Former Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca passed away at the age of 90 on Wednesday. The unfortunate news was first reported by his son-in-law and former Major League manager Bobby Valentine.
Branca pitched for the organization during the era and arrival of Jackie Robinson, which coincided with the height of the racial tension before the baseball color barrier broke. Branca supported and stood next to Robinson in 1947 when he made his MLB debut.
Many remember Branca as the pitcher on the wrong end of a home run allowed to New York Giants outfielder/third baseman Bobby Thomson.