Duke Snider
| Birthdate | 9/19/1926 |
| Death Date | 2/27/2011 |
| Debut Year | 1947 |
| Year of Induction | 1980 |
| Teams | Dodgers, Expos, Giants, Mets |
| Positions | Center Field, Right Field |
An 8-time All Star, Duke Snider helped lead the Dodgers to six World Series appearances and two World Series championships in 1955 and 1959.
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Duke played an intergral part in the only Brooklyn championship
Duke played an intergral part in the only Brooklyn championship
The 1955 World Series title holds a special place in the hearts of Brooklyn Dodgers fans, marking a monumental moment in the franchise’s history. This championship was not just a trophy; it represented the culmination of years of perseverance and near-misses, solidifying the Dodgers’ legacy in Brooklyn before the team moved to Los Angeles.
The Dodgers earned 10 pennants before their ’55 breakthrough. The last five of those of those World Series losses came at the hands of the New York Yankees.
For fans who had endured heartbreak in previous Series, the victory was a long-awaited reward, a triumph over the hated Yankees.
Duke Snider, the legendary center fielder, played a pivotal role in securing this elusive title. His outstanding performance was instrumental, as he showcased his power and consistency at the plate.
Snider hit an impressive .320 during the Series, going 8-for-25 overall. His offensive prowess shone brightly, as five of his hits were extra-base hits, demonstrating his ability to deliver in critical moments. Snider’s four home runs and seven RBIs not only led the Dodgers but also outpaced every player on the Yankees, highlighting his significance in the championship clash.
The 1955 title was not just about winning; it embodied the spirit of a city and its fans. For Brooklyn, it was a cherished memory that would echo through generations, encapsulated by the heroics of Duke Snider and the joy of finally claiming their place in baseball history.
Shown here is a ticket to Game 7 when Snider and the Dodgers won the only Brooklyn title. Duke’s autograph is boldly across the ticket.
Snider and Don Newcombe were Dodger teammates for 8 seasons
Snider and Don Newcombe were Dodger teammates for 8 seasons
Don Newcombe and Duke Snider played eight years together overall, seven with the Brooklyn Dodgers and one season in Los Angeles. In the collection is an 8×10 of the longtime teammates sharing a celebratory moment.
The pair was key in the only World Championship the Dodgers would celebrate in Brooklyn. Newcombe posted his third 20-win season and led the league with an .800 winning percentage, WHIP, and K/BB ratio. For good measure, he hit .359 with 7 homers and 23 runs batted in. Snider did his part as well, leading the league with 126 runs and 136 runs batted in.
Snider's defense was featured in this 1959 Topps baseball card
Snider's defense was featured in this 1959 Topps baseball card
This 1959 Topps “Baseball Thrills” card show Duke Snider running down a fly ball in the outfield. The 1959 season was thrilling for the Duke of Flatbush in his second season in Los Angeles.
The franchise won its second World Series title in five years. Duke played with the Dodgers from 1947-1962 before moving on for one season with the New York Mets and one with the San Francisco Giants.
Four years after the Brooklyn championship, Snider earned a ring in LA
Four years after the Brooklyn championship, Snider earned a ring in LA
Duke Snider’s best years were behind him by the time the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles. Despite that he rose to the occasion in his age-32 season in 1959.
Playing in 126 games but only 107 in the field, Duke hit 23 homers with 88 RBI and a .308/.400/.535 slash line. The Dodgers reached the World Series where they took on the Chicago White Sox.
Duke slammed his 11th Fall Classic homer as Los Angeles dispatched the Sox in six games. The victory gave Snider his second World Series ring.
After winning their first championship in Los Angeles, the Dodgers needed to get their players fitted for World Series rings. In this file copy letter Dodger GM Buzzie Bavasi writes to Duke Snider saying in part, “…it occurred to me some of the boys already have World Series rings…I thought you might like to have a ring made up for Bev rather than one for yourself.”
In the next image Snider replies.
HoFer Duke Snider ordered a pinky ring after winning the 1959 World Series.
HoFer Duke Snider ordered a pinky ring after winning the 1959 World Series.
Duke Snider declined Buzzie Bavasi’s offer to get a ring for his wife. Snider writes, “My ring size is 7 1/2 for my little finger.”
In closing the letter Snider assures the Dodger GM he’ll be ready to go in 1960. “The leg feels good and the weight is just over 200. I’ll be 200 or under by spring.”
Sinder never again had as many as 20 homers or 60 runs batted in during any season.
Ring size card for Dodgers 1959 World Series rings
Ring size card for Dodgers 1959 World Series rings
Not sure what your ring size is? You might want to use this card to find out.
Given to the Dodgers to size their fingers for the 1959 World Series rings, this particular card bears the signature of Charlie Dressen, a lifelong baseball man who served as a coach on the ’59 club.
The ring size card comes from Balfour Company. Dressen has written, “Number 11” next to his signature.
In the previous image, Duke Snider requested a ring for his pink sized at 7 1/2.
Although eventually will he be separated themselves from both making a note and the Duke in terms of his mother Jevity and overall production during the 1950s the question was very much up for grabs. Go Dodgers!