January 31st is the best day of the year for legendary baseball birthdays---Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks and Nolan Ryan all born on the same day. I have weeks where I don't get any players of note but three in one day.
What can we say about Jackie Robinson that has not already been said. Not only is he the most courageous player in baseball history, not only did he fight discrimination and bigotry every step of the way, but what we forget about him was that he was also a hell of a baseball player.
This is best encapsulated by a Duke Snider quote.
"Jackie Robinson was the greatest competitor I've ever seen."
--Duke Snider
Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Carl Erskine was born on this day in 1926. Oisk played his whole career for the Dodgers, first in Brooklyn and then ending his career in Los Angeles.
He played from 1948-59 and was a World Series champion in 1955. Other highlights included two no hitters, a 1954 All-Star appearance, a twenty game winner and holding the record for almost a decade of the most strikeouts in a World Series game with 14 in 1953.
According to all account, Erskine was a very good guy, loved by teammates and respected by opponents.
In honor of his birthday, Carl 'Oisk' Erskine gets the baseball birthday quote of the day
"Carl was sneaky fast. His fast ball didn't look that fast, but it sneaked up on you. He combined that with an excellent over hand curve."
--Duke Snider
