Roy Campanella
Inducted:
1969
Player Stats
5-9, 190lb (175cm, 86kg)
Born:
November 19, 1921
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
June 26, 1993
Woodland Hills, California, U.S.
Position:
Catcher
College:
NA
Roy Campanella was one of the most dynamic and influential catchers in baseball history. A key figure in breaking baseball’s color barrier, he starred with the Brooklyn Dodgers during the 1950s, earning a reputation for power at the plate and leadership behind it. Campanella won three National League MVP Awards (1951, 1953, 1955), becoming one of only a few catchers in history to achieve that feat. He helped lead the Dodgers to five National League pennants and their first-ever World Series championship in 1955.
Known for his strong arm and defensive command, he was also a fierce competitor and clubhouse leader. His career was tragically cut short by a car accident in 1958 that left him paralyzed, but his impact on the game remained unmatched. Campanella was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969, a symbol of excellence, courage, and trailblazing success in Major League Baseball.
Campanella's Awards and Honors
- 3× NgL All-Star (1941, 1944, 1945)
- 8× All-Star (1949–1956)
- World Series champion (1955)
- 3× NL MVP (1951, 1953, 1955)
- Negro National League batting champion (1944)
- NL RBI leader (1953)
- Los Angeles Dodgers No. 39 retired
MLB Records
- First catcher in MLB history to win 3 MVP Awards (1951, 1953, 1955)
- One of only two catchers in MLB history to win 3 MVPs
- Career caught stealing percentage: 57.4%
- Tied NL record for most RBIs in a single season by a catcher – 142 in 1953
- Eight-time All-Star in just 10 MLB seasons (1949–1956)
- First African-American catcher in MLB history
MLB Teams
Washington / Baltimore Elite Giants (1937–1945)
Brooklyn Dodgers (1948–1957)
Number Worn:
39
MLB Stats
Games:
1,215
Batting Average:
.276
Home Runs:
242
RBIs:
856
Hits:
1,161
On-Base %:
.360
Slugging %:
.500
OPS:
.860
