Tribute to a Legend

Tribute to a Legend

 

“If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, if he can live on after he’s dead, then maybe he was a great man.”

 James Dean was the author of that quote, and not only is it a fitting quote to describe his life since his passing, but exemplifies the life of the one and only Jerry Coleman. The average baseball fan may not know who Jerry Coleman was, but to hardcore fans and people who love the game like no other, Jerry Coleman was the standard.

Coleman’s career was postponed at the start when World War II duty called, and later put his career on hold to serve in the Korean War. He is the only player to ever fly combat missions during two wars. He won numerous medals for his service time and achievements accomplished during. Besides being a great baseball player, he was a great American.

When he was playing baseball and not serving his country, Coleman was named the Rookie of the Year in 1949, and followed that campaign up with an All-Star selection in 1950, as well as the Babe Ruth Award, for the Most Valuable Player in the World Series. Coleman would win 4 World Series championships, all with the Yankees, with whom he spent his entire playing career.

Coleman never considered a career in broadcasting once his playing days were over, but a meeting with the great Howard Cosell changed all that. The man who never really thought about broadcasting would go on to win the Ford C. Fricke Award in 2005, given annually by the Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster for major contributions to the game.

 

Jerry Coleman Accomplishments

1949 Rookie of the Year

1950 All-Star and World Series MVP

2005 Ford C. Fricke Award Winner

2007 National Radio Hall of Fame Inductee

2011 International Aerospace Hall of Fame Inductee

2012-Statue erected outside of Petco Park

Recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross

Recipient of the Air Medal

Recipient of the American Campaign Medal

Recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

Recipient of the World War II Victory Medal

Recipient of the National Defense Service Medal

Recipient of the Korean Service Medal

Recipient of the United Nations Service Medal

Recipient of the Philippine Liberation Medal

 

When I look at a career, and more importantly a life that fulfilling I can’t help but feel a great loss and a terrible sadness for his family. Even though I didn’t personally know Mr. Coleman, hearing his voice calling games, and hearing the kind anecdotes of every person who did know him, I felt as if I did. The baseball world and the United States of America lost a great man. Rest in Peace Mr. Coleman. You lived a life that most of us could only dream of, and one that makes us say, “Oh doctor! You can hang a star on that baby.”