Dixie Walker: “The People’s Cherce”

Dixie Walker: "The People's Cherce"

Dixie Walker, a Brooklyn Dodgers player from 1939 to 1947, was known as "The People’s Cherce" due to his immense popularity in Brooklyn. Despite not being the most talented player on the team, Walker made up for it with his enthusiasm and work ethic.

Early Career

  • Walker joined the Dodgers in 1939 and quickly became an integral part of Leo Durocher’s team during World War II.
  • Many players were serving overseas or had been called into military service at the time, but Walker remained with the team throughout this period.

Later Years

  • After returning from World War II, Walker was traded away from the Dodgers just two seasons later.
  • Despite this, he remained popular in Brooklyn until his death in 1982 at age 80.

Work Ethic and Philosophy

Walker’s success on the field wasn’t solely based on natural talent; he also worked hard to improve himself as a player. He once stated that he wasn’t going to be one of those guys who claims to be better than anyone else.

Coaching Career

In addition to his baseball career, Walker served as a coach for several teams after retiring from professional play. His coaching journey included:

  • Coaching minor league teams for several years.
  • Becoming an assistant coach for Major League Baseball (MLB) umpires’ school instructor.

Legacy

Walker passed away on August 24th at age 80 due to complications related to pneumonia and heart disease caused by emphysema. His legacy as a beloved player and coach continues to resonate with baseball fans.

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