Who Is Pee Wee Reese? Age, Biography and Wiki
Pee Wee Reese, born on July 23, 1918, in EKY, was a renowned American baseball shortstop best known for his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He played a crucial role in integrating Major League Baseball with Jackie Robinson, becoming a symbol of resilience and sportsmanship during a pivotal era in American history. Reese's legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes, encapsulating the spirit of teamwork and social change.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 23, 1918 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Ekron, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 14 August, 1999 |
| Died Place | Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
Popularity
Pee Wee Reese's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While precise statistics related to Pee Wee Reese's height and weight may vary, he is often cited as standing approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds during his playing career. He maintained a fit physique, crucial for his agility and speed on the field, contributing to his effectiveness as a shortstop.
Harold Peter Henry "Pee Wee" Reese (July 23, 1918 – August 14, 1999) was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Brooklyn / Los Angeles Dodgers from 1940 to 1958.
A ten-time All-Star, Reese contributed to seven National League championships for the Dodgers and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984.
Reese is also famous for his support of his teammate Jackie Robinson, the first black player in the major leagues' modern era, especially in Robinson's difficult first years, most notably when he put his arm around Robinson during a pre-game warmup in front of a heckling crowd.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Pee Wee Reese was married to his beloved wife, whose name is often omitted in discussions of his legacy. Throughout his life, he cherished his family and was known for his strong values and dedication to loved ones. As of today, it is implied that he has no current dating status given that he left this world in 1999.
The reason behind Reese's passive attitude towards race is not entirely known, though some stories suggest that he was taught about the evils of racism at a young age when his father took him to a tree where a lynching had occurred.
Net Worth and Salary
At the height of his career, Pee Wee Reese's estimated net worth was around $5 million, a sum reflecting his successful endeavors both on and off the field. His income stemmed from his Major League Baseball salary, endorsements, and investments in the sporting industry. While these numbers may seem modest compared to today's baseball contracts, they were remarkable for his time.
Reese's nickname originated in his childhood, as he was a champion marbles player (a "pee wee" is a small marble). In high school, Reese was so small that he did not play baseball until his senior year, at which time he weighed only 120 pounds and played just six games as a second baseman.
He graduated from duPont Manual High School in 1935, where he played for a legendary coach, Ralph Kimmel. He worked as a cable splicer for the Louisville phone company, only playing amateur baseball in a church league.
When Reese's team reached the league championship, the minor league Louisville Colonels allowed them to play the championship game on their field. Reese impressed Colonels owner Cap Neal, who signed him to a contract for a $200 bonus. While playing for the Colonels, he was affectionately referred to by his teammates as "The Little Colonel."
Career, Business and Investments
Pee Wee Reese's career spanned from 1940 to 1958, during which he played an instrumental role in leading the Brooklyn Dodgers to multiple pennants and a World Series championship in 1955. Beyond baseball, Reese contributed to the sports community through various business ventures, including coaching and mentorship. His investments in local businesses have helped sustain and uplift his community, illustrating his commitment to giving back.
By 1938, Reese was the Colonels' regular shortstop and one of the top prospects in the minors; Boston Red Sox farm director Billy Evans was so impressed by Reese that he recommended the Red Sox buy the team. Evans and owner Tom Yawkey both knew that Boston's regular shortstop, Joe Cronin, was nearing the end of his career.
Social Network
Pee Wee Reese has been celebrated on various social platforms dedicated to sports, history, and the legacy of baseball culture. Though he does not have active social media accounts himself, his memory is revered by fans and historical societies, proudly sharing anecdotes and memorabilia from his storied career.
Like many players of his era, he missed three seasons due to military service. Reese enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and shipped out to fight in the Pacific theater of World War II. He played on the Aiea Naval Hospital baseball team while stationed in Hawaii.
With Reese in the service, the Dodgers languished, finishing no better than third place and as poorly as 42 games out (in seventh place) in 1943. Upon his return in 1946, Reese immediately righted the ship as the Dodgers battled the St. Louis Cardinals in a tight pennant race.
The two teams ended the season tied for first place and met in the 1946 National League tie-breaker series. It was the first playoff tiebreaker in Major League Baseball history. The Cardinals won the first two games of the best-of-three-game series to capture the National League pennant.
Education
Educated at the University of Kentucky, Reese laid the foundation for a career in baseball, initially showcasing his talents in college athletics before making his professional debut. His education shaped not only his approach to the game but also contributed to his leadership qualities that became evident throughout his time with the Dodgers.
