Duke Snider was one of the greatest center fielders in baseball history, a key member of the legendary “Boys of Summer” Brooklyn Dodgers team that won the World Series in 1955. He was also a beloved figure in Los Angeles, where he played for the Dodgers after they moved west in 1958. He was known as “the Duke of Flatbush” and “the Silver Fox” for his regal style and silver hair. But how did he die, and what legacy did he leave behind?
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Natural Causes at Age 84
According to CBS News, Snider died of natural causes on February 27, 2011, at age 84. He had been ill for months and was living at the Valle Vista Convalescent Hospital in Escondido, California. His family did not disclose the exact nature of his illness, but he had suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure in his later years.
Snider’s death came just two days after the passing of another Hall of Fame outfielder, Frank Robinson, who died of bone cancer at age 83. The two were among the best players of their era, and both hit over 400 home runs in their careers.
Snider’s family issued a statement saying that he was “a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and teammate to many.” They also thanked his fans for their support and prayers.
A Stellar Career with the Dodgers
Snider was born in Los Angeles on September 19, 1926, and grew up as a gifted athlete. He played football, basketball and baseball at Compton High School, where he was a star quarterback who could throw the ball 70 yards. He signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943, after being spotted by one of Branch Rickey’s scouts.
He made his major league debut in 1947, the same year that Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. He became a regular in 1949, when he hit 23 home runs and drove in 92 runs. He soon established himself as one of the best hitters and fielders in the game, earning eight All-Star selections and leading the National League in home runs once and RBIs once.
He was also a clutch performer in the postseason, helping the Dodgers win six pennants and two World Series titles. He hit four home runs in the 1955 World Series, when the Dodgers finally beat the New York Yankees after losing to them five times before. He also hit four home runs in the 1959 World Series, when the Dodgers beat the Chicago White Sox in their first year in Los Angeles.
Snider played for the Dodgers until 1962, then spent one season each with the New York Mets and the San Francisco Giants before retiring in 1964. He finished his career with a .295 batting average, 2,116 hits, 407 home runs and 1,333 RBIs. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980, on his 11th ballot.
A Popular Figure Off the Field
Snider was not only a great player, but also a popular figure off the field. He was known for his friendly personality and his sense of humor. He was also involved in various charitable causes and community events.
He appeared in several TV shows and movies, such as The Rifleman, The Trouble with Girls and Pastime. He also worked as a broadcaster for several teams, including the Dodgers, the Montreal Expos and the San Diego Padres.
He was immortalized in song by Terry Cashman’s “Talkin’ Baseball,” which mentioned him along with Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle as the best center fielders of their time. He was also honored by having his number 4 retired by the Dodgers in 1980.
Snider is survived by his wife Beverly, whom he married in 1947; four children; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He is buried at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, California.
A Lasting Legacy on Baseball History
Snider’s death marked the end of an era for baseball fans who grew up watching him play. He was one of the last surviving members of the “Boys of Summer” team that captured the hearts of Brooklynites and baseball lovers alike.
He was also one of the most influential players of his generation, inspiring many young players to follow his footsteps. One of them was Reggie Jackson, who said that Snider was his childhood idol and that he modeled his swing after him.
Snider’s legacy lives on through his achievements on the field, his contributions to society off the field, and his impact on baseball history. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players ever to wear a Dodgers uniform, and one of the most beloved figures in baseball lore.
