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Don Newcombe, the intimidating right-handed pitcher who was the first player in the history of the major leagues to have won the title of the most valuable player and the best player of the year, as well as the Cy Young awards, died on Tuesday. He was 92 years old.
Former Los Angeles Don Dodgers Don Newcombe, No. 36, is waving to fans before his first ceremonial pitch before the game against the Cleveland Indians at Dodger Stadium on July 1, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo credit: Harry How / Getty Images)
Newcombe, who ended a successful baseball career with alcohol abuse and spent the rest of his life helping others overcome this addiction, has died of a long illness, according to his wife Karen .
Armed with a lightning fastball and excellent control, Newcombe's 6-foot-4, 240-pounder played primarily for the Brooklyn Dodgers during his ten-year major league career. He recorded a record of 149-90 with an average of 3.56 earned and 1,129 strikeouts. And at a time when pitchers were supposed to finish what they started, he had 136 games in 294 starts.
He has also compiled an impressive list of firsts.
Read the full story on LATimes.com.
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