The great Bobby Bragan was laid to rest today in Fort Worth. He died last week at the grand age of 92. For anyone who knows anything about baseball, Bobby was truly “Mr. Baseball.” Those of us in the Dallas/Fort Worth area were blessed to have had him here...Besides playing for the Phillies and Dodgers, Bobby also managed the Pirates, Indians and Braves, and of course, the Fort Worth Cats, back when they were in the Dodgers farm system. That’s how he came to be known as Fort Worth’s Ambassador of Baseball...He also worked for my beloved Rangers.
He played for and was a protégé of Branch Rickey, the manager who helped break the color barrier in the majors with Jackie Robinson. Bobby was quick to admit that he had initially resented Jackie’s playing ... but he later said he considered it an honor to be his teammate.
More importantly than his love for baseball and the legacy he leaves behind in the sport, Bobby leaves a legacy of faith—he loved God first. I was blessed to have known him, and blessed to have called him friend. I don’t believe there will ever be another Bobby Bragan here on earth, but, I tell you what, I’m sure he’s organized a few games in heaven already.
If you’re a baseball fan, you have to get a copy of his autobiography, You Can’t Hit the Ball with the Bat on Your Shoulder: The Life and Times of Bobby Bragan.
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2 comments:
Bobby Bragan has been touching and changing lives through baseball for many years. 30 years ago he spoke to the 11/12 year old All-Stars at the State tournament in Waco. I clearly remember his message was how the way you play baseball (and sports) reflects your character. Now, as a father and coach, I'm still teaching this same lesson to my kids and players. He'll be missed by many.
A great baseball man that played, managed and promoted the right things things about life first and baseball second....Thanks to reminding us there were people in sports who did it the right way
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