SPECIAL INSERT - Bobby Bragan

I opened up the sports page this morning in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram to be greeted by the sad news of the passing of local legend Bobby Bragan. Although I know of no association with the Angels, I've had a lot of exposure to Mr. Bragan since I live in this area and go to many Fort Worth Cats games, an association he had for many years. You can read the story here:

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/story/1913140.html


Mr. Bragan was always very kind to offer well-wishes, a handshake, or an autograph. Always very approachable, he was just one of those cool baseball-lifers to be around and listen to.


Robert Randall Bragan
Catcher
Bats: Right , Throws: Right
Weight: 175 lb.
Born: October 30, 1917 in Birmingham, AL
Died: January 21, 2010 in Fort Worth, TX
Debut: April 16, 1940 Philadelphia Phillies
Final Game: June 27, 1948 Brooklyn Dodgers

Bobby Bragans Legacy

• Played seven seasons in the majors, with the Philadelphia Phillies (1940-42) and the Brooklyn Dodgers (1943-44, 47-48), as an infielder-catcher.


• Player-Manager Fort Worth Cats (1948-52) with two Texas League regular-season and one playoff championship.


• Major League Manager Pittsburgh Pirates (1955-57), Cleveland Indians (1958), Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1963-66).


• President of the Texas League, 1969-75.


• President of Minor League Baseball, 1976-78.


• Assistant to the President, Special Projects for the Texas Rangers, 1979-91.


• In 2005, managed Fort Worth Cats one game, becoming the oldest person (87) to manage a professional game.


• Fort Worth's Mr. Baseball for decades.


• Chairman of Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation, which provides college scholorships in the Metroplex.