In the opening inning of his interview, Carl Erskine is not at his best. A camera crew has set up in his living room, and filmmaker Ted Green is helping Erskine through a short speech. It takes a few tries, but when Erskine finally nails it, you can see the spark in his eyes. It’s as if he’s a 96-year-old man with the enthusiasm of a 12-year-old.
Erskine and his wife, Betty, sit together, reminiscing about the past. As the interview progresses, Erskine’s memories come rushing back, transporting him to the days of his legendary baseball career. He grabs his harmonica, an out pitch he always keeps nearby, and plays an original piece he wrote for the late Stan Musial, a hitter he faced often but rarely got the better of.
This weekend, Erskine will be honored with the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his positive contributions to society through baseball. It’s a fitting tribute for a man who has seen and experienced so much in his lifetime.
Erskine reflects on his journey, from his days as a minor leaguer learning from legends like Mordecai Brown to his rise to stardom in the big leagues. He remembers the thrill of being the first Dodgers pitcher to start a game in Los Angeles and the bittersweet end to his career when his arm finally gave out.
But it was a decision he made off the field that truly shaped Erskine’s legacy. When his son, Jimmy, was born with Down syndrome, Erskine and Betty made the choice to keep him at home, defying societal expectations. This led them to become advocates for families with similar challenges and inspired Erskine to get involved with the Special Olympics.
Erskine’s connection to Jackie Robinson, his former teammate and friend, also played a significant role in shaping his perspective on inclusion and acceptance. In his documentary, “The Best We’ve Got,” Erskine shares the story of their friendship and hopes to inspire others with their example.
Throughout his life, Erskine has remained humble and modest, never seeking recognition for his actions. He sees his friendships with people like Johnny Wilson, his Black childhood friend, as a natural part of who he is, rather than something deserving of praise.
As the interview comes to a close, Erskine reflects on his upbringing in Indiana, a state marred by a history of racial tension. His father took him to witness the aftermath of a lynching as a young boy, leaving a lasting impression on Erskine. Despite the prevailing racism of the time, Erskine had a close friendship with Wilson and other Black families in his neighborhood, seeing beyond the color of their skin.
In Erskine’s living room, a figurine given to him by Wilson stands as a symbol of their enduring friendship. Two boys, one Black and one white, sit side by side on a bench in baseball uniforms. It’s a reminder of the bonds that can transcend race and bring us closer together.
As we honor Carl Erskine for his contributions to baseball and society, let us also remember the values of inclusivity, acceptance, and friendship that he has exemplified throughout his remarkable life.
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