Ralph Branca

Ralph Branca is most often remembered for yielding the “Shot Heard ’Round the World”, Bobby Thomson’s iconic home run in the 1951 playoff, but his true legacy lies in his quiet courage and unwavering character. A tall, hard throwing right-hander, Branca debuted with the Dodgers at age 18 and was a three-time All-Star by the time he was 22. He won 21 games in 1947 and was one of the most reliable starters on the Dodgers' staff during a critical time in the team’s and the country’s evolution.

Branca’s relationship with Jackie Robinson stands as one of the earliest and most important friendships between a white player and baseball’s first Black major leaguer of the modern era. When many players shunned Robinson, Branca publicly embraced him, shaking his hand, offering encouragement, and refusing to participate in a clubhouse petition against him. When Robinson was described as “the loneliest man in baseball,” Branca was one of the first to make his acquaintance in a difficult time. The two developed a lasting friendship that symbolized the very best of what sports integration could achieve.  Robinson stood up for Branca as well. When he surrendered the home run in the 1951 playoff, Jackie was the first to console him in the dugout. Though he carried the burden of the home run for decades, Branca’s legacy is ultimately one of dignity, decency, and solidarity during a time when it mattered most.