Pee Wee Reese
| Birthdate | 7/23/1918 |
| Death Date | 8/14/1999 |
| Debut Year | 1940 |
| Year of Induction | 1984 |
| Teams | Dodgers |
| Positions | Shortstop, Third Base |
Pee Wee Reese made ten All Star teams, played in 7 World Series, and was the starting shortstop for the 1955 World Champion Brooklyn Dodgers.
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After missing three years to WWII, Pee Wee Reese was an All Star 9 straight years
After missing three years to WWII, Pee Wee Reese was an All Star 9 straight years
Pee Wee Reese was just 21 years old when he played in his first All Star Game in 1942. At season’s end he enlisted into the Navy for the war effort. He spent the next three years in the Pacific Theater with the Seabees, the Navy’s Construction Battalion.
When he returned, Reese picked up right where he left off; Reese then reeled off nine consecutive All Star appearances.
In his final All Star season of 1954, Reese topped the .300 mark for the first time.
In the collection is this letter to the Brooklyn shortstop from NL President Warren Giles. Typed on National League letterhead, it is dated July 16, 1954, just three days after the Mid Summer Classic.
The letter reads in part, “It was a great show for the fans who were present and the millions who saw it on T.V. and the only thing to regret is that we lost. Possibly this is a good omen for a World Series victory for our league in the Fall.”
Reese’s Dodgers won 92 that year finishing second to Leo Durocher‘s Giants. The Lip’s Giants made good on Giles’ prognostication, sweeping the Indians in the Fall Classic.
Giles adds a handwritten postscript to the Dodger captain, “Sorry you weren’t up to par physically.”
Though Giles signed many documents in his position of league president, correspondence between two Hall of Famers remains highly desirable.
After 5 World Series losses to the Yankees, Reese and the Dodgers broke through in 1955
After 5 World Series losses to the Yankees, Reese and the Dodgers broke through in 1955
Pee Wee Reese, the iconic shortstop and captain of the Brooklyn Dodgers, finally tasted victory in the World Series in 1955 after years of near misses. Having led the Dodgers as captain since 1940, Reese was a steadying force on the team, guiding them through heartbreaks in the Fall Classic against the New York Yankees in 1941, 1947, 1949, 1952, and 1953. Each loss deepened the frustration, but Reese’s resilience never wavered.
In 1955, the Dodgers faced the Yankees once more, but this time, the tide had turned. With Reese’s leadership and tenacity, Brooklyn fought hard throughout the series. He played a pivotal role, not only with his glove but also by rallying his teammates. The defining moment came in Game 7, where the Dodgers secured their first championship, overcoming the Yankees 2-0. The joy was palpable as Reese as he celebrated the long-awaited triumph with his team.
This victory was not just a personal achievement for Reese but a historic moment for Brooklyn, marking the end of a painful cycle of defeats. Pee Wee Reese, the heart and soul of the Dodgers, finally realized his dream, solidifying his legacy as one of baseball’s enduring figures. The 1955 championship remains a cherished memory, a testament to perseverance and leadership.
Shown here is a ticket to Game 7 of the 1955 World Series when Pee Wee and the Dodgers won their only Brooklyn title. The autograph of Cooperstown’s Duke Snider is boldly across the ticket.
Snider hit .320 with a Series leading 4 home runs and 7 runs batted in.
Pee Wee Reese spent one year as LA Dodger coach in 1959 and earned his second World Series ring
Pee Wee Reese spent one year as LA Dodger coach in 1959 and earned his second World Series ring
Pee Wee Reese, the legendary shortstop retired in 1958 and became a coach with the now Los Angeles Dodgers. In his only season in the position the Dodgers earned the franchise’s second World Series title. As coach, Reese got his second ring.
This season marked his final time in uniform, closing a storied playing career that began in 1940. Known for his leadership and unwavering spirit, Reese transitioned smoothly from the diamond to the broadcast booth in 1960, taking on the role of a color commentator.
For nine years, he brought his baseball insights to life on CBS and NBC, captivating audiences with his engaging style and deep knowledge of the game. After his network career ended he entered the Cincinnati Reds broadcast booth, a move that allowed him to work closer to home. His tenure with the Reds spanned two years, during which he became a familiar voice for fans.
After concluding his broadcasting career, Reese deepened his local roots, taking on various roles with the Hillerich & Bradsby Company, the iconic Louisville-based manufacturer of baseball bats. His contributions there reflected his lifelong dedication to the sport and his hometown. Through these endeavors, Pee Wee Reese remained a beloved figure in baseball, celebrated not just for his achievements on the field but also for his enduring influence in the game off it.
After winning their second title in five years, many of the players on the ’59 club already had a World Series ring. Here general manager Buzzie Bavasi writes. “Since a ring is the only thing we are able to secure for the World Championship I thought you might like to have a ring made up for Dotty rather than one for yourself.” Mrs. Dotty Reese answers in the next image.
Pee Wee decided to have his 1959 World Series ring fitted for his wife Dotty
Pee Wee decided to have his 1959 World Series ring fitted for his wife Dotty
After receiving Buzzie Bavasi’s letter shown in the previous image, Pee Wee Reese decided to have the ’59 World Series ring fitted for his wife. The lifetime baseball man figured Dotty Reese would appreciate the gesture.
Dotty got her finger sized and sent this letter to Dodger executive assistant Joseph Ziegler informing him of her ring size.
Mrs. Reese’s reply reads, “Please forgive our delay in sending you my ring size. I thought Pee Wee hand tended to it and he thought I had. My ring size is 6 /1/2. Sincerely, Dotty Reese”.
Alas Mrs. Reese would never get her ring as the correspondence in the next image shows.
Because of the increased cost of the women's ring, players had to get the jewelry for themselves
Because of the increased cost of the women's ring, players had to get the jewelry for themselves
First GM Buzzie Bavasi suggested that Pee Wee get a ring for his wife. Pee Wee complied. Now comes this file copy letter on the subject. Dated two and a half weeks after Mrs. Reese’s letter, this correspondence is dated 3 January, 1960.
Written by Dodger executive assistant Joe Ziegler this letter informs Pee Wee that the price was too exorbitant to make the ladies’ rings. It appears Pee Wee will have to make do with a pair of World Series rings. In the next letter, the former Dodger captain Reese makes an easy adjustment.
After all that Pee Wee Reese ended up with a 1959 World Series ring sized at 9 1/2
After all that Pee Wee Reese ended up with a 1959 World Series ring sized at 9 1/2
After all the back-and-forth about the ring, the final conclusion was that Pee Wee Reese would make the ring his own. In the collection is this handwritten letter from the Dodger captain.
“Am sorry that I can’t get my wife a ring but I guess it’s impossible,” Reese writes. “Just have to split my time between the ’55 ring and the ’59. I believe I had a little more to do with the ’55 club so maybe I’ll divide it 60-40.”
Reese explains that his ring size is 9 1/2 then closes the letter with a large flowing signature.
By the time Reese recieved his 1959 World Series ring he was a network color commentator
By the time Reese recieved his 1959 World Series ring he was a network color commentator
Lifetime Kentuckian Harold “Pee Wee” Reese was sent his 1959 World Series ring on April 18, 1960. Shown here is the postage receipt from Los Angeles with the date.
Also with the receipts are those of head trainer Doc Wendler, and coach Charlie Dressen who was Reese’s manager in Brooklyn. The 1959 season proved to be Reese’s final in a big league uniform.
By the time the ring reached Reese he was a network baseball colorman.
After Reese's passing in 1999 the team decided to wear a uniform patch commemorating him
After Reese's passing in 1999 the team decided to wear a uniform patch commemorating him
As he reached his mid-70s Pee Wee Reese battled health problems. The former Dodger shortstop beat prostate cancer before developing lung cancer. Eventually in 1997 doctors removed a malignant tumor. Afterward he faced radiation treatment.
As if that wasn’t enough, Reese also broke his hip. He eventually succumbed the issues and passed away on August 14, 1999 at age 81 in his home state of Kentucky.
Shown here is an August 18th press release announcing the Dodgers plans to wear a patch commemorating the captain of their only Brooklyn World Series title. At the bottom Reese’s teammate for parts of six seasons Dick Williams reflects about Reese.
The Hall of Fame manager Williams writes in part, “He was the Captain and a good one. He was class. I always thought he would make a fine manager but I guess he wanted everyone to like him.” Williams then signs the bottom of the press release.
Carl Erskine spent his entire big league career beside Reese and calls him "a captain of captains"
Carl Erskine spent his entire big league career beside Reese and calls him "a captain of captains"
Carl Erskine played for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers for a dozen years. Eleven of those seasons featured Harold “Pee Wee” Reese as his teammate. In Erskine’s final season of 1959 Reese was a Dodger coach.
In the collection is another of the Dodger press releases like the one shown in the previous image. At the bottom Erskine pens his thoughts on his longtime teammate. The pitcher’s thoughts provide insight into the longest reigning captain in Dodger franchise history.
“Harold ‘Pee Wee’ Reese was a captain of captains. Our infield was full of captains. Roy Campanella was like a field general, Gil Hodges a sharp thinker with baseball savvy. Jackie Robinson – smart and aggressive – anyone (sic) of them could have been a captain. Pee Wee however was the respected leader. He played for at least four different type managers all of whom considered him their extension on the field. All of us who played with Pee Wee saw a quiet leader, real pro and sincere friend.”
Erskine has boldly signed the bottom of the letter, adding “Dodgers 1948-1959”.
NY Giants legend Bobby Thomson writes about Pee Wee Reese & the Dodger/Giant rivalry
NY Giants legend Bobby Thomson writes about Pee Wee Reese & the Dodger/Giant rivalry
When the two teams were in New York, the Dodger/Giant rivalry was one of the most heated in baseball history. The players and fans of the teams hated each other. In the collection is this Dodger press release dated August 18, 1999, four days after the passing of Brooklyn shortstop and captain Pee Wee Reese. In it the team announces that the players will wear a uniform patch honoring their fallen leader Reese.
At the bottom of the press release, New York Giants legend Bobby Thomson writes his thoughts on the rivalry between the two teams and Reese himself, “First you must appreciate the historical rivalry we had with the Dodgers. It was beyond most rivalries. We didn’t like them and they didn’t like us, and it showed in every game we played.”
Thomson then turns his attention to the Hall of Fame Dodger shortstop, “…there were two Pee Wee’s; the one I played against and the relationship I had with him after our playing careers. No question he was an inspirational great player, but I wouldn’t admit that when we played.”
Thomson finishes his thoughts on the back of the press release shown in the next image.
The Giants Bobby Thomson finishes his letter with thoughts on rival Pee Wee Reese
The Giants Bobby Thomson finishes his letter with thoughts on rival Pee Wee Reese
On the reverse of the press release, New York Giants star Bobby Thomson finishes his thoughts on Brooklyn Dodger captain Harold “Pee Wee” Reese. Thomson disliked the Dodgers and saw them as rivals. That rivalry ran so deep that Thomson could not even acknowledge Reese’s inspirational work for Brooklyn. Here, Thomson writes about their relationship after their playing days concluded.
Thomson’s thoughts begin on the front side shown in the previous image before continuing here. He writes, “It wasn’t until after our careers ended and we met as plain people [that] I realized what a fine man Pee Wee was.”
Thomson ends the letter with one of the highest compliments one rival can pay another, “He (Reese) was the kind of guy I would have loved to play with.”
The letter closes with Thomson’s signature at the bottom.
Cooperstown's class of 1984 included Harold "Pee Wee" Reese and four others
Cooperstown's class of 1984 included Harold "Pee Wee" Reese and four others
The 1984 Hall of Fame induction featured five players – three writers’ selections and two Veteran Committee picks. Luis Aparicio, Don Drysdale, and Harmon Killebrew, got the BBWAA nod while Rick Ferrell and Pee Wee Reese came in via the Vets.
Slugger Killebrew was selected on his fourth year on the ballot. The doors opened for Aparcio in his sixth year and Drysdale in his tenth.
Shown here is a letter from Reese’s Cooperstown classmate Killebrew. The Twins great writes to Jack Lang, the secretary-treasurer of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) from 1966-1988. The role entrusted Lang with counting Hall of Fame votes and notifying those who made it.
The correspondence is dated January 16, 1984, just one week after Killebrew received the good news.
He writes in part, “What a thrill to hear these words from you last week…It is the greatest thrill of my life and we look forward to being with you and the rest of my friends along with Don Drysdale and Luis Aparicio on August 12.”
The Veterans Committee had yet to announce its results. Slugger Killebrew signs his name at the bottom of the letter.
