Pee Wee Reese

Harold Henry “Pee Wee” Reese (July 23, 1918 - August 14, 1999) was instrumental in easing racial tension against newly signed barrier-breaker Jackie Robinson as he embraced the second baseman in front of an ignorant and abusive crowd in Cincinnati. Reese’s gesture quieted the crowd and endeared him to the African-American world that finally saw a white man publically accept one of their brethren as an equal. Reese and Robinson’s bond was evident on the field as well, becoming one of the best middle infields in the National League and an excellent one-two double play punch. Reese replaced Leo Durocher at short in 1940 and soon defined himself as a team leader and captain of the team. Pee Wee led the NL in putouts four times, double plays twice, and assists and fielding percentage once each. During his 16 seasons with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1940-1942, 1946-1957, 1958), Pee Wee led the club to seven NL pennants and one World Series championship in 1955. Pee Wee Reese retired with 2,170 hits, 1,338 runs scored, 885 RBI and a .269 career batting average. The Veterans Committee elected Harold Henry “Pee Wee” Reese to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984.

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