Major League Baseball Player. For twelve seasons (1948 to 1959), he was a pitcher with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. He made his initial impression on the baseball diamond during his years at Anderson High School in Indiana. After graduation, he served with the United States Navy during World War II, and in 1946, he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers as an amateur free agent. Erskine made his Major League debut on July 25th, 1948 and pitched in 17 games that season. During the course of his career, he was a key member of the Brooklyn Dodgers' teams nicknamed "The Boys of Summer" who won five National League (NL) Pennants which included the world championship in 1955. Individually, Erskine distinguished himself when he tossed two no-hit games (1952 & 1956) and achieved all star status in 1954. In 335 career regular season games, he compiled a 122 win, 78 loss record, with a 4.00 lifetime ERA, in 1,718 innings pitched. After retiring from baseball, he worked in the insurance and banking industries. Additionally, Erskine was highly involved in charitable causes, notably The Special Olympics. In 2023, he was recipient of the Buck O'Neil Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He died of complications from pneumonia and age-related issues.
Major League Baseball Player. For twelve seasons (1948 to 1959), he was a pitcher with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. He made his initial impression on the baseball diamond during his years at Anderson High School in Indiana. After graduation, he served with the United States Navy during World War II, and in 1946, he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers as an amateur free agent. Erskine made his Major League debut on July 25th, 1948 and pitched in 17 games that season. During the course of his career, he was a key member of the Brooklyn Dodgers' teams nicknamed "The Boys of Summer" who won five National League (NL) Pennants which included the world championship in 1955. Individually, Erskine distinguished himself when he tossed two no-hit games (1952 & 1956) and achieved all star status in 1954. In 335 career regular season games, he compiled a 122 win, 78 loss record, with a 4.00 lifetime ERA, in 1,718 innings pitched. After retiring from baseball, he worked in the insurance and banking industries. Additionally, Erskine was highly involved in charitable causes, notably The Special Olympics. In 2023, he was recipient of the Buck O'Neil Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He died of complications from pneumonia and age-related issues.
Bio by: C.S.
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