Former Dodgers Pitcher Ralph Branca Dies at 90

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  1. truebluefan

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    Longtime Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca died Wednesday at the age of 90.

    Bobby Valentine, a former MLB manager and husband to Branca's daughter Mary, announced the news on Twitter: "One of the greatest guys to ever throw a pitch or sing a song is [no] longer with us. Ralph Branca passed this morning. In his 91st year on earth he left us with [the] same dignity and grace that defined his [every day] on earth. He will be truly missed!!!"

    Branca is arguably best remembered as the player who surrendered the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" home run to Bobby Thomson in 1951, which delivered the New York Giants the National League pennant.

    Jon Heyman of MLB Network was among those who reacted to the news of Branca's death.

    Branca pitched for the Dodgers from 1944 through 1953 before enjoying brief stints with the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees. He returned to Brooklyn for one final appearance in 1956 before retiring at the age of 30.

    The Mount Vernon, New York, native posted a career record of 88-68 with a 3.79 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 829 strikeouts in 1,484 innings.

    - See more at: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2677838-former-dodgers-pitcher-ralph-branca-dies-at-90
     

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