Clyde Sukeforth Essentials Positions: Bats: L Throws: R Height: 70 Weight: 155 Born: Saturday, November 30, 1901 in Washington, ME USA Died: 9 3 2000 in Waldoboro, ME USA Debut: 5/31/1926 Last Game: 6/7/1945 Full Name: Clyde Leroy Sukeforth
On September 3, 2000, former major league player and scout Clyde Sukeforth dies at the age of 98. Sukeforth gained fame for endorsing Brooklyn Dodger president Branch Rickey’s decision to sign Jackie Robinson to a contract in 1945.
The Red Sox sell 41-year-old pitcher Ellis Kinder to the Cardinals. He will team up with the like-aged Walker Cooper to form just the second 40+ battery. Curt Davis and Clyde Sukeforth, in 1945, are the other such duo.
1947 – 28-year-old Jackie Robinson makes a historic debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African-American to play major league baseball in the 20th century. Robinson goes 0 for 3 in his debut, but scores the deciding run in a 5 – 3 victory over the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. He handles 11 chances at first base, a new position for him. Coach Clyde Sukeforth, interim manager and the man credited with first scouting Robinson, guides the Dodgers to two victories before stepping down. Robinson is the first black player to appear in the majors since 1884.
On March 14, 1932, the Cincinnati Reds acquire catcher Ernie Lombardi, outfielder Babe Herman, and infielder Wally Gilbert from the Brooklyn Dodgers for catcher Clyde Sukeforth and infielders Tony Cuccinello and Joe Stripp. Lombardi will star for the Reds over the next 10 seasons. Winning a batting title and MVP in 1938. Herman will bat…