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{{short description|American baseball player}}
{{Short description|American baseball player (1926–2016)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2016}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
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| throws = Right
| throws = Right
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1926|1|6}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1926|1|6}}
| birth_place = [[Mount Vernon, New York]]
| birth_place = [[Mount Vernon, New York]], U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2016|11|23|1926|1|6}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2016|11|23|1926|1|6}}
| death_place = [[Rye Brook, New York]]
| death_place = [[Rye Brook, New York]], U.S.
| debutleague = MLB
| debutleague = MLB
| debutdate = June 12
| debutdate = June 12
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* 3× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[1947 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1947]]–[[1949 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1949]])
* 3× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[1947 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1947]]–[[1949 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1949]])
}}
}}
'''Ralph Theodore Joseph Branca''' (January 6, 1926 – November 23, 2016) was an American [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]] who played 12 seasons in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB), from 1944 through 1956. Branca played for the [[Brooklyn Dodgers]] (1944–1953, 1956), [[Detroit Tigers]] (1953–1954), and [[New York Yankees]] (1954). He was a three-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]]. In a 1951 playoff, Branca surrendered a [[walk-off home run]] to [[Bobby Thomson]] of the [[San Francisco Giants|New York Giants]]; the game-winning hit was known as the "[[Shot Heard 'Round the World (baseball)|Shot Heard 'Round the World]]".
'''Ralph Theodore Joseph Branca''' (January 6, 1926 – November 23, 2016), nicknamed "'''Hawk'''", was an American [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]] who played 12 seasons in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB), from 1944 through 1956. Branca played for the [[Brooklyn Dodgers]] (1944–1953, 1956), [[Detroit Tigers]] (1953–1954), and [[New York Yankees]] (1954).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brancra01.shtml|title=Ralph Branca Stats|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He was a three-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]]. In a 1951 playoff, Branca surrendered a [[walk-off home run]] to [[Bobby Thomson]] of the [[San Francisco Giants|New York Giants]]; the game-winning hit was known as the "[[Shot Heard 'Round the World (baseball)|Shot Heard 'Round the World]]".


==Early life==
==Early life==
Ralph Branca was born in [[Mount Vernon, New York]], as the fifteenth of seventeen children.<ref name=sabr/> His father, John Branca, was a [[Tram|trolley car]] conductor from Italy. His mother, Kati (née Berger), who was Jewish, immigrated to the United States in 1901 from Sandorf, Hungary (now [[Prievaly]], Slovakia). His uncle Jozsef Berger was killed at the [[Majdanek concentration camp]], and his maternal aunt Irma died at the [[Auschwitz concentration camp]] in 1942. Ralph was raised Roman Catholic.<ref name="nytimes1">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/15/sports/baseball/for-branca-an-asterisk-of-a-different-kind.html?_r=1&ref=baseball|title=For Branca, an Asterisk of a Different Kind|last=Prager|first=Joshua|date=August 14, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=June 27, 2014}}</ref>
Ralph Branca was born in [[Mount Vernon, New York]], as the fifteenth of 17 children.<ref name=sabr/> His father, John Branca, was a [[Tram|trolley car]] conductor from Italy. His mother, Kati (née Berger), who was Jewish, immigrated to the United States in 1901 from Sandorf, Hungary (now [[Prievaly]], Slovakia).<ref name="nytimes1"/>


His uncle Jozsef Berger died at the [[Majdanek concentration camp]], and his maternal aunt Irma died in [[Auschwitz concentration camp]] in 1942.<ref name="nytimes1"/> He was raised Roman Catholic.<ref name="nytimes1">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/15/sports/baseball/for-branca-an-asterisk-of-a-different-kind.html?_r=1&ref=baseball|title=For Branca, an Asterisk of a Different Kind|last=Prager|first=Joshua|date=August 14, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/16/sports/baseball/pondering-the-meaning-of-brancas-jewish-roots.html|title=Pondering the Meaning of Branca's Jewish Roots|first=Richard|last=Sandomir|date=August 15, 2011|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
⚫
Branca graduated from [[Mount Vernon High School (New York)|A. B. Davis High School]] and attended [[New York University]] (NYU) for one year, before he entered the big leagues. He played [[college baseball]] and [[college basketball]] for the [[NYU Violets]].<ref name=sabr/><ref name=lohud>{{cite web|url=http://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/2016/11/23/ralph-branca-dies-brooklyn-dodgers/94334068/|title=Ralph Branca dies; 'Shot Heard Round World' pitcher|publisher=|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref>

⚫
Branca graduated from [[Mount Vernon High School (New York)|A. B. Davis High School]] and attended [[New York University]] (NYU) for one year, before he entered the big leagues. He played [[college baseball]] and [[college basketball]] for the [[NYU Violets]].<ref name=sabr/><ref name=lohud>{{cite web|url=http://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/2016/11/23/ralph-branca-dies-brooklyn-dodgers/94334068/|title=Ralph Branca dies; 'Shot Heard Round World' pitcher|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Branca was exempted from military service during [[World War II]], due to his asthma and a punctured eardrum.<ref>A Moment in Time: An American Story of Baseball, Heartbreak, and Grace page 30</ref> After Branca attended a tryout with the [[Brooklyn Dodgers]] in 1943, the team signed him to a contract.<ref name=sabr/><ref name="baseball-reference1">{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brancra01.shtml |title=Ralph Branca Statistics and History |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |accessdate=August 16, 2011}}</ref> He debuted in the major leagues at age 18 on June 12, 1944, and put up a 3.04 [[earned run average]] (ERA) in 109{{frac|2|3}} innings pitched in his rookie year.
Branca was exempted from military service during [[World War II]], due to his asthma and a punctured eardrum.<ref>A Moment in Time: An American Story of Baseball, Heartbreak, and Grace page 30</ref> After Branca attended a tryout with the [[Brooklyn Dodgers]] in 1943, the team signed him to a contract.<ref name=sabr/><ref name="baseball-reference1">{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brancra01.shtml |title=Ralph Branca Statistics and History |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=August 16, 2011}}</ref> He debuted in the major leagues at age 18 on June 12, 1944, and put up a 3.04 [[earned run average]] (ERA) in 109{{frac|2|3}} innings pitched in his rookie year.


On [[Opening Day]] in 1947—which was also [[Jackie Robinson]]'s major league debut—Branca lined up on the field beside Robinson, while other players refused.<ref>{{cite book |title=Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season |url=https://archive.org/details/openingdaystoryo00eigj_0 |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/openingdaystoryo00eigj_0/page/56 56] |first=Jonathan |last=Eig |publisher=Simon & Schuster |year=2007 |location=New York |isbn=978-0-7432-9461-4}}</ref> That year, he had a 21–12 [[win–loss record (pitching)|win–loss record]] and a 2.67 [[earned run average]] (ERA) in 280 [[innings pitched]]. He earned his first [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] appearance and helped the Dodgers win the [[National League pennant]].<ref name=espn/> He was second in the league in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts (148), third in ERA, and sixth in won-lost percentage (.636).<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> Branca was also the starting pitcher in Game 1 of the [[1947 World Series]].
On [[Opening Day]] in 1947—which was also [[Jackie Robinson]]'s major league debut—Branca lined up on the field beside Robinson, while other players refused.<ref>{{cite book |title=Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season |url=https://archive.org/details/openingdaystoryo00eigj_0 |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/openingdaystoryo00eigj_0/page/56 56] |first=Jonathan |last=Eig |publisher=Simon & Schuster |year=2007 |location=New York |isbn=978-0-7432-9461-4}}</ref> That year, he had a 21–12 [[win–loss record (pitching)|win–loss record]] and a 2.67 [[earned run average]] (ERA) in 280 [[innings pitched]]. He earned his first [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] appearance and helped the Dodgers win the [[National League pennant]].<ref name=espn/> He was second in the league in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts (148), third in ERA, and sixth in won-lost percentage (.636).<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> Branca was also the starting pitcher in Game 1 of the [[1947 World Series]].


A three-time [[MLB All-Star Game|All-Star]], Branca won 80 games for the Dodgers with a career-high 21 wins in 1947. In 1948, he was ninth in the league in wins (14) and won–lost percentage (.609).<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> In 1949, he led the [[National League]] (NL) in won-lost percentage (.722).<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> In 1951, he was tenth in the NL in ERA (3.26).<ref name="baseball-reference1"/>
A three-time [[MLB All-Star Game|All-Star]], Branca won 80 games for the Dodgers with a career-high 21 wins in 1947. In 1948, he was ninth in the league in wins (14) and won–lost percentage (.609).<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> In 1949, he led the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] (NL) in won-lost percentage (.722).<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> In 1951, he was tenth in the NL in ERA (3.26).<ref name="baseball-reference1"/>


In the final game of the best-of-three [[1951 National League tie-breaker series]] at the [[Polo Grounds]] against the crosstown rival [[New York Giants (MLB)|New York Giants]], Branca entered the game in relief of [[Don Newcombe]] in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out and [[Whitey Lockman]] on second base and [[pinch runner]] [[Clint Hartung]] on third base and surrendered a [[walk-off home run]], which became known as the "[[Shot Heard 'Round the World (baseball)|Shot Heard 'Round the World]]" to [[Bobby Thomson]], giving the Giants the pennant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/classic/s/neel_on_thomson_shot.html|title=The Shot That Changed the World|first=Eric|last=Neel|work=[[ESPN Classic]]|date=November 19, 2003|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Prior to facing Thomson, Branca had been warming up in the bullpen with [[Carl Erskine]]. Dodgers coach [[Clyde Sukeforth]] noticed that Erskine was bouncing several curveballs in the dirt and instructed manager [[Charlie Dressen]] to call on Branca—this despite Thomson having homered off Branca in Game 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/06/sports/clyde-sukeforth-98-is-dead-steered-robinson-to-majors.html|title=Clyde Sukeforth, 98, Is Dead; Steered Robinson to Majors|date=September 6, 2000|work=The New York Times|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref>
In the final game of the best-of-three [[1951 National League tie-breaker series]] at the [[Polo Grounds]] against the crosstown rival [[New York Giants (MLB)|New York Giants]], Branca entered the game in relief of [[Don Newcombe]] in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out and [[Whitey Lockman]] on second base and [[pinch runner]] [[Clint Hartung]] on third base and surrendered a [[walk-off home run]], which became known as the "[[Shot Heard 'Round the World (baseball)|Shot Heard 'Round the World]]" to [[Bobby Thomson]], giving the Giants the pennant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/classic/s/neel_on_thomson_shot.html|title=The Shot That Changed the World|first=Eric|last=Neel|work=[[ESPN Classic]]|date=November 19, 2003|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Prior to facing Thomson, Branca had been warming up in the bullpen with [[Carl Erskine]]. Dodgers coach [[Clyde Sukeforth]] noticed that Erskine was bouncing several curveballs in the dirt and instructed manager [[Charlie Dressen]] to call on Branca—this despite Thomson having homered off Branca in Game 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/06/sports/clyde-sukeforth-98-is-dead-steered-robinson-to-majors.html|title=Clyde Sukeforth, 98, Is Dead; Steered Robinson to Majors|date=September 6, 2000|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref>


[[File:Bruce Edwards and Ralph Branca 1947.jpg|thumb|left|220px|Branca (right) with Brooklyn Dodgers catcher [[Bruce Edwards (baseball)|Bruce Edwards]] (left), circa 1947.]]
⚫
The pursuit of the homerun ball in the stands and afterward is a major thematic element of Don DeLillo's novel "Underworld." <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_Heard_%27Round_the_World_(baseball)</ref>
While it has been confirmed that the Giants executed a sign-stealing system, the lone dissenter is [[Sal Yvars]]. The rest of the team, including Brooklyn centerfielder [[Duke Snider]], say there was "no playoff larceny" during the 3-game playoff, as the Commissioners Office was present, along with other dignitaries. [[Al Corwin]], another member of the pennant winning Giants, also reminded others that "not many guys relied on it, because that pitcher isn't standing still, he's in the middle of his windup." As the sign stealing was only possible at the [[Polo Grounds]], it would seem improbable. Thomson hit a game-winning home run in the first game at [[Ebbets Field]] off Branca. In the second game at the Polo Grounds, rookie [[Clem Labine]] pitched a shutout and the Dodgers won 10–0.
As the Giants were losing in the top of the 9th, it would seem improbable that any kind of sign stealing was involved. This was all detailed in the [[HBO]] documentary 'Shot Heard Round the World'. Many surviving members of the 1951 Giants and Dodgers are interviewed, and Branca was the only one, other than Yvars, who believes Thomson took the sign.


⚫
The pursuit of the homerun ball in the stands and afterward is a major thematic element of Don DeLillo's novel "Underworld."<ref>[[Shot Heard 'Round the World (baseball)]]</ref>{{Circular reference|date=May 2020}}
⚫
A back injury suffered during [[spring training]] in 1952 limited Branca's effectiveness thereafter. Branca appeared in only 12 games for the Dodgers during the 1952 season.<ref name=sabr/> In the eighth inning of Game 7 of the [[1952 World Series]] against the [[New York Yankees]], Branca was ejected from the dugout by home plate umpire [[Larry Goetz]] for [[bench jockey]]ing. Branca was only the second player in MLB history to be ejected from a World Series, and the first who was not actually in the game at the time.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cavanaugh |first=John |date=July 17, 1977 |title=A Homecoming for Valentine |newspaper=[[New York Times]] |page=Long Island Opinion: 355}}</ref> He did not make an appearance in the series.<ref name=sabr/>

⚫
A back injury suffered during [[spring training]] in 1952 limited Branca's effectiveness thereafter. Branca appeared in only 12 games for the Dodgers during the 1952 season.<ref name=sabr/> In the eighth inning of Game 7 of the [[1952 World Series]] against the [[New York Yankees]], Branca was ejected from the dugout by home plate umpire [[Larry Goetz]] for [[bench jockey]]ing. Branca was only the second player in MLB history to be ejected from a World Series, and the first who was not actually in the game at the time.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cavanaugh |first=John |date=July 17, 1977 |title=A Homecoming for Valentine |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |page=Long Island Opinion: 355}}</ref> He did not make an appearance in the series.<ref name=sabr/>


Branca began the 1953 season with Brooklyn, but was claimed off [[waivers (baseball)|waivers]] by the [[Detroit Tigers]] on July 10, 1953. The Tigers released Branca in July 1954. After he pitched batting practice for the Yankees, the Yankees signed him, and used him in five games later in the season. Branca pitched for the [[Minneapolis Millers]] in 1955, but was released due to ineffectiveness caused by an arm injury.<ref name=sabr/>
Branca began the 1953 season with Brooklyn, but was claimed off [[waivers (baseball)|waivers]] by the [[Detroit Tigers]] on July 10, 1953. The Tigers released Branca in July 1954. After he pitched batting practice for the Yankees, the Yankees signed him, and used him in five games later in the season. Branca pitched for the [[Minneapolis Millers]] in 1955, but was released due to ineffectiveness caused by an arm injury.<ref name=sabr/>
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[[File:Ralph Branca 168.JPG|thumb|Branca at [[Westchester Country Club]] in 2004]]
[[File:Ralph Branca 168.JPG|thumb|Branca at [[Westchester Country Club]] in 2004]]


Branca became friends with Thomson, a bond that lasted into each man's old age, including joint television and trade show appearances.<ref name=lohud/><ref name=espn>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/76478/ralph-branca-more-than-just-shot-heard-round-the-world|title=Ralph Branca more than just 'shot heard 'round the world'|first=David|last=Schoenfield|work=ESPN|date=November 23, 2016|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Branca later learned from Detroit Tiger [[Ted Gray]] that the Giants had [[sign stealing|stolen the signs]] to the two pitches he threw Thomson. That rumor was confirmed in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' in 2001, when Giant [[Sal Yvars]] admitted that he relayed to Thomson the stolen signs for Branca's fastballs.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joshua Harris |last=Prager |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/wsj/access/67440874.html?&FMT=ABS |title=Inside Baseball: Giants' 1951 Comeback, The Sport's Greatest, Wasn't All It Seemed --- Miracle Ended With 'The Shot Heard Round the World |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=January 31, 2001}}</ref> [[Joshua Prager (writer)|Joshua Prager]] detailed the revelations in a book entitled ''The Echoing Green: The Untold Story of Bobby Thomson, Ralph Branca and The Shot Heard Round the World''. Thomson acknowledged to Prager that the Giants had stolen signs in 1951 but denied that he had foreknowledge of the pitch he hit off Branca for the pennant-winning home run. According to Branca, Thomson admitted to accepting the stolen signs during his first three at-bats of that game, but claimed that he did not do so in the final at-bat; Branca indicated that he did not believe Thomson's denials and remained convinced that Thomson was in fact tipped off on the fateful pitch.<ref>{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |date=August 24, 2010 |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-mlb-branca-thomson-20100825,0,3491849.story |title=Ralph Branca's solid baseball career still is defined by one inglorious moment |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>
Branca became friends with Thomson, a bond that lasted into each man's old age, including joint television and [[Autograph show|trade show]] appearances.<ref name=lohud/><ref name=espn>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/76478/ralph-branca-more-than-just-shot-heard-round-the-world|title=Ralph Branca more than just 'shot heard 'round the world'|first=David|last=Schoenfield|work=ESPN|date=November 23, 2016|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Branca later learned from Detroit Tiger [[Ted Gray]] that the Giants had [[sign stealing|stolen the signs]] to the two pitches he threw Thomson. That rumor was confirmed in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' in 2001, when Giant [[Sal Yvars]] admitted that he relayed to Thomson the stolen signs for Branca's fastballs.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joshua Harris |last=Prager |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/wsj/access/67440874.html?&FMT=ABS |title=Inside Baseball: Giants' 1951 Comeback, The Sport's Greatest, Wasn't All It Seemed --- Miracle Ended With 'The Shot Heard Round the World |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=January 31, 2001}}</ref> [[Joshua Prager (writer)|Joshua Prager]] detailed the revelations in a book entitled ''The Echoing Green: The Untold Story of Bobby Thomson, Ralph Branca and The Shot Heard Round the World''. Thomson acknowledged to Prager that the Giants had stolen signs in 1951, but denied that he had foreknowledge of the pitch he hit off Branca for the pennant-winning home run. According to Branca, Thomson admitted to accepting the stolen signs during his first three at-bats of that game, but claimed that he did not do so in the final at-bat; Branca indicated that he did not believe Thomson's denials and remained convinced that Thomson was in fact tipped off on the fateful pitch.<ref>{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |date=August 24, 2010 |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-mlb-branca-thomson-20100825,0,3491849.story |title=Ralph Branca's solid baseball career still is defined by one inglorious moment |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>


Branca ran the [[Baseball Assistance Team]] for seventeen years.<ref name=espn/>
Branca ran the [[Baseball Assistance Team]] for seventeen years.<ref name=espn/>
Branca was a long time member of [[Westchester Country Club]]. He was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, New York where he was a member of the Westchester County Hall of Fame for about forty years. He was inducted into the [[National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niashf.org/inductees/ralph-branca/|title=Ralph Branca|date=November 7, 2012|publisher=|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref>
Branca was a long time member of [[Westchester Country Club]]. He was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, New York where he was a member of the Westchester County Hall of Fame for approximately forty years. He was inducted into the [[National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niashf.org/inductees/ralph-branca/|title=Ralph Branca|date=November 7, 2012|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref>

Branca was a pallbearer at [[Jackie Robinson]]'s funeral in October 1972.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ben|last=Walker|url=http://www.centredaily.com/news/business/article116631618.html|title=Branca, pitcher who gave up 'Shot Heard 'Round World,' dies|work=AP|accessdate=November 23, 2016|via=Centre Daily Times|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124091723/http://www.centredaily.com/news/business/article116631618.html|archivedate=November 24, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


Branca was a contestant on ''[[Concentration (game show)|Concentration]]'' starting in 1963, where he won 17 consecutive games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/ralph-branca-gave-shot-heard-round-world-dies/story?id=43739330|title=Ralph Branca, who gave up 'Shot Heard 'Round the World,' dies|website=ABC News|date=November 23, 2016|accessdate=November 23, 2016|author=ESPN.com News Services}}</ref> He appeared in ''Concentration'''s 1963 Challenge of Champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/news/ralph-branca-death-shot-heard-round-the-world-bobby-thomson-dodgers-giants/1pctlu4bsmc131itwjnd99g065|title=Ralph Branca, who gave up 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' home run, dies|work=Sporting News|first=Ron|last=Clements|date=November 23, 2016|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref>
Branca was a pallbearer at [[Jackie Robinson]]'s funeral in October 1972.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ben|last=Walker|url=http://www.centredaily.com/news/business/article116631618.html|title=Branca, pitcher who gave up 'Shot Heard 'Round World,' dies|work=AP|access-date=November 23, 2016|via=Centre Daily Times|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124091723/http://www.centredaily.com/news/business/article116631618.html|archive-date=November 24, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


Branca was a contestant on ''[[Concentration (game show)|Concentration]]'' starting in 1963, where he won 17 consecutive games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/ralph-branca-gave-shot-heard-round-world-dies/story?id=43739330|title=Ralph Branca, who gave up 'Shot Heard 'Round the World,' dies|website=ABC News|date=November 23, 2016|access-date=November 23, 2016|author=ESPN.com News Services}}</ref> He appeared in ''Concentration'''s 1963 Challenge of Champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/news/ralph-branca-death-shot-heard-round-the-world-bobby-thomson-dodgers-giants/1pctlu4bsmc131itwjnd99g065|title=Ralph Branca, who gave up 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' home run, dies|work=Sporting News|first=Ron|last=Clements|date=November 23, 2016|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref>
In the 2012 movie, ''[[Parental Guidance (film)|Parental Guidance]],'' Branca made a cameo appearance as a judge during a scene involving an audition for a music school. During the scene [[Billy Crystal]]'s grandson takes to the stage and recites the radio broadcast of, "The Shot Heard Round the World."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/24/entertainment/la-et-mn-parental-guidance-20121225|title=Movie review: 'Parental Guidance' a misguided mess|first=Mark|last=Olsen|date=December 24, 2012|work=LA Times|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Branca was portrayed by [[Hamish Linklater]] in the 2013 film ''[[42 (film)|42]]'', a biographical sports drama about Robinson's career.<ref name=westchestermagazine>{{cite web|first=Erik|last=Ofgang|url=http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/April-2014/Brooklyn-Dodgers-Ralph-Branca-Jackie-Robinson-Baseball-History-Of-Racism/|title=Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca Recalls Friendship With Jackie Robinson And Baseball’s History Of Racism|date=April 13, 2014|work=Westchester Magazine|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Branca was the subject of the 2013 documentary "Branca's Pitch," produced by Andrew J. Muscato.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/brooklyn-dodger-documentary-brancas-pitch-gets-distribution-1200578115/|title=Brooklyn Dodger Documentary ‘Branca’s Pitch’ Gets Distribution|first=Dave|last=McNary|date=August 15, 2013|work=Variety|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref>


Branca married Ann Mulvey, whose parents were part-owners of the Dodgers, in 1951, shortly after giving up the famous home run.<ref name=sabr>{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Hirsch|url=http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/9655b2b0|title=Ralph Branca|work=SABR.org|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Their daughter, Mary, married baseball player [[Bobby Valentine]].<ref name=globe/> Their other daughter Patti lives in Fort Myers, Florida.<ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Goldstein|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/23/sports/baseball/ralph-branca-who-gave-up-shot-heard-round-the-world-dies-at-90.html|title=Ralph Branca, Who Gave Up ‘Shot Heard Round the World,’ Dies at 90|date=November 23, 2016|work=The New York Times|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Branca released a memoir in 2011, titled ''A Moment in Time''.<ref name=globe>{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/03/31/ralph-branca-happy-have-bobby-valentine-around/KIBJWj0VXZqbwC8he4iZrM/story.html|title=Ralph Branca happy to have Bobby Valentine around|date=March 31, 2012|work=The Boston Globe|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref>
In the 2012 movie, ''[[Parental Guidance (film)|Parental Guidance]],'' Branca made a cameo appearance as a judge during a scene involving an audition for a music school. During the scene, [[Billy Crystal]]'s grandson takes to the stage and recites the radio broadcast of, "The Shot Heard Round the World."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/24/entertainment/la-et-mn-parental-guidance-20121225|title=Movie review: 'Parental Guidance' a misguided mess|first=Mark|last=Olsen|date=December 24, 2012|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Branca was portrayed by [[Hamish Linklater]] in the 2013 film ''[[42 (film)|42]]'', a biographical sports drama about Robinson's career.<ref name=westchestermagazine>{{cite web|first=Erik|last=Ofgang|url=http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/April-2014/Brooklyn-Dodgers-Ralph-Branca-Jackie-Robinson-Baseball-History-Of-Racism/|title=Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca Recalls Friendship With Jackie Robinson And Baseball's History Of Racism|date=April 13, 2014|work=Westchester Magazine|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Branca was the subject of the 2013 documentary "Branca's Pitch," produced by [[Andrew Muscato|Andrew J. Muscato]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/brooklyn-dodger-documentary-brancas-pitch-gets-distribution-1200578115/|title=Brooklyn Dodger Documentary 'Branca's Pitch' Gets Distribution|first=Dave|last=McNary|date=August 15, 2013|work=Variety|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref>


On the morning of November 23, 2016, Branca died in a nursing home in Rye Brook, New York, at the age of 90. He was the last living member of the 1947 Dodgers baseball team.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Madden|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/ralph-branca-beloved-brooklyn-dodgers-pitcher-dead-90-article-1.2884710|title=Ralph Branca, beloved Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher, dead at 90|date=November 23, 2016|work=New York Daily News|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Branca was interred in Section 26 of [[Gate of Heaven Cemetery (Hawthorne, New York)|Gate of Heaven Cemetery]] in suburban Westchester County. His grave is adjacent to Section 25, where [[Babe Ruth]] and [[Billy Martin]] are interred.
Branca married Ann Mulvey, whose parents were part-owners of the Dodgers, in 1951, shortly after giving up the famous home run.<ref name=sabr>{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Hirsch|url=http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/9655b2b0|title=Ralph Branca|work=SABR.org|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Their daughter, Mary, married baseball player [[Bobby Valentine]].<ref name=globe/> Their other daughter, Patti, lives in [[Fort Myers, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Goldstein|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/23/sports/baseball/ralph-branca-who-gave-up-shot-heard-round-the-world-dies-at-90.html|title=Ralph Branca, Who Gave Up 'Shot Heard Round the World,' Dies at 90|date=November 23, 2016|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Branca released a memoir in 2011, titled ''A Moment in Time''.<ref name=globe>{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/03/31/ralph-branca-happy-have-bobby-valentine-around/KIBJWj0VXZqbwC8he4iZrM/story.html|title=Ralph Branca happy to have Bobby Valentine around|date=March 31, 2012|work=The Boston Globe|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref>


On the morning of November 23, 2016, Branca died in a nursing home in Rye Brook, New York, at the age of 90. He was the last living member of the 1947 Dodgers baseball team.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Madden|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/ralph-branca-beloved-brooklyn-dodgers-pitcher-dead-90-article-1.2884710|title=Ralph Branca, beloved Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher, dead at 90|date=November 23, 2016|work=New York Daily News|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref> Branca was interred in Section 26 of [[Gate of Heaven Cemetery (Hawthorne, New York)|Gate of Heaven Cemetery]] in suburban Westchester County. His grave is adjacent to Section 25, where [[Babe Ruth]] and [[Billy Martin]] are interred.
==See also==
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* [[List of Italian Americans in sports#Baseball|List of select Italian-American Major League Baseball players]]


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*{{official website|http://ralphbranca.com/}}
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Latest revision as of 08:11, 8 May 2024

Ralph Branca
Branca in 1953
Pitcher
Born: (1926-01-06)January 6, 1926
Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.
Died: November 23, 2016(2016-11-23) (aged 90)
Rye Brook, New York, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
June 12, 1944, for the Brooklyn Dodgers
Last MLB appearance
September 7, 1956, for the Brooklyn Dodgers
MLB statistics
Win–loss record88–68
Earned run average3.79
Strikeouts829
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Ralph Theodore Joseph Branca (January 6, 1926 – November 23, 2016), nicknamed "Hawk", was an American professional baseball pitcher who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1944 through 1956. Branca played for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1944–1953, 1956), Detroit Tigers (1953–1954), and New York Yankees (1954).[1] He was a three-time All-Star. In a 1951 playoff, Branca surrendered a walk-off home run to Bobby Thomson of the New York Giants; the game-winning hit was known as the "Shot Heard 'Round the World".

Early life[edit]

Ralph Branca was born in Mount Vernon, New York, as the fifteenth of 17 children.[2] His father, John Branca, was a trolley car conductor from Italy. His mother, Kati (née Berger), who was Jewish, immigrated to the United States in 1901 from Sandorf, Hungary (now Prievaly, Slovakia).[3]

His uncle Jozsef Berger died at the Majdanek concentration camp, and his maternal aunt Irma died in Auschwitz concentration camp in 1942.[3] He was raised Roman Catholic.[3][4]

Branca graduated from A. B. Davis High School and attended New York University (NYU) for one year, before he entered the big leagues. He played college baseball and college basketball for the NYU Violets.[2][5]

Career[edit]

Branca was exempted from military service during World War II, due to his asthma and a punctured eardrum.[6] After Branca attended a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943, the team signed him to a contract.[2][7] He debuted in the major leagues at age 18 on June 12, 1944, and put up a 3.04 earned run average (ERA) in 1092⁄3 innings pitched in his rookie year.

On Opening Day in 1947—which was also Jackie Robinson's major league debut—Branca lined up on the field beside Robinson, while other players refused.[8] That year, he had a 21–12 win–loss record and a 2.67 earned run average (ERA) in 280 innings pitched. He earned his first All-Star appearance and helped the Dodgers win the National League pennant.[9] He was second in the league in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts (148), third in ERA, and sixth in won-lost percentage (.636).[7] Branca was also the starting pitcher in Game 1 of the 1947 World Series.

A three-time All-Star, Branca won 80 games for the Dodgers with a career-high 21 wins in 1947. In 1948, he was ninth in the league in wins (14) and won–lost percentage (.609).[7] In 1949, he led the National League (NL) in won-lost percentage (.722).[7] In 1951, he was tenth in the NL in ERA (3.26).[7]

In the final game of the best-of-three 1951 National League tie-breaker series at the Polo Grounds against the crosstown rival New York Giants, Branca entered the game in relief of Don Newcombe in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out and Whitey Lockman on second base and pinch runner Clint Hartung on third base and surrendered a walk-off home run, which became known as the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" to Bobby Thomson, giving the Giants the pennant.[10] Prior to facing Thomson, Branca had been warming up in the bullpen with Carl Erskine. Dodgers coach Clyde Sukeforth noticed that Erskine was bouncing several curveballs in the dirt and instructed manager Charlie Dressen to call on Branca—this despite Thomson having homered off Branca in Game 1.[11]

Branca (right) with Brooklyn Dodgers catcher Bruce Edwards (left), circa 1947.

While it has been confirmed that the Giants executed a sign-stealing system, the lone dissenter is Sal Yvars. The rest of the team, including Brooklyn centerfielder Duke Snider, say there was "no playoff larceny" during the 3-game playoff, as the Commissioners Office was present, along with other dignitaries. Al Corwin, another member of the pennant winning Giants, also reminded others that "not many guys relied on it, because that pitcher isn't standing still, he's in the middle of his windup." As the sign stealing was only possible at the Polo Grounds, it would seem improbable. Thomson hit a game-winning home run in the first game at Ebbets Field off Branca. In the second game at the Polo Grounds, rookie Clem Labine pitched a shutout and the Dodgers won 10–0. As the Giants were losing in the top of the 9th, it would seem improbable that any kind of sign stealing was involved. This was all detailed in the HBO documentary 'Shot Heard Round the World'. Many surviving members of the 1951 Giants and Dodgers are interviewed, and Branca was the only one, other than Yvars, who believes Thomson took the sign.

The pursuit of the homerun ball in the stands and afterward is a major thematic element of Don DeLillo's novel "Underworld."[12][circular reference]

A back injury suffered during spring training in 1952 limited Branca's effectiveness thereafter. Branca appeared in only 12 games for the Dodgers during the 1952 season.[2] In the eighth inning of Game 7 of the 1952 World Series against the New York Yankees, Branca was ejected from the dugout by home plate umpire Larry Goetz for bench jockeying. Branca was only the second player in MLB history to be ejected from a World Series, and the first who was not actually in the game at the time.[13] He did not make an appearance in the series.[2]

Branca began the 1953 season with Brooklyn, but was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers on July 10, 1953. The Tigers released Branca in July 1954. After he pitched batting practice for the Yankees, the Yankees signed him, and used him in five games later in the season. Branca pitched for the Minneapolis Millers in 1955, but was released due to ineffectiveness caused by an arm injury.[2]

In 1956, Branca appeared at Old Timer's Day for the Yankees, believing his career was over. His pitching velocity returned, and he signed with the Dodgers for the last month of the season, making one appearance.[2]

In a 12-year career, Branca posted an 88–68 record[9] with 829 strikeouts and a 3.79 ERA in 1,484 innings pitched.[14]

Later life[edit]

Branca at Westchester Country Club in 2004

Branca became friends with Thomson, a bond that lasted into each man's old age, including joint television and trade show appearances.[5][9] Branca later learned from Detroit Tiger Ted Gray that the Giants had stolen the signs to the two pitches he threw Thomson. That rumor was confirmed in The Wall Street Journal in 2001, when Giant Sal Yvars admitted that he relayed to Thomson the stolen signs for Branca's fastballs.[15] Joshua Prager detailed the revelations in a book entitled The Echoing Green: The Untold Story of Bobby Thomson, Ralph Branca and The Shot Heard Round the World. Thomson acknowledged to Prager that the Giants had stolen signs in 1951, but denied that he had foreknowledge of the pitch he hit off Branca for the pennant-winning home run. According to Branca, Thomson admitted to accepting the stolen signs during his first three at-bats of that game, but claimed that he did not do so in the final at-bat; Branca indicated that he did not believe Thomson's denials and remained convinced that Thomson was in fact tipped off on the fateful pitch.[16]

Branca ran the Baseball Assistance Team for seventeen years.[9]

Branca was a long time member of Westchester Country Club. He was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, New York where he was a member of the Westchester County Hall of Fame for approximately forty years. He was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.[17]

Branca was a pallbearer at Jackie Robinson's funeral in October 1972.[18]

Branca was a contestant on Concentration starting in 1963, where he won 17 consecutive games.[19] He appeared in Concentration's 1963 Challenge of Champions.[20]

In the 2012 movie, Parental Guidance, Branca made a cameo appearance as a judge during a scene involving an audition for a music school. During the scene, Billy Crystal's grandson takes to the stage and recites the radio broadcast of, "The Shot Heard Round the World."[21] Branca was portrayed by Hamish Linklater in the 2013 film 42, a biographical sports drama about Robinson's career.[14] Branca was the subject of the 2013 documentary "Branca's Pitch," produced by Andrew J. Muscato.[22]

Branca married Ann Mulvey, whose parents were part-owners of the Dodgers, in 1951, shortly after giving up the famous home run.[2] Their daughter, Mary, married baseball player Bobby Valentine.[23] Their other daughter, Patti, lives in Fort Myers, Florida.[24] Branca released a memoir in 2011, titled A Moment in Time.[23]

On the morning of November 23, 2016, Branca died in a nursing home in Rye Brook, New York, at the age of 90. He was the last living member of the 1947 Dodgers baseball team.[25] Branca was interred in Section 26 of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in suburban Westchester County. His grave is adjacent to Section 25, where Babe Ruth and Billy Martin are interred.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Ralph Branca Stats". Baseball-Reference.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Hirsch, Paul. "Ralph Branca". SABR.org. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c Prager, Joshua (August 14, 2011). "For Branca, an Asterisk of a Different Kind". The New York Times. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  4. ^ Sandomir, Richard (August 15, 2011). "Pondering the Meaning of Branca's Jewish Roots". The New York Times.
  5. ^ a b "Ralph Branca dies; 'Shot Heard Round World' pitcher". Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  6. ^ A Moment in Time: An American Story of Baseball, Heartbreak, and Grace page 30
  7. ^ a b c d e "Ralph Branca Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
  8. ^ Eig, Jonathan (2007). Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season. New York: Simon & Schuster. p. 56. ISBN 978-0-7432-9461-4.
  9. ^ a b c d Schoenfield, David (November 23, 2016). "Ralph Branca more than just 'shot heard 'round the world'". ESPN. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  10. ^ Neel, Eric (November 19, 2003). "The Shot That Changed the World". ESPN Classic. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  11. ^ "Clyde Sukeforth, 98, Is Dead; Steered Robinson to Majors". The New York Times. September 6, 2000. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  12. ^ Shot Heard 'Round the World (baseball)
  13. ^ Cavanaugh, John (July 17, 1977). "A Homecoming for Valentine". The New York Times. p. Long Island Opinion: 355.
  14. ^ a b Ofgang, Erik (April 13, 2014). "Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca Recalls Friendship With Jackie Robinson And Baseball's History Of Racism". Westchester Magazine. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  15. ^ Prager, Joshua Harris (January 31, 2001). "Inside Baseball: Giants' 1951 Comeback, The Sport's Greatest, Wasn't All It Seemed --- Miracle Ended With 'The Shot Heard Round the World". Wall Street Journal.
  16. ^ Holmes, Baxter (August 24, 2010). "Ralph Branca's solid baseball career still is defined by one inglorious moment". Los Angeles Times.
  17. ^ "Ralph Branca". November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  18. ^ Walker, Ben. "Branca, pitcher who gave up 'Shot Heard 'Round World,' dies". AP. Archived from the original on November 24, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016 – via Centre Daily Times.
  19. ^ ESPN.com News Services (November 23, 2016). "Ralph Branca, who gave up 'Shot Heard 'Round the World,' dies". ABC News. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  20. ^ Clements, Ron (November 23, 2016). "Ralph Branca, who gave up 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' home run, dies". Sporting News. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  21. ^ Olsen, Mark (December 24, 2012). "Movie review: 'Parental Guidance' a misguided mess". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  22. ^ McNary, Dave (August 15, 2013). "Brooklyn Dodger Documentary 'Branca's Pitch' Gets Distribution". Variety. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  23. ^ a b "Ralph Branca happy to have Bobby Valentine around". The Boston Globe. March 31, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  24. ^ Goldstein, Richard (November 23, 2016). "Ralph Branca, Who Gave Up 'Shot Heard Round the World,' Dies at 90". The New York Times. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  25. ^ Madden, Bill (November 23, 2016). "Ralph Branca, beloved Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher, dead at 90". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 23, 2016.

Further reading[edit]

  • Branca, Ralph, with David Ritz. (2011). A Moment in Time: An American Story of Baseball, Heartbreak, and Grace. New York: Scribner. ISBN 1-451-63687-3.
  • Prager, Joshua. (2006). The Echoing Green: The Untold Story of Bobby Thomson, Ralph Branca and the Shot Heard Round the World. New York: Pantheon Books. ISBN 0-375-42154-8.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ralph Branca.
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