Jerry Coleman

[Jim3k]

Former Yankee and long-time (and HoF broadcaster) has died at 89 (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/sd/san-diego-padres-announcer-jerry-coleman-dies-at-89?ymd=20140105&content_id=66332642&vkey=news_sd). He even managed the Padres for a year.

He was one of the good guys and a Yankee hero for me when I was a pre-teen.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Former Yankee and long-time (and HoF broadcaster) has died at 89 (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/sd/san-diego-padres-announcer-jerry-coleman-dies-at-89?ymd=20140105&content_id=66332642&vkey=news_sd). He even managed the Padres for a year.

He was one of the good guys and a Yankee hero for me when I was a pre-teen.

I never saw Jerry play, but I remember him as a Yankee broadcaster alongside Phil Rizzuto. Sure was surprised when he was hired to manage the Padres, coming out of their broadcast booth. RIP Jerry. Say hi to the Scooter for me (we played golf together in Ft. Lauderdale in 1972 during spring training).

[Olympic Fan]

Also remember that he was -- like Ted Williams -- a WWII vet, a Marine pilot. Unlike Williams, he flew combat in both WWII and the Korean War (Williams served in WWII, but never flew a combat mission ... he got his wings, then played baseball during the war; he saw combat in Korea) -- Coleman is the only MLB player to fly combat in both wars -- 57 missions in WWII and 63 in the Korean War. He was decorated and ended his career as a Lt. Colonel in the Marine reserves.

Coleman was a defensive whiz, but never much of a hitter. Still, he was third in the AL Rookie of the Year vote in 1949, made the all-star team in 1950, then missed most of the 1952 and 1953 seasons (playing 17 games total on this two years) due to war service. He retired after the 1957 seasons.

A very nice player and a great American ...

[Tappan Zee Devil]

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon him.

[Bob Green]

I have found memories of listening to Jerry Coleman calling Padres games when I lived in San Diego. We've lost another great one.

[allenmurray]

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon him.

Perhaps the most lovely words in the BCP

[Bob Green]

I have found memories...

Uh, I mean fond.