Harold “Pee Wee” Reese dies from lung cancer at the age of 81

On August 14, 1999, popular Hall of Fame shortstop Harold “Pee Wee” Reese dies from lung cancer at the age of 81. An eight-time All-Star, Reese captained the Brooklyn Dodger teams of the 1950s. He helped lead Brooklyn to seven National League pennants, in addition to the Dodgers’ only World Championship in 1955. Reese also gained acclaim for his acceptance of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American major league player of the 20th century. While many other National League players voiced their opposition of Robinson, Reese made his new Dodger teammate feel welcome, both in the clubhouse and on the field. Reese won election to the Hall of Fame in 1984, joining Robinson, Roy Campanella, and Duke Snider as fellow Brooklyn Dodger teammates enshrined in Cooperstown.