the race for the second and final NL wild-card playoff berth.Making matters tougher for the Marlins will be Sale, who will be making his fourth start since his behavior cost him a five-day suspension.On July 23, while the rest of the team was taking batting practice, Sale used a knife to cut up several of his teams throw-back unifforms.ddddddddddddSince coming back, Sale is 0-2 with a 3.00 ERA.He is better than that, historically, in terms of winning games, posting a career record of 71-45 with a 2.95 ERA.It will be interesting to see how he does in his first game at Marlins Park. Sale is a native Floridian, and his hometown of Lakeland is a four-hour car-ride away.Sale, 27, still has nasty stuff. At 6 feet 6, 180 pounds, his fastball gets on hitters in a hurry, which is why he was a first-round pick -- No. 13 overall -- in 2010.He made it to the majors that same year and started a dominant run in 2012. Since that season, he is a five-time All-Star. He has also finished in the top 10 in the American League in ERA and strikeouts four years in a row. This year, he could extend both streaks.The White Sox are confident that Sale can turn things around.We have a good clubhouse right now, White Sox catcher Dioner Navarro said after Saturdays 8-7 victory over Miami. Were confident in Chris. Were confident in all our guys.Sales job Sunday could be made easier because of an apparent groin injury suffered by Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who had three hits -- including a homer -- and three RBI on Saturday.Stanton pulled up lame on the final out of the game, grabbing his left side.Theyre looking at something in his groin area, Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. ' ' '