Newcombe began his professional baseball career with the Newark Eagles in the Negro Leagues. His impressive performance caught the attention of Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who signed him in 1949. Newcombe quickly made a name for himself in the MLB, winning 17 games in his rookie season and earning the Rookie of the Year award.
Throughout his career, Newcombe was known for his powerful fastball and intimidating presence on the mound. He was a four-time All-Star and won 20 games in three different seasons. In 1955, he helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series victory, the first in the franchise's history.
Newcombe's career was interrupted by military service during the Korean War, causing him to miss two seasons. However, he returned to the game in 1954 and continued to perform at a high level. In 1956, he had one of the best seasons of his career, winning 27 games and earning both the Cy Young Award and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He was the first player in MLB history to win both awards in the same season.
Despite his success, Newcombe faced significant challenges off the field. He struggled with alcoholism, which affected his performance and eventually led to the end of his career. After retiring from baseball, he dedicated his life to helping others with substance abuse issues.
Newcombe's impact on the game of baseball extends beyond his impressive statistics. He was a trailblazer for African American players in the MLB and played a key role in the integration of the sport. His success on the field and his courage in facing adversity off the field have made him a respected figure in the history of baseball.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Newcombe was inducted into the Baseball Reliquary's Shrine of the Eternals in 2010. Despite the challenges he faced, Newcombe's legacy as a pioneering African American player and a powerful pitcher remains a significant part of baseball history.
⚾